John W. Crowell

John Wallace Crowell passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, with his daughter by his side.

John was born in Union County, Iowa, to Francis Leroy and Nina Juanita (Sloan) Crowell on October 25, 1926. Through his junior year, he attended school in Shannon City, Iowa. He graduated from Des Moines North High School in 1944. After graduation, he started working at Wood Brothers, which later became Ford Implement Plant (Des Moines, Iowa). He retired from Ford November 1, 1974, after 30 years. After retirement, he worked for the Polk County election office, at the Iowa State fair, and doing handyman work for friends, family, and elderly.

In October 1944 John enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS L. S. M. R. 406 in the Atlantic and Pacific.

John married Pauline Marie Hansen on August 8, 1948, at the Methodist Church in Thayer, Iowa. They spent 41 wonderful years together. After John’s retirement, they enjoyed spending time with their daughter’s family and wintering in Texas and Arizona. On August 20, 1980 John received a lifesaving award from Governor Robert Ray. Throughout his life he continued to give credit to the Lord for preparing him to save a woman’s life.

John was married to Isabel Neibergall from 1995-2019. They spent 20 plus years of wintering at his Tucson home which brought him joy. He enjoyed tending to his fruit trees and rose bushes. He was proud to win the Tucson Estates Men’s Golf Association Championship in 2002 and 2003. During this time he also helped at the Iowa AAU golf tournaments.

John loved fishing, bowling, golfing, playing cards, especially cribbage, dancing and watching old westerns especially John Wayne movies. He enjoyed sharing jokes and stories about old times and family. As he said, a handshake was good but a hug is better.

John was a member of local UAW Union #991, AM Vets Post # 2, and a 65-year member of East Gate Masonic Lodge # 630. He was a 70-year member and past commander of VFW Post # 9662.

John is survived by daughter Karen Chatfield (LeRoy), three grandsons, who he was extremely proud of: Benjamin Scott (Kelly) Roberts, Douglas Paul (Ginelle) Roberts, John Prentice (Janea) Roberts; four great grandchildren: Nathan and Lindsey Roberts, Drew and Reese Roberts, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; sisters, Joy Cummings, Ramona Ward, Dorothy Brooks, and Donella Lint; sisters-in-law, Esther Crowell and Diane Pena.

John was preceded in death by his wife Pauline, his parents, his siblings, Russell Crowell, Donald Crowell, and Nathan Crowell.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with services to follow at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Lorimor Cemetery, Lorimor, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to VFW Post 9622, 1309 N. E. 66th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313, Iowa Veteran’s Home, designated to the John Crowell Memorial, 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown, IA 50158 –5485, East Gate Lodge, 2501 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317.

The family requests masks be worn and social distancing is encouraged.

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