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John Onnen Obituary

John Henry Onnen 1926 - 2010 Born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Jack and Irene Onnen, John had a long and full life. At age 17 he enlisted in the United States Naval Air Force but was not called up to serve until after his high school graduation. After the navy he attended Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa, graduating with a BS in chemical engineering. In 1947 he wed Virginia Wise. They moved to St. Louis, Missouri and John worked with Mallinckrodt Chemical Company. In 1951 John joined the Arabian American Oil Company in New York. During his years with Aramco he spent one and a half years at the MECAS School in Shemlan, Lebanon, where he studied and became fluent in Arabic. He had a long career with Aramco, retiring as manager of Oil Supply Planning and Scheduling in 1983. John and Virginia had a life of adventure. Together they explored the deserts of Saudi Arabia, traveled through the Middle East, Europe, the South Pacific, Asia, and returned every two years to renew family ties in Iowa. John left us peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2010 while surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Irene Onnen; his sister, Mary Onnen; and his brother, Robert Onnen of Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Onnen; devoted children, Sally Duncan, Mary Jane Onnen and Ken Bus, Amy and Mike Lynn, Rebecca and Jeff Eichelberger, and Jennifer and David McDaniel; his brother, Richard Onnen; a brother-in-law, Robert Popple; nine grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a private memorial for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be made to Christopher House or charity of choice. Hospice Austin Christopher House, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. Austin, TX 78702

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on May 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

June 16, 2010

I have many fond memories of being neighbors in Ras Tanura . My thoughts are with all of you. Love - Diana Rader Moyle

June 7, 2010

Virginia, Amy, Mike, and the rest of the Onnen Family, We just heard and are very sorry to hear of your loss. It has been a privilege to know John since 1994 when we moved in. We will be contacting you soon. With love, the Mirrop Family

I miss you daddy!

June 2, 2010

Betsey Westuba

June 2, 2010

To All of the Onnen Family,
Good Times Remembered;
I had the opportunity to go on a few of the Onnen family camp outs. These memories have remained vividly etched in my "favorites". On a day trip, we visited the fort outside of Huhuf. Mr. Onnen made friends with a curious local and this hospitable man invited us to his home and served coffee. Mr. Onnen chatted along with this Arabic family and we all felt pefectly comfortable enjoying eachother's company. The weather was cool and there was a gentle breeze coming in the open windows. The aroma of strong Arab coffee used to bring me right back to that day...what a beautiful day and wonderful experience. Families from different cultures sharing life's gifts.
Your dad and husband was a wonderful man and I am so sorry for your loss. I KNOW you have wonderful memories, I was fotunate to be able to share a few. Thank you!
God bless you all and may he help you through your grieving.
With Sympathy,
Betsey Westuba

Bob Luttrell

June 1, 2010

We knew John and his lovely family in Saudi Arabia with Aramco and we wish the family the best. You the family always remember the GOOD times "you all" had together and good luck for the future!

The Luttrells- Robert, Merlow, Robin, Robert, Marlisa & Katherine

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