Ion Maianu

Ion “Jon” Maianu, 84, of Blomkest, died Monday, March 17 at the St. Cloud Hospital. His funeral service will be 3:00 pm, Sunday, March 23 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, with a reception and refreshments from 2:00-3:00 pm. Visitation will be 7:00-8:30 pm, on Saturday, March 22 at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Ion “Jon” Maianu was born on August 19, 1940, in Bucharest, Romania, to Nedelcu and Voica (Burtea) Maianu. He graduated from high school in Romania in 1958 and later attended the University of Bucharest, where he earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1967. Jon worked as a veterinarian specializing in large animals in Romania.

On December 24, 1966, Jon married Rodica Carcoana in Romania, and together, they had six children. The family lived in Romania until 1979 when the US government granted them political asylum. They immigrated to Fargo, ND, with an extended stay in Rome and New York, where they first tasted freedom. In Devils Lake, they co-owned a turkey farm for many years before moving to Blomkest, MN, to manage another turkey farm. Jon retired in 2000 due to health reasons.

He attended Living Hope Church in Willmar. He was passionate about his faith and from a young age was dedicated to helping those in need with whatever he could, generously giving his time and resources, and sharing the Gospel of God's love with others. In his retirement, God called him to return to Romania in 1994 to serve the people of Ialomita Romania, the region where he formerly practiced Veterinary Medicine.  He spent his time supporting the people in this region, including a local girl's orphanage, and the building up of four churches in that area and two others in Voluntari and Rucari.  God made a perfect partnership alongside a general contractor from Willmar, John TerWisscha to build these churches over 25 years.  He also brought over 60 people from Minnesota to participate in the ministry in this area.  Wherever he went, his signature was having a New Testament in one pocket, a chocolate in the other, and a big smile on his face.  He said he wasn’t giving to the poor he was “lending to the Lord” Proverbs 19:17.  

Jon had a deep love for farm animals, and over the years he naturally invited friends and family to enjoy his animals and fruitful farm. 

Jon is survived by his wife, Rodica; their children: Felicia (Richard) Yague, Andrei Maianu, Cami (Kent Gramm) Maianu, Patti Maianu, Mihai Maianu, and Carmen (Bryan Cook) Maianu; as well as his granddaughter, Malaya Yague. He is also survived by his siblings: Lidia Maianu, Vivi (John) Wickberg, Petre (Anca) Maianu, and Marianna Nigh; many nieces, nephews, and many friends who were like family to him.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Alex Maianu and Iosif (Daniela) Maianu, and his brother-in-law, Bill Nigh.

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