"Karen , so sorry to hear of your loss. Please keep in mind the verse at Rev. 21:3,4. Your Dad was truly a nice nice man. "
In loving memory of
John W. Fagerland
April 17, 1924 - April 10, 2006
John William Fagerland died peacefully Monday evening April 102006.0 at Genesis East Medical Center in Davenport Iowa after years of living with congestive heart failure. John was born in Calamus Iowa on April 17 1924 to Wilhelm Johan (John) and Gurine (Stueland) Fagerland. John was baptized into faith on May 251924.0 at Kvindherred Lutheran Church in rural Grand Mound. John grew up during the Great Depression and as John's father worked as a foreman for the Chicago Northwestern railroad his family moved several times to towns along the railroad finally settling in Grand Mound. John's father died when John was 16 years old. In his early years John helped on area farms delivered newspapers and worked at a local gas station. After high school graduation John began work at Union Savings Bank in Grand Mound. In addition to janitorial duties he also worked as a teller and bookkeeper for 2 years prior to entering the U.S. Marine Corps. He served for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego California; Cherry Point North Carolina; Quantico Virginia; and in the South Pacific much of the time on the island of Guam in World War II. When he returned from the Marines he found his job at the bank had been filled so he took a job at City National Bank in Clinton and worked there until 1950. On September 171950.0 John and Evelyn Hoffman were married at Zion Lutheran Church Elvira Iowa. They established their first home in Clinton. To make ends meet John held down three jobs. He took a position as Assistant Manager of a National Tea Store in Clinton and in the evenings worked a second job for MGM verifying ticket sales at the local theatre. His third job began each morning at 3:00 a.m. packing trucks with frozen foods for Lagomarcino's. A year later John and Evelyn moved to Lost Nation when he accepted a position as Manager of the First Trust and Savings Bank in Lost Nation Iowa. He also opened his own insurance and real estate agency in Lost Nation during this time. In 1962 he accepted employment with the Jackson State Savings Bank in Maquoketa. In May of 1966 John and his co-worker and friend Edward Tubbs left employment with Jackson State and jointly purchased controlling interest in Maquoketa State Bank.
John was employed in the banking industry most of his adult life and truly believed in the value of service to others. He was a founder and Co-Chairman of Ohnward Bancshares Inc. and served as a director for Ohnward and its four subsidiary banks. He was Bank Chairman and Senior Trust Officer of Maquoketa State Bank; Chairman of the Board of Tri-County Bank & Trust; Director of Gateway State Bank; and Chairman of the Bank and Senior Trust Officer of First Central State Bank. He was recognized by the Iowa Bankers Association as a 50 Year Banker and as an Honorary Board of Director for Living History Farms 1875 Walnut Hill Bank. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church of Maquoketa - serving on numerous committees bible study groups and the church council. He was an active Rotarian a three-time Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion. Currently in addition to his banking positions John was serving as Chairman of the Board of Iowa-Midwest Insurance Company of Des Moines Iowa; Board Trustee for Eastern Iowa Community College; Chairman of the Board of the Jackson County Regional Medical Center Foundation (f/k/a the Jackson County Hospital Foundation); Treasurer of the Jackson County Sanitary Disposal Agency; and a Pearson Foundation board member.
In years past John was active on numerous boards and committees including MIDAS Stride Inc. and the Private Industry Council for SDA IX which represents area counties for the Job Training Partnership Act. He also had served as a board member for Mount St. Clare College President of the Maquoketa Country Club President of the Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce Treasurer of the Maquoketa Community School Board one of the founders and Treasurer for Peace Pipe Players and past board member of Thomson State Bank in Thomson Illinois. He enjoyed mentoring school children teaching Sunday School serving on the Girl Scout Council for years and being a host parent for several foreign exchange students from Brazil Norway and Turkey. Where John couldn't donate his time he made contributions to numerous organizations and charities. He was a firm believer in students getting their start at a two-year community college. In addition to volunteering his time and being with family John enjoyed golfing the beauty of the Maquoketa and Mississippi Rivers collecting clocks going to Hawkeye games cheering for the Chicago Cubs and traveling.
He is survived by his wife Evelyn three daughters and sons-in-law Karen & Terry Slattery of Maquoketa Kendra & Mark Beck of Maquoketa and Krista & Gene Grant of Preston 5 grandchildren 6 great grandchildren one sister Signe Rock of Grand Mound and two brothers Stanley (& Helen) Fagerland of Marshalltown and Robert (& Ida) Fagerland of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Andreas.
A celebration of his life will be held at 7 P.M. Friday April 142006.0 from the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa Iowa with Rev. Gerald Gjerde officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 P.M. on Friday April 142006.0 at the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa Iowa. Private Graveside Services and Burial will be held on Saturday from the Mount Hope Cemetery Maquoketa Iowa. The Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested. Memorials may be made to any charity of your choice or to the Ohnward Foundation a local foundation which John helped establish to provide support to various area projects and charities.
Tributes
"With great sadness we received the news about John Fagerland. John always showed great inetrest in his Norwegian relatives and his Norwegian heritage. Many of us had the pleasure and honor of knowing him quite well. He and his family - both Evelyn children and grandchildren - visited us many times and also kept in touch with us by sending Christmas greetings every year. John was very much liked by his Norwegian cousins (and families) and was indeed an interesting man to spend time with. Over the years quite a few of his Norwegian relatives have enjoyed the warm and generous hospitality of John Evelyn and their familiy when visiting and staying in their home. John will be missed by all of us who knew him. Our heart and prayers go to Evelyn Karen Kendra Krista with families."
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss.If there is anything we can do for you or your family please don't hesitate to call.Mr. Fagerland will be sadly missed. God Bless you and your family."
"John had a rare generousity and such a warm and genuine interest in other people. He was a person who touched many lives. He meant much to me and I will always be grateful. He was also a very lucky man to have the family that he had and to have you all so close. My warmest thoughts and love to you all."
"I met John in 1993 while visiting the Makoqueta State Bank. Today I'm sorry to hear this sad news. John was a great man. I must mention that my passed father and John were born at the same time and this made our friendship very special. I send my condolences to his family."
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"John was one of the friendliest influential persons one could know! We want to thank him for the start in business he gave to Mark 25 years ago. He most certainly is someone we should all emulate in the giving of his time and talents. John always said hello where ever he saw you; what a truly wonderful man!"
"Many good men have walked the streets of Maquoketa but the truly great men like John are few. Wealthy or poor well-known or just everyday folks John treated all people he met with the same respect and dignity. One always felt like the most important person John had ever met every time you talked to him. Although he may no longer walk the streets of Maquoketa his footsteps will be heard for generations to come from the lives he had touched and the causes he has championed. Now John has gone to Glory but has left so much of his personal glory here with us. His being here to help us guide us and lead us will be affecting each us all the rest of our days. We will dearly miss you John but we need not mourn. You are still here with us in the legacy you left for us. We can feel that every day we choose to look for it. And we have the assurance to be with you again through our faith in Christ Jesus. John is not really gone. He is just away from us for a short time when will see our dear friend again."
"Mr. Fagerland was a wonderful supporter of Scott Community College and the Eastern Iowa Community College District. His kind contributions to the Scott Community College Foundation will continue to help students get their start in life."
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"Evelyn I heard the news about John and just wanted to drop you a line. The Fagerland name was so familiar while I was growing up in Lost Nation. I still look at your old house and think that's the Fagerland house. John was a great friend to my parents Muriel and Orville and my dad really looked up to him as an advisor. My sympathy to you and your girls and families."
"My dad and my mother always said if it hadn't been for John Fagerland they wouldn't of gotten there start in farming. He helped them when they really needed it. When I worked at the local hospital I told him about it when he was a patient and he remembered it. So my hat is off to him."
"We -as all members of Gozet Family Turkey - are in deep sadness for loosing our grandfather John Fagerland. We named him Big John as he was the biggest hearted person we've ever met. Meeting and knowing him is one of the biggest chances of our lives. We all wish we had such good lives as John: He loved people deeply and everybody loved him so much. We will remember him with deep love respect and with his special lovely smile on his face. Sleep in peace grandpa John..."
"I am so sorry to hear the loss of a great person... John Fagerland has made a tremendous impact on my life. A smile on his face his talent of flexible thinking his smooth way of approaching people and situtations and the value he has given to each and every person have meant and thought me so much at the childhood stage of my life.I could never forget his warm welcome to me when we first met at the Rotary Meeting. Afterwards we have become good 'friends' following-up with Hawkeyes going to basketball camps and playing pool together.Another unforgettable memory is when I could not hold my tears at the moment when he hugged me so tight at my graduation ceremony in NH and said 'You have done well'. I feel grateful to you John.He leaves behind a wonderful family to whom I send my profound sympathyWarmly"
"Kendra my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John will be sadly missed by the whole community."
"John always had a good word and greeting and this freindship will always be cherished."
"My prayers and thoughts are with the family. We will miss John attending our many events on campus i.e. Board meetings commencement ceremony. He has sent so many students to us believing in their future and knowing that we could assist them in accomplishing their goals. He will truly be missed."
"I would like to extend my sympathy to Mrs. Fagerland and the family. I have worked at Clinton Community College for nearly 34 years. John and I have worked several Commencement ceremonies together and worked with events in the Maquoketa area. He was such a kind gentleman. He will be greatly missed."
"I am sorry to hear of your loss what a nice man he was. I enjoyed taking care of him a few times. John was so dedicated to his community and it shows by his representation on multiple boards and donating to many organizations. He would be thrilled to see what a beautiful obituary you wrote for hiim."
"One of the kindest and warmestgentelmen you could ever know."
"I met John in 1987 when I first got into banking. I liked him immediately he was just that type of guy. John taught me many things in the banking world and I asked him many times for advice. John also taught me many things about people. My respect for him is unlimited. John will be missed greatly. He was such an all around wonderful man.My sincere sympathy goes to the family."
"John W. Faherland FamilySorry about your loss. I will remember John as a people person and he will be missed. You are in my prayers. God BlessRalph"
"Evelyn Krista Kendra Karen and the family.......Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your lose. John and Ed were the best 'bosses' I ever had. They were more your friend than boss so therefore you worked much harder for them.......John will be missed by a great many people and also remembered for the inspiration that he was to everyone he touched...Our sympathy to you all...Bob and Pat"
"John was always one of the few bankers who treated people like human beings...always giving them a pat on the back and hearty handshake....I personally will miss his friendly smile and as hard as it seems...he struggled so during bank meetings at times but never gave up trying his best to attend.You and your entire family have my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of a wonderful man."
"I first met John in 1973 and have worked with him and the bank on a number of occasions in the years since. Not only was John an astute banker and businessman he was also one of the finest human beings I've ever had the privilege of knowing.He worked tirelessly to build a strong community bank and despite his great success he remained a down to earth guy who never lost touch with his roots and his community. Although there was much for him to brag about he did not seek the limelight. John didn't need the recognition of others as validation for his accomplishments; he was secure in who he was and unaffected by the trappings of his great success. I am deeply saddened by his passing and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his loving family. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have known him."
"John was a kind and caring man who loved Maquoketa and it's people. I'm proud to have known John and worked with him. He left this earth a better place to live and he will be missed. What a great loss to all of us. My heart and prayers go out to his family."
"i`m sorry about your dad i`ll pray for your family too"
"we are so sorry to here of John.s passing our prayers are with your family ."
"Our prayers are with you."
"Karen spoke so fondly of her father. He was a wonderful husband and father. Karen told how hard he worked and was truly dedicated to the banking industry and his community. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him. I know his family will miss him greatly.I am praying that God will provide you comfort during this sad time and you will cherish your precious memories.Linda"
"John was an extraordinarily giving caring man and will be greatly missed. I worked with him on several business projects with his banking associates and programs in the communities he serve so well. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May God hold him in the palm of His hand........jon ryan"
"Regret that we cannot attend the visitation as we are in Mesa AZ. John was one fine fellow and will be missed. Our sympathies to the family."
"I want to let John's family know how impressed I was with John. Approximately three years ago I joined the Board of Iowa Midwest Insurance Company. Upon my arrival at my first board meeting John immediately came over and introduced himself and welcomed me to the board. I was very impressed with his sincereity and graciousness.Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.Mike CauwelsFarmers State BankHawarden IA"
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"My family extends our sympathies to the Fagerland family. I apologize for not being able to make the visitation or service due to other bank officers being gone for this Easter weekend.I could always count on John having a smile on his face and hearing optimism in his speech. He always made my day whenever I saw him. When I left TCB&T I knew that the opportunity of seeing his smile and hearing the optimism in his voice would be something I would miss. "
"Evelyn we were saddened to read of Johns death. Our prayers are with your family at this time. Del & Bev wulf"
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"So sorry to hear about Johnand thanks to Mindy for informing us. What an interesting person John was. I found his obit very informative as to how he lived his life in a very full capacity.He will be greatly missed by many.We enjoyed out time with him and his family when we traveled to Iowa for the Fagerland Family Reunion many years ago.Our deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends.Roger and Ruth Fagerland"
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"we are so sorry to hear about John having done business for 31 or so years. he was always so friendly and treated us like real friends. well miss him. you are in our prayers. wish we could be there to give you our support.Sue and Arnold"