At 3:30 am I heard the phone ring and Jeanne answered it. I couldn’t make out what she was saying and I kind of drifted back to sleep. She finally jiggled me and said “Well I got that call that you never want to get, Dad’s gone.”
A flood of emotions washes across you at a time like that. The shock of how sudden and without any warning. Because I had just seen him Christmas day and he was in good spirits. I think I described him as robust.
The sadness that never again would I see him or be able to shake his hand or hear him sing a song or hear his bowling stories.
Then a feeling of calm and peace surround me as I thought about him. He was 88 years old and had a loving wife of over 50 plus years, two wonderful daughters, four grand children and one great-grandson.
He had been retired many years and enjoyed his retirement immensely with golf, bowling, and volunteering. He had more friends than you can count on all fingers and toes and everyday he drove to Hy-Vee in Ames and had coffee and cookies with his cronies.
Except for a couple of bouts with some staff infection he had been pretty healthy and lived at home. He used a cane but got along pretty good. He passed in his favorite recliner, in his own home, in his sleep.
It is as if God said, “John, you’ve been a good man and it is time you come home to me and because you’ve been such a good man, I will make your passage comfortable.”
Both of my parents spent their last years in a nursing home and their last days in a lot of discomfort and pain. I was so thankful that John did not have to experience that. Certainly we will miss him and it will not be the same without him but he is in a very good place and finally singing in the big choir
Upde Designs 
Dave, We were devastated to hear about Grandpa this morning. Know that you and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Paula
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Dave, Have talked with Jeanne today. What a wonderful tribute you have written for your father in law. Will continue to keep you all in thought and prayer.
Deb
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Dave, feeling sadness in the news of Uncle John- for myself and all of his family- I knew I’d feel comfort in your website. What a wonderful tribute from a man who knew him well! I so remember his voice @ Grandma and Grandpa Jones house @ Christmas every year when I was growing up. So many great memories- oh, wait a minute- I remember one other voice that was loud and clear Aunt Olives- and her ye ha!! Thank-you so much for making me feel better and for making a wonderful mans passing such a comfort! God bless all of you- how great it was to have him in all of our lives!— Love, Cheri and family.
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My sympathy to you and Jeanne, you have a great way with words. My Mom just watched her sister, 89, pass away after 2 months of extreme pain in the hospital. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Peace
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Our sympathy to Jeanne and you and your family, Dave. It is hard to say good bye, but as you say – he got to stay at home – something my parents did not get to do, either – so hopefully that will be of comfort to you all.
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He was a wonderful dad and grandfather! He will be missed but how blessed he was in his life! I am so grateful that we all got to spend Christmas together in Dubuque and as we were driving home he commented on how much he loved his children and grandchildren. We will always remember him and smile when we hear music! Dad is, indeed, singing in the big choir! Thanks Dave for your thoughts. Well said!
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