John G. Cordes

John Gordon Cordes was born May 15, 1918, in rural Lakota, Iowa, the son of John and Reka (Janssen) Cordes. He attended local country schools and was a confirmed member of Ramsey Reformed Church, where he served as deacon, elder and Sunday School Superintendent. On June 24, 1940, John married Marie Louise Anderson of Lakota at Ramsey Reformed Church. They farmed for more than 40 years, including farms at Lone Rock, Ledyard, Titonka and Lakota. They enjoyed farming the land together, while raising dairy cattle, purebred Durocs and other livestock. John also served on various community and agriculture related boards. In 1981, John and Marie retired from farming and built a retirement home in Titonka. During their retirement, they enjoyed fishing, gardening, visiting family and friends and listening to music, especially Band Wagon. John went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2003, at the age of 85. He is survived by his three children and their families: John A. and Sharon Cordes of Greenfield, Missouri; Juanita and Velere Stromer of Klemme, Iowa; Wayne Cordes of Titonka, Iowa; six grandchildren: Andrea Stromer, Jackie Stromer McGrail, Vallie Stromer Martin, Jonathan...[more]

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rdes, Ryan Montgomery, Rhonda Juehring and eight great-grandchildren. Other survivors include brothers and sisters: Margreta Smidt of Belmond, Iowa; Ralph and Gladys Cordes of Pekin, Illinois; Albert Cordes of Forest City, Iowa; Eunice Cordes of Hampton, Iowa, and Bill and Shirley Karels of Burt, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie; brother, Ken and a sister, Rose.