Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

John, age 73, died after a seven and a half year battle with leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He was born Sept. 5, 1941 in Iowa City to Ernest D. and Isabelle Herman Johnson of Lovilia, Iowa.  John went to Lovilia schools and graduated from Lovilia High School.  In school he met Judith Ann Sickler whom he married on August 5, 1962 at the Lovilia United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong church member there.

John’s dad was a hardworking coal miner, but after only one trip to the coal pit, John sought to make a living some other way.  He became an insurance man and built up his own agency where he worked for 42 years successfully.

John always believed in service to his community.  He was an original member of the Lovilia Community Betterment Committee in 1976 and one of the five men who signed the loan so Lovilia could finance and build the Lovilia Community Building.  He also served many years on the Lovilia Fire Dept.

When the family and the insurance agency moved to Albia, John helped with Albia Victorian Stroll, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary.  He especially wanted to help improve Albia parks.  He enjoyed nature as a fisherman, hunter, and gardener.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judi and daughters Tammy, Terri and son, Anthony.

Tammy (Mark) McMains of Oskaloosa has a son John W. and two grandchildren.  Terri (Curtis) Krupp of Rockwall, Texas has four children: Victoria, Alexander, Phoebe, and Ella and one grandson.  Anthony and his son, Leo, reside in Polk City, Iowa.

Also survivng is John’s brother, Jerry, of Hamilton, Iowa.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Lowell, William, Dallas, and sister, Doris.

Visitation is Friday April 3rd at Sinnott-Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Albia.  Opens to visitors at 1 pm. and family will be present 5-8 p.m.

The  visiting will continue at the United Methodist Church from noon -2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th. Services begin at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

Memorials may be made to Albia Rotary for city parks improvement, Lovilia United Methodist Church or Lovilia Community Betterment.

May he rest in peace.

Zackary Randall and Tiffany Stansberry Randall have a new baby girl. She has been given the name, Zacklyn Hope Randall.  That makes three beautiful girls  for Zack and Tiff. Zack is Lovilia’s fire chief also.  They live on F Avenue in Lovilia. Best wishes for you as you welcome this little blessing to your family.

New Clerk at Lovilia Post Office

Sarah Lang is now at Lovilia as her regular job. Sue who was here is now at Bussey post office as her regular position. Both ladies are happy with the arrangements. Welcome Sarah!!

She and her husband, Justin, and daughter, Ava, live on E Avenue South in Lovilia.  Sarah is the daughter of David and Linda Kraber and the granddaughter of Marilyn Kraber all of Lovilia. Rural route carrier will continue to be Nancy Runquist.

Two Local Natives Pictured on Front Page of Catholic Messenger Newspaper

Laura Hollinrake, daughter of Joe and Jean Hollinrake of Weller, was in the photo with John Popson.  John was formerly from rural Monroe County too and is married to Martha Plum , daughter of deceased Mr. and Mrs. Harlon Plum.

Both were working in the photo on a Habitat for Humanity home. Both are now residents of Knoxville and are members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church there.

Laura is director of religious education at the church as well as chairman of the social action committee. Also a member of the church is the Habitat affiliate’s community outreach director, Beth Adamcik.  Beth asked St. Anthony’s for help and Laura and John answered the call along with others.  Other parishes help too including Melcher and Pella Catholic churches.

I am sure they could always use more help. If interested, call Habitat for Humanity 641-828-8844 in Knoxville. Everyone is welcome. Any one can volunteer from any church or no church membership.

Easter Services in Lovilia

St. Peter’s Catholic church mass will be Sunday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m.  Guests are welcome.

Lovilia All City Yard Sales Set for May 2, Saturday

Susan and David Beary will have a yard sale at there house a 1201 E Avenue South from 8 a.m. until 1pm and from noon until pm what remains will be sold for 1/2 price.  Proceeds will be divided and 1/2 will go to Helping Hands in Albia and 1/2 to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.  No clothes.  All household, antiques, 20″ girl’s bike, books, etc. Come shop!

If you are planning a sale for that day or any day, contact us here at under the water tower and we will post it here, no charge.

Bake Sale by St. Peter’s women May 2, Saturday

8 a.m. until sold out. will be selling at Susan and David Beary’s house at 1201 E Avenue South .(four houses south of the Lovilia school building)