John Heerema was born in Albert Lea, MN. He grew up on a farm and is a 1978 graduate of Blooming Prairie High School. After attending college, John spent several years as a quality control technician for Cybex. In 1986, he started his career in the memorial industry as a monument installer. In 1987, John went into memorial design and has over 26 years of experience serving southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

Barb (Huinker) Heerema was born and raised in Austin MN.  Even though she worked in insurance and banking for many years she has always worked part-time at the store. In 2014 she became a full time staff member at Owatonna Granite & Monument .

John and Barb Heerema became the owners of Owatonna Granite & Monument in 2006.  They jointly run the company and have a very hands on approach to the business.  They are also very involved in the local community and truly believe in giving back to make a better community.  They have been members of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism since the day they opened the business and have served on boards of different non-profits.  They spend many hours every year volunteering for fundraisers and donating both time and money to important causes in the area.

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