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John Joseph O’Leary, 87, passed away peacefully in his Clive home on Dec. 21, 2023, surrounded and cared for by his loved ones.
Memorial services will be held Friday, Dec. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, with a lunch reception following at St. Mary’s Parish Center. As a devout Irishman, John would appreciate those who knew and loved him to raise a cup of coffee or a cold beer in his honor, and share a laugh or two for good measure. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Born on April 15, 1936, in Early to Lawrence and Mary (Drey) O’Leary, John spent his childhood on the family’s Truesdale farm. He graduated from Truesdale High School and later served in the U.S. Army in France for two years.
On June 26, 1965, John married the love of his life, Mary Rupp of Cherokee. Together they raised their two children in Storm Lake where John farmed for 45 years. For over 50 years, he volunteered for St. Mary’s parish cemetery, dedicating countless hours respectfully maintaining the land. In retirement, he fulfilled his dream of snow-birding to Arizona, spending over 20 years playing golf and enjoying evenings with friends at the gazebo. When asked about his well-being, he invariably replied, “You know, I’ve never had it so good.”
His life was devoted to his wife Mary, children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him 'Bapa John.’ He enjoyed his coffee club at Hy-Vee and Sparky's, news reading, weather tracking, sports watching, and, until the end, indulging in Culver’s custard and Mary’s cookies.
Known for his fun-loving nature and wicked sense of humor, John will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Patricia O’Leary and Mary Agnes Flanigan; brother Larry O’Leary; and brother-in-law Jim Flanigan.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary (Rupp) O’Leary; their son Patrick O’Leary (Kim) of Waukee; daughter Suzanne (O’Leary) Sakelaris (Jim) of Santa Fe, N.M.; and grandchildren, Sebastian and Simone O’Leary Lopez. Also surviving are his sister Linda Roxberg (Carl); sister-in-law Phyllis O’Leary; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he cherished.
