John White

May 22, 2020

John White

Service Details

John Martin White passed away on May 22, 2020 at the age of 87. John was born July 12, 1932 in Johnston, Iowa to Donald Martin and Helen K White.

John is survived by his children: Dave (Kim Polder) White, Randy White, Teresa (Mike) McCabe, Mike White; grandchildren: Joe (Jenny) White, Milisa (Jason) Tyler, Tracy (Walter) Thompson, Karen White, Stephanie (Ryan) Bos, Nicki White, Tiffany (Paul) Mercer, Kristen (Michael) Jennings, Sara (Colten) Fors, Leslie (Jason) Peterson, Ashley White (Brandon), Randal (Breanna) White, Jonathon White, Sydney (Megan) White, Jordan White; 31 great-grandchildren with probably more already on the way; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Donna (Andrew) Johnston and Jan (Charlie) Hale; brother-in-law, Bob (Jane) Wooters; and sister-in-law, Jannette Wooters.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Mary E. White; daughter, Pamela Sue; parents, Don and Helen; and brother, Jim White (a.k.a. Wolf).

In addition to him being a Son, a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, a Great-Grandfather, and a Great-Great-Grandfather, he also wore many other hats - he was a Soldier for the Army during the Korean War, a Farmer, a Mechanic, a Welder, a Carpenter, a Landscaper, a Pilot, an Inventor, an Entrepreneur, and a Jack of All Trades.

After working as a mechanic and welder for his Uncle Cliff at J.C. White Concrete for years, he rejoined his Dad with Don M. White & Son’s Sodding, and opened Iowa Nursery Sod on a 365 acre farm he leased near Saylorville. Years later he started A-1 Green Turf and expanded to landscaping and lawn care. He first retired in 1997 and moved to New Orleans to relax, but it did not take long before he had a new venture. He started a handyman business doing odd jobs, and then he found a crabbing boat to rebuild. As it turned out, crabbing was not for him, so in 2000 it was back to Des Moines and resurrected A-1 Green Turf Landscaping until he retired again in 2013.

He was dearly loved and will be missed but his Stories will live on forever. Just know this…. His bucket was completely empty and his wish to be with Mary has been granted. Thanks be to Jesus and God speed, John.

Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions we are unable to schedule a proper funeral service until a later date, yet to be determined. We are hoping to gather family and friends for a celebration of life at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy, WDM, IA 50266 on August 1, 2020 to coincide with the Annual White’s Reunion. When we get confirmation for a date, we will post online with all the details. Until then, feel free to share any stories online.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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