John H. DeWaard

John H. DeWaard, 71 of Kanawha, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2022 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, 129 E 3rdSt, Kanawha. Burial will be at the Corwith Cemetery in Corwith.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

John Henry, son of Henry and Josephine (Danger) DeWaard, was born on March 10, 1950 in Mason City. John grew up on the farm northwest of Kanawha. He started school at Kanawha Christian School and graduated from Kanawha High School. After high school, John moved to Mankato for college before moving back home to farm for the next 50+ years. He finished his college education at NIACC through Buena Vista.

In June of 1970, John was united in marriage to Jerry Ellen Maw in Corwith. They made their home on the farm where they raised their two children, Jayna Lynn and Jesse Allen. They were blessed with 30 years of marriage.

In July of 2009, John was united in marriage to Phyllis Miller in Washington, Illinois.

In his younger years, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding snowmobiles. He was an avid history fan. John loved watching car shows on the MotorTrend channel and going to museums, flea markets, and Thresher shows. John volunteered for Kanawha Rescue as an EMT for many years.

Most important to John was his family. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and endeavors. John loved his special companion dog, Sparkle.

John is survived by his wife Phyllis DeWaard of Kanawha; son Jesse DeWaard of Fort Collins, Colorado; grandchildren Aaron Hughes of Gulfport, Mississippi, Liz Fontenot of Marion, Katey Fontenot of Marion, Henry (Grace) DeWaard of Loveland, Colorado, and Ellen DeWaard of Fort Collins, Colorado; sister Janice Cartwright of Mason City; father-in-law Larry Miller of Washington, Illinois; and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jerry; daughter Jayna; parents Henry and Josie; Jerry’s parents Abigail and Harry “Red” Maw; Phyllis’ mother Theresa Miller; infant brother James DeWaard; brother-in-law Stephen Cartwright; and sisters-in-law Joan Miller and Connie Maw.

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