Obituary for John Robert VanDenover

John Robert VanDenover, 70, of West Liberty, died on September 22, 2021. He was born on January 24, 1951, in Oelwein, Iowa to parents James VanDenover and Ruth (VanDenover) Kobey.

John was a devoted father with his grandkids being his pride and joy. He loved to spend time with them and teach them things about the world. John grew up in Oelwein, graduated from Oelwein High School in 1969, and attended the University of Northern Iowa. He enjoyed helping in the family jewelry store as a young man and spent time working in a variety of industries throughout his lifetime including industrial manufacturing and transportation. He would often go out of his way to help others and has made many life-long friends through his altruism. John was a passionate gun enthusiast and spent time as an officer for his local gun range.

 

John is survived by his mother, Ruth; partner, Jan Jungjohan; children, Jaison (Julie) VanDenover, Tess (Nicholas) Walker, and Eric (Fallon) Shakespeare; grandchildren Piper, Elliott, and Evander; siblings Ann (Mike) Roth, Linda (Dean) Benter, Nancy Pierce, and David (RaeDean) VanDenover; and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim; and brother-in-law, Steve.

 

Kind words and memorials can be sent to John’s family at 2300 Grande Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. A private service will be held by his family in October.