John Kerber

John Kerber obituary, Emmetsburg, IA

John Kerber

John Kerber Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 9, 2022.

In Loving Memory
John Kerber
June 15, 1936 - November 5, 2022

John's funeral service will be live streamed on Martin-Mattice Facebook page.

VISITATION
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Thursday, November 10, 2022
10:30 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Lana Williams

INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa


Edgar John Kerber, son of Fred and Arlene (Scott) Kerber, was born June 15, 1936 in Spirit Lake, Iowa.  He received his education in Emmetsburg, graduating from Emmetsburg High School in 1954.  Following graduation, John attended Iowa State University for a semester before transferring to Cornell University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in animal science with a certificate to teach.

On December 28, 1957 John was united in marriage to Virginia Field.  They were blessed with four children.  John and Virginia made their home in Indiana before returning to Emmetsburg where John taught science in the public school system.  After Virginia’s death in 1996, John was married to Iveta (Fee) Vondrak on September 4, 1999 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg.


John Kerber was a tireless builder and promoter.


During the '60s, John (along with his brother Phil) took over managing Kerber Milling Company, which had been founded by their father, Fred, in 1922. At that time, the company was grinding oats for flour and selling mostly to bakeries.  During the depression they discovered a niche in grinding oat hulls and shipping them out on rail cars.  The mill later developed into a livestock feed company.  By the mid-90s, John had bought out his brother, and agriculture was changing rapidly.  Small companies like Kerber Milling, along with their traditional family farming customers, were being pushed aside in favor of large integrated producers.  John responded by transforming the business, reinventing it as a family of affiliated partnerships with those customers—dubbed the Hawkeye Sow System—that collectively boasted integrated operations with the size and scale they needed to compete with the giants of the industry.  As a result, both the mill and its customers not only survived, but thrived, and John was respected by some of the leading experts in the field, as well as the producers that were both his customers and his partners.


John was also, literally, one of the founding fathers of Emmetsburg wrestling.  He organized the first Little E'Hawk tournament (now approaching its 52nd year), and it instantly became one of the biggest and best kids' tournaments in the Midwest, drawing wrestlers from across the country.  He led trips to camps and tournaments from coast to coast--with cars, RVs, buses, and even a train packed with wrestlers, coaches and families.  The program he helped to build has since produced dozens of state individual and team titles for the E-Hawks.


And of course, John loved horse racing, the Chicago Cubs, and Emmetsburg.  For as long as he could manage the travel, he drove to Chicago for weekends at Wrigley Field, or Arlington Park, or both.  His final racing trip came only a few weeks ago, when he journeyed to Kentucky with Iveta, Mark, Lori and Jill to see two of his horses run.  And, throughout his life, he was always willing to support hometown charities, donating and organizing for the benefit of the Methodist Church, the little league baseball field, the Fourth of July fireworks, and The Shores at Five Island, among other local causes.


John passed away peacefully in his own home--just as he intended--on November 5, the 26th anniversary of the death of his first wife, Virginia, of cancer.  Fittingly, he had watched the Breeders Cup horse races that afternoon.


He is survived by his wife, Iveta of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his children, Mark (Karen) Kerber of Highland Park, Illinois, Lori Kerber of Salem, Wisconsin, Jeff (Robin) Kerber of Copper Canyon, Texas, Jill (Larry) Graham of Milford, Iowa, Ronnette Vondrak of West Des Moines, Iowa, David (Terri) Vondrak, retired Navy, Doug (Jennifer) Vondrak of Lake View, Iowa and Mike (Molly) Vondrak of Schaller, Iowa; twenty grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home

Sign John Kerber's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 15, 2022

Mary "Marni" Hammill Rund posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2022

Curt & Karen Reid posted to the memorial.

November 10, 2022

Maureen Horsley posted to the memorial.

Mary "Marni" Hammill Rund

November 15, 2022

I worked for John and Phil at Kerber Milling in the late 60's. Really enjoyed my time there, and I remember trying to babysit the kids in a motel room in Omaha when Ginny and John were are something horse-related. RIP my friend.

Curt & Karen Reid

November 12, 2022

We knew John through our son-in-law, Justin. Aside from John's business accomplishments and impact on his community, John was the patriarch of a fine family. We're thankful for his life and the legacy he leaves behind. Condolences to the Kerbers and all who loved and respected John.

Maureen Horsley

November 10, 2022

May you cherish the memories. Sympathy, Maureen n Joel

Laurie and Mike Coleman

November 9, 2022

Laurie and Mike Coleman

November 9, 2022

Laurie and Mike Coleman

November 9, 2022

Laurie and Mike Coleman

November 9, 2022

We will truly miss you. Thank you for your friendship and generosity. You and Iveta made a difference in our lives.

Kim Ruehle

November 9, 2022

Boss John I could say so much about the knowledge I learnt from you to the fun trips and may other things. But there is only one thing I want you to know is that you took a piece of my heart with you. RIP Boss John.

Laurie Holtz

November 9, 2022

John was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He and Iveta were always wanting to share their experiences and zest for life with those they encountered. One experience stands out in my mind always. What I thought was just a sightseeing trip while in Zihuantanejo with them, turned into something so much more. We took loads of school supplies to the children in their dirt huts. The smiles that new supplies brought to these children were priceless. John was so taken back that there were no doors on their restrooms. I am sure it was one of the first things he addressed when he returned to the states. I will miss his cockeyed grin, twinkle in his eye and joy of his presence. Rest in peace with no more pain my friend. Laurie

Madelyn Vondrak

November 9, 2022

Always enjoyed the songs you would create and sing to me, the oysters in hot springs, and teaching me everything about horse races. Forever thankful for all of our memories, rest in piece grandpa I love you.

Deb Kauffman-Watson

November 8, 2022

Extending heartfelt condolences to the Kerber family. Our family spent so many years celebrating the love of wrestling with the Kerbers and so many other families. I’m sure John and dad are talking about the wrestling days!

Mike and Laurie Coleman

November 8, 2022

As we pass through life we encounter thousands of people, few leave footprints and memories to cherish for all time. Rest in peace my friend.

John Peters

November 8, 2022

John enriched the lives of his employees with fairness and generously. Condolences to all his family.

Tim Seaman

November 8, 2022

Condolences to Mark, Jeff, Lori and Jill and all your families. So many many memories as neighbors. Thinking of you all as another chapter begins. God bless!!

Great run #4 at the Texas Derby

Steve & Tammy Post

November 7, 2022

Great time at the Texas Derby!

Steve & Tammy Post

November 7, 2022

Steve & Tammy Post

November 7, 2022

Always enjoyed your visits, invitations, and your company. You will be missed.

Luke Kollasch

November 7, 2022

There is a story for every day of John’s life . Business, Sports , Horse Racing and Family . John truly lived with Passion and Conviction for his beliefs. I trust the Kerber Family can celebrate John’s Life . God Bless the entire Kerber Family .Luke Kollasch, Morristown , New Jersey

Roger Pieratt

November 7, 2022

My condolences to the Kerber family

Richard and Mary Kozloski

November 7, 2022

Dear Feever and family, Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We have many fond and fun memories of John and our hope is your memories will bring peace and joy to you in the coming days, months and years. Love to a special Angel friend.

Cara, Emily, and Wyatt Kreutner

November 7, 2022

John was Avery nice man and I'm glad I had a chance to meet him. I'm so sorry for your loss

Jim Stene

November 7, 2022

Very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jim & Jan Stillman

November 7, 2022

Our sympathy to you all. Jim had John as a teacher in junior high and then drove a feed truck as a summer job. Our prayers for you

Lori McLaughlin

November 7, 2022

Prayers, hugs, condolences to your family. I hope your dad and my dad ( Bert Louscher) are sharing a reunion moment in heaven.

Marcella Frevert

November 7, 2022

Iveta , Mark, Jeff, Lori, Jill and Families,
You have our sincere sympathy, Bill&Marcie Frevert

Betty Drew

November 7, 2022

John was a great A great promoter of the community Rip John

Richard Fisher

November 7, 2022

John was a progressive leader in the feed industry. He was a innovative business person who helped develop the modern feed and swine industries. He will be missed.

Jack and Toots Justis

November 7, 2022

God bless John and all who have known and loved him

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Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg

704 Grand Avenue, Emmetsburg, IA 50536

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Sign John Kerber's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 15, 2022

Mary "Marni" Hammill Rund posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2022

Curt & Karen Reid posted to the memorial.

November 10, 2022

Maureen Horsley posted to the memorial.