John V. Mozga

John V. Mozga passed away on March 26, 2019. He left this world peacefully at home surrounded by family.

John was born March 13, 1941 in Riga, Latvia to Anton and Anna Mozga. As a result of the events of WWII, the family was forced to flee Latvia and relocate to a displaced persons camp in Germany. It was from there that Anton and Anna began their journey to America with their three sons, Richard, John, Pete and daughter, Anita. After entering the United States through Ellis Island, the family traveled to the Midwest, settling in Des Moines, IA in 1951. They welcomed daughter and sister, Melanie, in 1953.

John graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1960. After graduating, he began working for Iowa Paint as a salesman. He moved on to work as a salesman in the flooring and carpet industry.

Throughout his life, John enjoyed golfing, playing poker, shooting a game of pool, and watching the Greenbay Packers, Chicago Bulls and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed westerns featuring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Relaxing on the back patio with a smoke and a beer watching humming birds and other neighborhood wildlife was one of his favorite pastimes. He loved family gatherings.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #109 where he spent many Saturday afternoons playing Texas Hold'em.

John is survived by his wife, Jan, of 58 years; his sisters Anita Mozga and Melanie Mozga; sister-in-law Nancy Mozga, his children Julie (Tim) Lancial, Teri Sacco, Tony (Sue) Mozga, Betsy (Steve) Wheeler, and Eric Mozga; his grandchildren Brandon Lancial, Emily Lancial, Brook (Alex) Stouffacher, Michael Sacco, Jessica (Trevor) Finders, Maria Wheeler, and Heidi Wheeler; and his great grandchildren Evelyn Bobbitt and Josette Finders.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Anna Mozga, sister Marite, brothers Richard and Pete and his son, Michael.

Services will be held Tuesday, April 2 at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway at 2:00 with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of John. A charitable donation will be arranged at a later date.

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