John Fobian

JOHN FOBIAN

Iowa City

John Paul Fobian, 85, of Iowa City, passed away Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, of a broken heart. A celebration of John's life will be held Friday, Sept. 25, at 1:30 p.m. at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch.

Burial with military honors will take place at West Branch Cemetery. Visitation will be Thurs-day, Sept. 24, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home in West Branch.

Online condolences may be sent to www.henderson

barkerfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Hospice Compassus or West Branch Fire and Rescue.

John was born Nov. 12, 1929, in Cedar County, Iowa, to John and Ane (Petersen) Fobian. After graduating from West Branch High School in 1948, John joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War as a corporal from 1951 to 1953.

On Dec. 12, 1954, John married Marlene (Schimpf) Fobian in McKeesport, Pa. He then brought her back to the West Branch area and later to their home east of Iowa City. They farmed together side by side for 58 years, along with their children. When Marlene passed away in July 2012, she took John's heart with her.

John had a handshake better than any politician. He loved to talk farming, comparing yields, field conditions and the weather.

John was a mentor to many, teaching and sharing his knowledge of machinery repair and his admiration for John Deere machinery and Pioneer seed.

John enjoyed visiting with everyone, old friends and new, and he was extremely proud of each of his children, grandchildren and their spouses. His great- grandchildren always put a smile on his face.

John is survived by his children, Kenny (Linda) Fobian, Iowa City, Carol (John) Schneider, Lone Tree, Robert (Maria) Fobian, Iowa City, and Larry (Jean) Fobian, Iowa City. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Jessica Lange, Jason Schneider, Matt (Carrie) Schneider, Courtney (Andy) Eckrich, Dustin Fobian, Kelsi (Aaron) Lynch, Jake Fobian, Molly (Clay Embree) Fobian, Rachel, Natalie and Danny Fobian; great-grandchildren, Rylan, Ashlynd Lange, Bryson and Kendall Eckrich, Cole and Callie Schneider and Carter Lynch; a brother, Carl Fobian of West Branch; and a sister, Mary Meade of West Liberty.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; son, Michael John, who was 16; his parents; a sister, June Poland; and a great-grandson, Oxen Eckrich.

A heartfelt thank-you is extended to Bickford Cottage staff and Hospice Compasses for the care they provided to John and our family.

Please join the family at Kenny and Linda's, 5363 American Legion Rd., Iowa City, for a continuation of the celebration of John's life on Friday after the service.