ions in 1985 due to the struggling area economy. John then went to work using his automotive talents for other area Ford dealerships including Jim Cordes Motors in both Mt Pleasant and New London and Westland Ford in West Burlington. John received many accolades from his customers for his service including "Readers Choice" awards as best area car salesman. He chose to retire from the car business in 2005, after over 43 years of providing sales and service to his valued customers in the area. John was not an individual that was able to sit still during his retirement. He worked for over seven years at the Woodlands Treatment Center in Burlington, where he was simply known as "JB" by the residents there who were in a recovery program from their life crippling addictions. He spent many quality days of his time there mentoring many young lives who just needed someone like John in their life; an individual who was willing to listen to their struggles and needs with a desire to help. Unfortunately, the Woodlands Treatment Center closed its operations in Burlington. John then went to work on a part time basis for Tri Oak Foods and worked at their facility near Danville. He and Carol were able to spend many quality hours together as they drove a vehicle across the state of Iowa making deliveries to both major and minor sized hog operations. Along the way, they were able to make new friends and rarely missed a chance to stop at a Harley dealership or craft store. Together they did that through 2017, serving Tri Oak for over seven years. John was always an active member in the community of Danville, serving the people he loved in many ways. He was a member of the Danville Community School Board from 1979 through 1983. He also served on the Danville Volunteer Fire Department as well as being the chairman of the Danville Homecoming Celebration Committees for many years, helping to organize the parades and events of the annual town-wide celebration. John was also an over 50 year member of the Danville United Methodist Church, serving in varied capacities through the years on its committees and boards. Throughout his life, he sought opportunities for the youth of the Danville community to be involved in both positive and fun events. John, along with his son Dave was a member of the first cast of a summer musical theatre production of the Southeast Iowa Community Players. He was also an over 50 year member of the Danville Masonic Lodge #48. John always enjoyed spending his time with his wife Carol. One was rarely seen not in the company of the other. During the course of their long marriage, they enjoyed many activities together including riding a motorcycle, attending area car shows and the time they spent with their many friends and family members. John enjoyed riding motorcycles for over 60 years, always enjoying the sound of a great set of pipes. He and Carol made many friends through showing their cars at area car shows. They also together enjoyed their morning coffee in the company of their friends at the local coffee shop. John leaves behind his wife and the love of his life for over 58 years, Carol; plus two sons Dave (along with his wife Debbie) and Mike, both of Danville. He also leaves behind two granddaughters, Adrianna Samples and Jessica Lauria. John is also survived by his two half-brothers; Jim (along with his wife Susie) and Chuck Haffarnan, both of Mt Pleasant who were at his side during his last moments on Earth. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his stepsister Linda (Bennage) Smith of Kirkwood, Illinois; and half-brother Mike Haffarnan of Mt Pleasant. Services for John Bennage will be Thursday at 10am at the Danville United Methodist Church with Rev. Tamara Wirt officiating. Burial will follow at Jaggar Cemetery, rural Danville. Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday at Elliott Chapel, New London with a Masonic Service from 5 - 5:30. The family will be present to receive friends from 5:30-8pm. Memorials may be given to the Danville Fire Department or the Danville United Methodist Church in his memory.