John Mark TALMAGE

I am the great-grandson of Clarence and Carol Cheney of Hickory Corners, and later, Delton. Clarence was a mechanic back in the day, servicing and driving the Tamarack Valley buses for the Talmage family on occasion. Carol, a founding member of Gull Lake Bible Church, taught Sunday school there for many years. It’s likely that some of the Talmage boys attended her classes years ago. I enjoyed a wonderful relationship with my great grandmother well into my late 30’s. When I met John over 7...

I will always remember my cousin, twice or thrice removed, as Johnny. As barefooted kids we strolled through Midland Park on carefree summer days. While here in Texas, it was John who visited my mother so often in her final weeks and days. Such a kind heart. When I think of Johhny now, he is barefoot again, walking those streets of gold with our sweet Jesus.

Natalie 'Talie' Preston
Dallas, TX

Kim and kids, we are committed to praying for your family and helping in any way that we can. Not a day goes by that we don't think about John and wish we could just pick up the phone and say "hi." John was a good man, good friend, and it was always so obvious how much he loved and cherished his family. He is missed and we look forward to meeting up with him in Heaven someday.

We will cherish our friendship with John and miss him terribly~ you know that Rich thought of him as a "brother".
John's hospitable, generous, thoughtful, enthusiastic heart and spirit were a gift to all who knew him ~ we will treasure one of our final earthly memories of worshiping with you and John on August 30th, which we've since learned was John's last Sunday @ RBC.
God promises to heal the brokenhearted and our hearts are broken for you, for us, but He IS the God of ALL...

Although we only met John a few times at softball, we remember him as a man who loved his family. Our prayers are with you and your children. May you find refuge and strength in our loving Savior.

~The Sundbergs~

We met John 12 years ago. He seemed so together. I got to know him the last half year coaching our sons together. He wasn't just together, he loved the people around him. Landon would come up to bat and John would get on his cell phone to give the other party a play-by-play. Love That! Will miss him.

Bill n Mary

Kim and family, As we as a family have been praying for you this last week, we continue to reflect on what a wonderful person John was and how he will be so greatly missed. He was such a gracious host and loved to have friends come into his home and hang out. His energy, his wisdom, & his encouragement made everyone in the room feel comfortable. Our bible studies/fellowship times are truly cherished. He was a living testimony for Christ and his legacy of love for Jesus continues to live on...

I will never forget the trips to Chicago with John and the dramas we did together. He was like my little brother. He bought my daughter's first hand-made baby quilt for his first baby and was so excited to surprise Kim with it. He was always so cheerful and encouraging. I will miss him greatly. Cheri Fraaza