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Minnesota Trucking Titan John Wren Dies at 80
Lakeville Motor Express Executive Also Served as ATA Chairman
Key Takeaways:
- <p>John E. Wren led Lakeville Motor Express from 1979, growing it from 10 employees into a regional LTL carrier with more than 500 trucks.</p>
- <p>He served as chairman of the Minnesota Trucking Association and later became the first Minnesotan to chair American Trucking Associations.</p>
- <p>Industry leaders credited Wren with shaping policy, supporting the association and influencing trucking through initiatives such as the Wren Plan.</p>
John E. Wren, who made an enduring impact on the industry in Minnesota and nationwide, died June 16. He was 80.
John Hausladen, president and CEO of Minnesota Trucking Association, remembered Wren as “a giant among leaders” in the state.
“From humble beginnings, he led the growth of a major regional less-than-truckload carrier. He played a major role in the life of the Minnesota Trucking Association, leading it through some of its most challenging times. When there was ever a battle to fight or cause needing support, he was there,” Hausladen recalled.
Wren’s influence on trucking was expansive. He served as MTA chairman from 1990-92 and became the first Minnesotan to become chairman of American Trucking Associations from 1998-99. Born and raised in Lakeville, Minn., he died in Lake Elmo surrounded by Mary, his wife of 58 years; children, Jennifer (Michael) Dolezal, Joseph (Kellee) Wren, Julianne (David) Wynia and John O’Neill Wren. H also is survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Wilhelmina; and brothers Steve and Charles Wren and sister Genny Ringeisen.
Wren graduated from Lakeville High School and attended St. Cloud State University. In 1964, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from 1966-67.
In 1979, Wren became president and CEO of Lakeville Motor Express, which was founded by his father in 1921.
He grew the company from 10 employees into one of the region’s premier LTL carriers with more than 500 trucks at its peak. He sold Lakeville Motor Express in 2009 and retired, enjoying time with his wife in Minnesota and wintering in Arizona.
The Wren Plan
MTA recalled Wren also chaired the member committee that developed the influential “Wren Plan” that significantly reshaped ATA’s membership dues structure.
“John’s dedication, leadership and commitment to advancing the trucking industry will be remembered by generations of trucking professionals,” MTA stated.
Hausladen said, “I’m personally grateful for his leadership as he served on the search committee that allowed me the opportunity to lead this organization for the past 30 years.”
Wren was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served as Lakeville Post 210 commander for two years.
