John A Losenicky Jr.

John Albert Losenicky Jr., 77, of Des Moines, IA, embarked on his final adventure on September 18, 2023 after a short 3-month battle with brain cancer. He was born May 13, 1946, in Garrison, Iowa and graduated Class of 1964 from Marion High School in Marion, Iowa.

A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, John served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force as a Weapons Mechanic during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Nevada and California and completed two tours to Thailand where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. His military service exemplified his patriotism and commitment to duty, acting as an inspiration for his son and granddaughter to also serve.

Following his military service, John embarked on a successful career as a plumber and eventual master plumber, later became a plumbing teacher where he shared his knowledge and skills with aspiring plumbers. He had a knack for fixing things and teaching others the tricks of the trade. With a wrench in one hand and a textbook in the other, John left an indelible mark on the plumbing world.

When he wasn't tinkering with pipes, John had a few hobbies that brought him immense joy. John loved traveling with his wife Nancy, being the go-to everything tech support for his children Scott & Carey and building models, erector sets, and sharing his wealth of knowledge with his grandchildren Chloe, Emily, Jack, Logan, & Maggie. He loved listening to folk music, Abba, The Eagles and playing his guitar. He was a sharpshooter extraordinaire, collecting guns and hitting the bullseye with precision from ammo he reloaded. Additionally, John loved reading Science Fiction and History. And let's not forget his culinary prowess - John's kitchen was his kingdom, where he whipped up dishes that could rival any restaurant, cooking for his loved ones, infusing every dish with his love and care.

John leaves behind a legacy of love and happiness. Survived by his lifetime love of more than 50 years, Nancy of Des Moines, IA; his son, Scott and his wife Kellie and their children Emily and Logan of Stephens City, VA; his daughter, Carey Scheffler, her husband John and their children Chloe Pemoulie (Brandon), Jack, and Maggie of Des Moines, IA; his sister, Shirley Bretthauer (Wilbur) of Marion, Iowa; his brother-in-law, Roger Swanson (Barbara) of Brooklyn Park, MN; and his sister-in-law, Jane Swanson (Terry) of Indianola, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews scattered across the US and Japan. He was preceded in death by his father, John Sr.; mother, Betty (Trnka); sister, Elizabeth Byse (Robert); and brother-in-law, Terry Swanson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 15, 2023, from 2-4pm at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This gathering will be an opportunity for family and friends to come together to honor John's memory, share stories of his life, and raise a glass in his honor.

John was a true family man, a man of many talents, a hero in his own right, always ready to lend a hand to loved ones and neighbors alike. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His selflessness, culinary talents, and dedication to his family and country will forever be cherished. As we bid him farewell on this final journey, may his spirit roam freely, forever keeping an eye on his family and the kitchen ensuring that his legacy lives on. Rest in peace, dear John, and may your adventures continue in the great beyond.