John Robson, 70, of Grinnell and formerly of Newton, died on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at his home under the care of UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell and his family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Military honors will be conducted at 5:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be designated to the Grinnell Veterans Memorial Building and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family online at www.smithfh.com. John Norman Robson, Jr. was born the son of John and Shirley (Wahner) Robson on June 10, 1951, in Grinnell, Iowa. He was raised in Grinnell and Newton, Iowa respectively. He graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1969. While proudly serving in the United States Army, John served four tours in the Vietnam War, earning the rank of Sergeant. He earned numerous awards including the Army Commendation medal, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam service medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallant with Palm, Parachutist Badge, and was recognized as an expert with .45 caliber pistol. As an MP, he once guarded celebrity, Bob Hope while he was on base to greet the troops. John was united in marriage to Linda Beaver on March 26, 1978, at the First Assembly of God Church in Newton. They resided in Newton and John worked at Maytag. In 1981, they moved to Utah, and he worked on oil rigs and later worked as a heavy equipment operator who shaped the grounds when Deer Valley Ski Resort was built. He was called upon to complete the most dangerous jobs as a heavy equipment operator. While in Utah, their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Michelle. They moved back to Newton in 1986. Their marriage later ended in divorce. John met his life partner, Cheri (Steele) Monteleone in 1987 and they lived together in Grinnell. He was employed with Rose Construction in Cedar Falls, Iowa and later worked for Warner Steele in Grinnell doing landscape work. John will be remembered for being fearless, for his love of animals, especially his cat, Sissy, and for the strong love of his family. His enjoyments were listening to music, watching boxing with his wovey, Cheri, gathering with family for the holidays, and eating (especially sweets). John is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Richard) Ouren and their daughters, Katelyn and Allison Lambert of Newton; his daughter at heart, Tawny (Danny) VanTomme and their daughter, Emma, whom he adored spending time with; close cousin, Tim Wahner; close friend and caretaker, MaryAnn Blagden; special friend, Pam Bennington; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents John, Shirley, and stepfather Joe Harrelson; his siblings, Diane Hengemuehler, David and Allen Robson; and his life partner, Cheri Monteleone in 2021.