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.