"Mr. Mollenbeck was a rare treasure, kind, strong, hardworking, God fearing and always a gentleman. He was someone to be admired and respected by all. I will never forget him taking me with Amber on my first truck ride in the USA and welcoming me into his home in Chenoa. A Lebanese-indian girl from Kuwait who was Amber's college roommate. He is missed and beloved greatly. "
In loving memory of
John William Mollenbeck
June 28, 1949 - November 15, 2019
John William Mollenbeck, 70, of Latimer, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 15, 2019, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton in Hampton, Iowa, surrounded by his family. He was born June 28, 1949, in Salem, Oregon, to William and Gracie (Niehouse) Mollenbeck.
John graduated from Springfield High School in 1967, then attended Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon from 1967-1969. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973 in the 320th Bombardment Wing.
John was united in marriage to Jean Jurgens on June 21, 1974, at the Zion Reformed Church in rural Sheffield, Iowa. He worked as a machinist and machine operator at Caterpillar for 37 years. John was a member of the American Legion and Zion Reformed Church in Sheffield. He served on consistory at Community Reformed Church in Clinton, Iowa and Zion Reformed Church in Sheffield, Iowa. John enjoyed woodworking, fixing and tinkering, working on cars, model ships when he was younger and collecting and making clocks.
John is survived by his wife Jean Mollenbeck of Latimer, daughter Amber Mollenbeck of Kansas City, Missouri, son Garrett Mollenbeck of St. Ann, Missouri, nephew Darren Gruis, niece Dr. Kirsten Gruis, sister-in-law Sonna (Dick) McMahon of Latimer, sister-in-law Diane (Ken) Bird of Britt, and other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara Gruis and brother-in-law Preston Gruis.