After a long and productive life, John Jaroleman Buck, 97, of Grinnell, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Mayflower Community in Grinnell. A celebration of John's life will be held on September 24 at 11:00 AM at the Rhodes United Methodist Church. Please join the family for a luncheon following the service.

John was born on the family farm in Marshall County, Iowa on September 2, 1925, the son of David W. Buck and Helen (Jaroleman) Buck. He graduated from Rhodes High School with the class of 1942. After a year at Iowa State University, John was drafted in World War II. He often said that some of his fondest memories were when he was stationed in Paris in the Army Signal Corps. His job was to implement communication throughout Europe. After his 1946 honorable discharge, John returned to ISU to finish his agricultural studies.

John then pursued his lifelong passion for farming. It was with great pride that he farmed with three generations--first his father, then his brother Phil and then his son. Some of his happiest days were spent checking his cattle on his four-wheeler. In his final days, he was gratified to go see the crops on his land. John farmed with the support of his high school sweet heart, Lois Nason, whom he married in 1946 in Rhodes. Together, they raised 4 children. Through their example, their children were taught the value of hard work, integrity and dedication to family. Lois passed in 1993.

John met Patricia, "Pasha", Martin at a Heifer Project International event when John presented a memorial in memory of Lois. Pasha and John married in 1994 in Mayetta, Kansas. After moving from the farm, they resided in retirement communities in Indianola, south Texas, and Grinnell, where John enjoyed leadership roles, birding and discussions with his "coffee buddies." As a lifelong learner, he was an avid reader. He was proud to have mastered FaceTime in his 90's and loved sharing DVD's he made from his many photos and home movies.

John was a faithful follower of Christ throughout his life. He attended Rhodes United Methodist Church for many years and he was an active member of the Grinnell United Church of Christ in later life.

Music was also a large part of John's entire life--including singing in church choirs and gospel quartets, playing bass for the Lucky Seven dance band, creating Barbershop quartet harmony and playing his horn to entertain community groups.

In retirement, John could often be found in the wood shop creating beautiful wooden furniture and keepsakes now treasured by family.

Blessed to have shared his life are his wife, Pasha, of Grinnell, daughters Janice (Karl Pedersen) Buss of Virginia, Joyce Buck of Marshalltown, Jean (Terry Scott) Meyer-Scott of Colorado and son Kenneth (Betsy) Buck of Marshalltown. John was a loving grandparent to Kimberly Buss, Jeff (Kris) Henze, Chris (Jamie) Henze, Jodi (Nate) Headrick, Jennifer (Michael) Smith, Tim (Kristianne) Buck and Jonathan (Nicole) Meyer and 12 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. They share memories of John as a role model for positive living with a large, loving extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois; his parents; his brothers, Charles and Philip Buck; and his sister, Marjorie Chrisman.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Beebe Assisted Living at the Mayflower Community.

Those who wish to remember John in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Mayflower Human Needs Fund, the United Church of Christ in Grinnell or the Rhodes United Methodist Church and mailed to the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa, 50223. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.smithfh.com

Written by John's loving family