John Crawford

John Robert Crawford, 90, of Rhodes, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Bickford of Marshalltown. No services are planned at this time.
John was born in Grinnell, Iowa, on April 8, 1935, to William and Eva (Flanagan) Crawford. He grew up on a farm near Gilman with his two brothers and his sister. John attended school at Gilman Newburg High School, where he graduated with the class of 1953. Following school, he worked as a carpenter for a couple of years before getting hired on at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown. John married Betty Pyle, and the couple moved north of Baxter and began their family together. John began farming in 1968, but often worked multiple jobs. He retired from Fisher Controls in 1976 and then became a school bus driver for Baxter Schools in 1977. After 23 years of driving bus he retired. John retired from farming after 32 years, in 2000 as well. In retirement, John took on more carpentry jobs. One of his biggest carpentry accomplishments was building his own log home. In 2022, John moved to Bickford of Marshalltown, where he enjoyed spending time with his friends, the activities, and the food.
John was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in State Center and Unit Lodge #520 in Baxter.
John enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, John Deere tractors, working on puzzles, and karaoke.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Tim Crawford of Brooklyn, Iowa and Cheryl (Ray) Sarsi of Mississippi; grandchildren Katie (Jim) Gjerde and Ryan Crawford; great-grandchildren Connor, Bentley, Shelby, and Isla; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, brothers Carl (Joann) Crawford and Don (Shirley) Crawford, and sister Joan (Dick) Svendsen.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church in State Center.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of John and his family.