John F. Farmer

1933 - 2024

Dec. 10, 1933 – April 28, 2024
STRAWBERRY POINT - John Francis Farmer, 90, of Strawberry Point, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood. He was born on Dec. 10, 1933, in Strawberry Point, the son of Dewey James and Cepha (Steele) Farmer. He was raised in the Strawberry Point area attending kindergarten through eighth grade at Cox Creek School District No. 9, the schoolhouse is now sitting on the family farm and hosting family get-togethers. John graduated from Strawberry Point High School. After graduation John entered the United States Army, serving in Alaska.
On June 6, 1964, John was united in marriage to Kathleen Brownell. To this union eight children were born. John was a dairy farmer for 50 years, retiring in 1993, but continued to help on the farm. He also worked Mondays at the Elkader Sale Barn in the ring for 30 years with his sister and brother-in-law. He was a member of the Strawberry Point American Legion and Saint Mary Catholic Church in Strawberry Point.
When not tending to the family farm John enjoyed hunting and fishing. John was a master euchre player and taught his children and grandchildren to enjoy this pastime. John's pride and joy was his large family. Talking about his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought joy to his face.
Survivors include his eight children, Jay (Lori) Farmer of Strawberry Point, Jeff Farmer of Oelwein, Julie (Brad) Andreae of Arlington, Jill (Mike) Ries of North Liberty, Jeanette (Bruce) Riniker of Winthrop, Janice (Doug) Martins of Fairbank, Joe (Carrie) Farmer of Manchester, and Jerry (Lori) Farmer of Strawberry Point; 24 grandchildren, Levi (Kenzie) Farmer, Emery (Cynthia) Farmer, Nicholas Farmer, Derek Farmer, Kyle (Paige) Andreae, Tyler (Melita) Andreae, Hannah (Bradley) Ware, Abbey (Aiden) Ries, Lauren (Jarret) Ries, Megan Ries, Adam (Leah) Riniker, Alex (Courtney) Riniker, Amanda (Chance) Cook, Alyssa (Kennie) Orr, Alexa Riniker, Garrett Martins, Emily Martins, Lydia Martins, Luke Farmer, Rebecca Farmer, Kaden Farmer, Shannon Farmer, and Kirsten Farmer; seventeen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Leonard of Elkader and Rita Larson of Elkader; and nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Katie Farmer; sisters, Irma (Jim) Leonard, Cecil Ann (Francis) Quinn, brother, Don (Mildred) Farmer, brothers -in-law, Irving Leonard and Don Larson.
Online condolences may be left at www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
Mass of Christian burial with military honors will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 2, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Strawberry Point, with the Rev. John Haugen presiding.
Visitation will be 3 - 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point. Friends may also call Thursday, May 2, at the church from 9 - 10 a.m.
Inurnment will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 3, in the Cass Township Cemetery-Strawberry Point.