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John Donnelly
JOHN R. DONNELLY
Independence
John R. Donnelly, 95, of Independence, died Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Lexington Estates in Independence.
John was born Nov. 17, 1920, in Westburg Township of Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of Andrew Bernard and Johanna (McGrath) Donnelly. He graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1938 and then graduated from Independence Junior College in 1940. During World War II, Mr. Donnelly served with the Army Air Corps. He attained the rank of sergeant and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. On May 9, 1949, he and the former Ruth Marie Gapinski were married at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence. She preceded him in death in 2012.
Mr. Donnelly was an oil jobber with two service stations. He also worked as a car salesman and operated a soft water company.
He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Independence, Bechter-Boies VFW Post 2440, Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post 40, Wapsipinicon Golf Course and Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and dancing with his wife, Ruth, in his free time.
Mr. Donnelly is survived by a daughter, Kathy (Mark) Mossman of Vinton, four sons, Mike (Deb) Donnelly, Andy (Penny) Donnelly and Richard Donnelly, all of Independence, and Tom (Jackie) Donnelly of Dysart; eight grandchildren, John (Shelley) Mossman, Ben (Katie) Donnelly, Jared (Kelsi) Donnelly, Brian Miller, Brian Hunter, Chris Donnelly, Brittney (Jared) Cunningham and Katie Donnelly; 10 great- grandchildren, Chloe Mossman, Sophie Mossman, Lily Mossman, Kale Wieland, Kayden Donnelly, Brecken Donnelly, Landon Donnelly, Brooks Donnelly, Easton Miller and E.J. Miller; a brother, Leo (Therese) Donnelly of Independence; and a sister-in-law, Helen Donnelly of Independence.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Burns Mossman; and four brothers, Raymond Donnelly, Leonard Donnelly, James Donnelly and Rabbit Donnelly.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 3, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence. The Rev. Donald Plamondon will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call for visitation from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at White Funeral Home in Independence, where a military service begins at 6:30 p.m.
A memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.
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