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BORN
1964
DIED
2011
John Wardlaw Obituary
John was born on Jan. 30, 1964. He is the son of Jim and Becky Wardlaw of Waverly.
John graduated from Waverly Shell-Rock Senior High School in 1983. He attended Hawkeye Community College and graduated in 1994.
John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and after eight years of service, was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
The past 13 years John worked at the MTC and OSU Marion Campus.
On Nov. 24, 1999, John married Erica (Boger) Wardlaw and she survives him.
He is also survived by his three children, John H. Wardlaw (Larue), Jarred M. Wardlaw (Cardington, Ohio) and Mackenzie R. Wardlaw (Cardington, Ohio); the yellow lab Abby who laid in bed with John when he was sick; his parents, Jim and Becky Wardlaw of Waverly; one sister, Pauline Arns of Waverly; two brothers, Clifford Wardlaw of Minneapolis, Minn., and Robert (Leigh Ann) Wardlaw of Denver Colo.; mother-in-law, Sharon Boger; brother and sister in laws, Bryant (Lauri) Mosher of Marengo and Scott (Dawn) Crum of Cardington, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by grandparents, Ben and Pauline Roque of Pueblo, Colo., and Clifford Wardlaw and Amanda Cobb of Seneca, S.C.; father-in-law Mannas Boger of Cardington, Ohio, and many aunts and uncles.
John was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church Windfall. He was a serious Iowa Hawkeye fan and a devoted father and husband. He enjoyed fishing with his family at the Boger Pond. John will miss all of his friends at work, especially Ron Turner, Phil Beltz and Melissa Levings, who helped him get in the door.
In lieu of flowers, John ask that on a warm sunny day you call into work sick, pull your kids out of school, turn off all electronic devices and go fishing! If you don't have any kids, take your wife or best friend.
Friends may call on the family at Gompf Funeral Home in Cardington on Friday, July 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church Windfall with Rev. Adam Sornchai officiating. Full military honors will be observed.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of John Wardlaw to the SACC (School Age Child Care) program at River Valley Schools, Marion, Ohio. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gompffh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Wardlaw
July 18, 2011
My prayers go out to Johns family I cant imagine the pain they must feel losing someone so young. I have fragmented memories of John from Jr High and High School. Most focus around football. John and I were linebackers our freshman and sophmore year competing for lead tackler on the team. We had some great times then. I remember him playing running back in practice once and I of course was playing linebacker and he put a hit on me that I still remember. To this day....every time I see a real hard hit in a football game I think back to that hit he put on me. God Bless You John. See you when I see you again.
Randy Sells (Waverly Shell Rock Class of 83)
Norwalk, Iowa
Roy Alvarado
July 13, 2011
Heartfelt condolences to the amazing Wardlaw family. John and his family befriended our family when we first moved to Waverly in 1974. We pray for peace for the families. Aloha John Wardlaw!!!
July 12, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wardlaw family. I remember John always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed. While they say that time heals all wounds, the healing really comes from the sharing and cherishing of all the fond memories.
Rod Arends - WSR Class of '81
Harriet Laird
July 12, 2011
I remember John's laughter and smile from high school. My prayers are with you during this tough time.
Tara Carnesi (williams)
July 12, 2011
I went to high school with John, his smile and contagious laughter will always be remembered. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Scott Henze
July 12, 2011
To The Wardlaw Family
I haven't spoke with any of you in years. I miss you all, my thoughts and prayers are with you ... A friend for life.
Scott Henze
mark ott
July 12, 2011
so sorry to here of your loss,he will be sorely missed.
Barb Congrove
July 11, 2011
To the Wardlaw families I am so sorry for your loss. John was great friend to me and I will miss him dearly. We had so much fun at work he could always make me laugh. Just remember I am always here for you all. Barb Congrove
Shea Francis
July 9, 2011
I went to high school with John and remember him as a guy with a big personality and a big heart to match. My prayers go out to your family.
July 8, 2011
John was a good friend to me and many more no doubt, great husband to his loving wife, and wonderful father to his children. What better legacy can one leave on this earth? We pray for his loving family and all who's lives he touched.
Scott, Keira, Reagan & Trace Kelly
andrea hazen
July 8, 2011
My condolescences to the Wardlaws. Although I didn't know them personally, I was proud and honored to assist with set up for his benefit in April with Dawn. I have heard wonderful things about John and saddened to hear of his passing. RIP John and glad you are at peace and in God's hands.
July 8, 2011
John is a great man who is worthy of all the respect in the world. Erica, John, Jarred, and Mackenzie, we are always here for you and love you!
Dave, Michelle, Eli and Addie Rawlins
Karyl Kincaid-Noel
July 8, 2011
To the Wardlaw families:
The Kincaid and Noel families send our deepest sympathy to all of you. John was a huge part of my life for many years. I still remember those years fondly and smile when I look back on them.
My prayers are with you all. May God comfort you and gently dry your tears. God bless you and Godspeed John - sweet spirit.
Karyl Kincaid-Noel
Greg Kemper
July 8, 2011
Very sad to hear the news today. John was a great friend all through school to many of us and he will be missed. His big personality, sense of humor and his willingnes to give and take the friendly needling made him fun to be around. Lots of bus rides and sports team memories will be revisited by his many friends. John was good to a great many people. My condolences to the Ohio and Iowa Wardlaws.
Greg & Suzanne Kemper
St. Paul, MN
Lori Jones-Williams
July 8, 2011
What a sad day. The world and class of 83 lost a fabulous classmate and friend and heaven gained an angel. RIP and god speed John.
Doug Lindeman
July 8, 2011
John will be missed dearly, my condolences to the family and to his parents.
Diane (Demuth) Hudson
July 8, 2011
I too went to high school with John... How can this be? I have so many special memories with John... This world will miss him dearly but those in heaven will welcome him with open arms...... thank you John for all the love and memories.............
Deb "Groth" Campbell
July 7, 2011
Dear Erica and Family~
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Words seem so very small at a time like this.
I was a classmate and friend of John's from Waverly. John and I spent many nights talking about life and where it might take us. I am so very happy to hear where John's path took him. I so wish I could have reconnected with him!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all... John will sadly be missed but not forgotten!
My thoughts and prayers to you all...
As always~
Deb "Groth" Campbell
Carol Peck
July 7, 2011
So many memories with John growing up. Lots of laughter and fun times through our school years. John trying to teach me to drive his truck, which I'm sure he still regrets! Only the fondest memories of him and heart felt sympathy for the families. The only consolation is that he's in a better place now. God bless you John.
Kathy Zwosta
July 7, 2011
This saddens me so much. John was a genuine nice guy. He will be greatly missed by many. My condolences to his family
Lori Schwartz-Cahoon
July 7, 2011
I went to high school with John. Even then he was known for his humor. My memories of John is always laughing and smiling. I am so sad to hear of his passing. God has a wonderful angel with him now. If I know John, he is up in heaven telling jokes and making everyone laugh.
K Mulvaine
July 6, 2011
John was a great guy that will long be remembered by so many of us for his sense of humor, hard work, and the bravery and courage he displayed as he fought for his life. May God bless his family and help them through their grief by keeping warm memories of John close to their hearts. RIP John.
David Milliron
July 6, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to his family..
R.I.P.JOHN
Dwight Murphy
July 6, 2011
I had the privilege of working on several projects at OSUM with John over the past several years. He was a man of honor and integrity and was a pleasure to work with. Thoughts and prayers to the Wardlaw family for the loss of a great man. He will be missed
July 6, 2011
RIVER ROCK REHAB EMPLOYEES HAVE YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS..
July 6, 2011
You were and still are an inspiration! - Susan Cotterman (MTC)
Susan Konves
July 6, 2011
Erica and family,
My heart goes out to you. I worked with John at MTC and he kept me laughing, even about his prosthetic leg. I miss him. I admire the grace and courage he had on his journey. God bless you!
Jean Thomas
July 6, 2011
God be with you!
Bruce Lautzenheiser
July 6, 2011
I will miss you big guy. You where my go to guy here at OSUM. Semper Fi all the way.
Bruce the 'mathguy'
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