Born in Peoria, September 30, 1939. John moved to Des Moines, IA where he met the love of his life Phyllis McIntosh. He gained a large family when they got together.
John was preceded in death by parents, John & Olga Woods; his soulmate, Phyllis McIntosh; sister, Lillian Achterberg from Peoria; stepdaughter, June Mason; and grandchildren, Ben Johnson, Karla Heller, and Jan Stephenson.
He was survived by a brother-in-law, Ron Achterberg; stepchildren, James (Barb) Johnson, Jeff (Jan) Johnson, Joleen (Randy) Stephenson, and Jerry Johnson; grandchildren, April (Corey) Schumacher, Kaleb (Holly) Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Ryan (Kate) Netz, Gabe (Natasha) Johnson, Robert (Shelli) Stephenson, Mike (Jechel) Stephenson, and Christopher Johnson, and many more great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
John was a wonderful man who loved to joke around with anyone. He had a larger-than-life laugh. He loved his family so much and would do anything for them. He enjoyed staying in touch with them and visiting his family and friends in Peoria.
John was a carpenter and a great one at that, he loved anything wood and could build just about anything. He enjoyed fishing, cheering for the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes. He made some trips to Florida and had fun fishing in the ocean. His two favorite things to do were messing around in his happy place, the garage, and sitting on the deck with Phyllis.
John had lung cancer that took his life. He passed away in his sleep on March 10, 2023. He is now in heaven with Phyllis and in the presence of Jesus. He will forever be missed and loved.
Per his wishes, John will be cremated. A graveside service will be held at Highland Memory Gardens, 1 NE 60th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, on April 21, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.