John M. Parsonage
October 31, 1959 - May 7, 2023

John Michael Parsonage Jr., 63, of Ames passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone.

John was born in New Port, Rhode Island on October 31, 1959, to John Parsonage Sr. and Frances (Fleming) Parsonage. He grew up in New Port where he attended school at St. Mary's Catholic School. John later moved to Hawaii where he met the love of his life Bernadette "Bernie" Daos, and the couple was married in 1986. He and Bernie later moved to Iowa and settled in Ames where he made his career as a carpenter and was an active member of the Des Moines Carpenter's Union.

For those who knew John (Johnny to his friends) he lived hard and played hard. He beat cancer a couple of years ago, and although this slowed him down, he still would not hesitate to lend a helping hand to his friends or family (especially if beer was included!). When he was not working, he enjoyed fishing (and he had the best fishing stories), golfing, and watching his son Bryce's sporting events. He was also a huge fan of the Iowa State Cyclones and the New England Patriots, and could be found at Sportsman's Lounge watching the big games with his friends.

John will be missed by his wife of 37 years, Bernie Parsonage and their young son Bryce; other children, Chanelle Parsonage, Cassy Potthoff, Joseph Tomaszycki Jr, Robert Tomaszycki (Rae), Steven Tomaszycki, and Shaunna Smith; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, David (Mo) Parsonage, Kevin Parsonage, and Lynn (Bruce) Cable; and many friends and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Ann Marie Parsonage.

A celebration of life visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Ames Monument & Cremation Center, 717 E. Lincoln Way in Ames. John's family encourages you to wear your Iowa State or favorite team gear.

Following the visitation, family and friends will gather at Sportsman's Lounge in Ames for food and refreshments (Just the way he would want it).

Condolences and memories of John may be shared with his family on his tribute page.

Tributes