Biwer, John J.

John J. Biwer, 53, of Cedar Rapids died from an extended illness Sunday morning, March 28, 2010 at St. Luke's Hospital with his wife at his side. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Teahen Funeral Home by the Rev. Dr. Leonard Ranson. Burial: 1 p.m. Mount Zion Cemetery, North English. Friends may visit today at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. and again Wednesday after 9:30 a.m.

John is survived by his wife, Darla; mother, Mary Biwer of North English; brother, Robert (Jackie) Biwer of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Lois (Wesley) Showman of South English and Dot (Jim) Van Houser of Coralville; many nieces and nephews; in-laws, Fred and Violet Oswalt of High Amana; two brothers-in-law, Dennis Oswalt of Alpine, Texas and David Oswalt of High Amana; and his dog, a Chow Chow named Ben.

John was preceded in death by his father, Joe, and his Chow Chow, Bear.

John was born December 15, 1956 in Williamsburg, the son of Joe and Mary McGuire Biwer. On November 24, 1990 he married Darla Oswalt at the home of her parents in High Amana. They made their home in Cedar Rapids. John worked at Amana Refrigeration for 32 years, retiring for medical reasons in 2006. After his retirement from Amana he worked part-time at Do It Best Hardware Store in Cedar Rapids. He loved working there and learning from the guys.

John loved cars, especially his 1985 Mustang GT, and attending car shows. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and going to motorcycle hill climbs, races and events.

John's laughter and love for life will be greatly missed by his wife, family and friends.

A memorial fund has been established in John's name.