John W. Showalter, 83, of Mendota Heights, Minn., a former general manager of Wholesale Distributing Co. in Rochester, died Oct. 4, 1991, in Mendota Heights.

Born Nov. 7, 1907, in Wabash, Ind., he graduated from Benjamin Harrison Law School at the University of Indiana in 1932. A Mason since 1941, he belonged to the St. Paul Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, 33rd degree. He was the first licensed amateur radio operator in Indiana and was recognized for 50 years of ham radio activity by the Quarter Century Wireless Association.

A Rochester resident from 1948 to 1968, he was selected as Rochester's Businessman of the Year in 1958. He served as general manager of 7-Up Bottling Co. in Omaha, Neb., and in Rochester and was general manager of Wholesale Distributing Co. here. In addition, for 10 years he was credit manager for the Twin Cities 7-Up and Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. Mr. Showalter was involved with youth activites and community development in Rochester.

Survivors include a son, David of Minneapolis; two daughters, Sally (Mrs. Gerry) Spiess of Hugo, Minn.; and Susan Lynch of Los Angeles; three grandchildren; and two brothers, Richard of Indiana and Lee of New York state. His wife, the former Marcella Lehnert, died in 1976.

There will be a private family service Friday in Minneapolis. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery.

Cremation Society of Minnesota is in charge of arrangements.