member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshalltown. John was a self-taught musician who played with various musical groups for over 45 years. Mildred joined him as a band member for over 35 of those years. His love of music and the many friendships made through the years moved him to initiate The Old Timers Reunion Jam, an annual event for 11 years, enjoyed by local musicians and their followers. John was one of several people instrumental in creating the Marshalltown Girl's Softball Association. He enjoyed fishing, paddling his canoe, camping, and loved watching a good softball game. John also enjoyed the park at the farm with his family. John and Mildred rode his 1951 Farmall-M tractor in the annual Green Mountain Tractor Ride. John will be missed by his wife, Mildred; daughters Lorri (David) Kearns of DeSoto, KS, Jo (Mike) Mostrom of Ames, IA, Carolyn (Jeff) Himes of Marshalltown, IA; grandchildren Gary (Maureen) Kearns, Samantha Kearns, Aaron Mostrom, Levi Mostrom, Melissa (Joe) Ghormley, Amy Stiehl, Brett (John) Himes-Downey, Ashleigh (Bob) Sager; seven great grandchildren, and one on the way in November; two great great grandchildren; sisters Deloris Nelson and Lois Stubbs; sisters-in-law Veleta (Walt) Tintjer, Carol Parks, Barbara (Don) Lynk, Judy Michels, and Delores Dunham. Preceding him in death were his parents, in-laws Joe and Lois Michels; brother Marvin Stubbs; brothers-in-law Bud Nelson, Merle Parks, Bob Michels, Dan Dunham; and granddaughter Leah Mostrom.