John E. Wren served as president of the American Trucking Association in 1998–99. (Courtesy of Minnesota Trucking Association)
key takeaways:
- John E. Wren led Lakeville Motor Express since 1979, growing it from 10 employees to a regional LTL carrier with over 500 trucks.
- He served as president of the Minnesota Trucking Association and later became the first Minnesotan to chair the American Trucking Association.
- Industry leaders credit Wren for shaping policy, supporting the association, and influencing trucking through initiatives such as the Wren Plan.
John E. Wren, who made a lasting impact on the industry in Minnesota and nationwide, died June 16. He was 80 years old.
John Hausleden, President and CEO Minnesota Trucking Associationremembered Wren as “a stalwart 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. Whenever there was a battle to fight or support needed, he was there,” Hausleden recalled.
Wren’s influence on trucking was widespread. He served as MTA president from 1990–92 and became the first Minnesotan to be president of the American Trucking Association from 1998–99. Born and raised in Lakeville, Minn., he died in Lake Elmo, surrounded by his wife of 58 years, Mary; children, Jennifer (Michael) Dolezal, Joseph (Kelly) Wren, Julian (David) Winia and John O’Neil Wren. H’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members are also surviving. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Wilhelmina; and brothers Steve and Charles Wren and sister Jenny Ringeisen.
Wren graduated from Lakeville High School and attended St. Cloud State University. In 1964, he joined the US 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 his father had founded in 1921.
He grew the company from 10 employees to one of the region’s leading LTL carriers, with more than 500 trucks at its peak. He sold Lakeville Motor Express in 2009 and retired, spending time with his wife in Minnesota and enjoying winters in Arizona.
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The MTA reminded that Wren also chaired the membership 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,” the MTA said.
“I am personally grateful for his leadership as he served on the search committee that gave me the opportunity to lead this organization for the last 30 years,” Hauselden said.
Wren was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served as Lakeville Post 210 commander for two years.
