John Lane

JOHN LANE

Mount Vernon

Known for his love of the outdoors and the conservation of wildlife, John Joseph Lane, 48, of Paris, Ark., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, at his home.

He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Feb. 14, 1966, to James Ronald and Joyce Irene (Feiereisen) Lane. John graduated from Mount Vernon High School and furthered his education by gaining an associate of science degree at Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville; a bachelor of science degree in fish and wildlife management at Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Ark.; and a master of science in biology (waterfowl ecology) at Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tenn.

John spent his childhood roaming the fields and streams of Iowa, trapping and hunting with his trusty dog, Annie, at his side, braving the freezing winters. He gained the love of the outdoors from his family who wholeheartedly supported his hunting, fishing and educational endeavors. He spent countless hours hunting waterfowl and pheasants, especially at Muskrat Slough near Olin and during his time in Estherville.

John worked on many natural resource projects, from Louisiana to Canada to Alaska for such agencies as the USACE Waterways Experiment Station, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delta Waterfowl Research Station and the Nature Conservancy. He was employed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) as assistant regional supervisor for southwest Arkansas. John was instrumental in restoration efforts at Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area. After leaving the AGFC he was employed by the U.S. Forest Service in Cleveland, Tenn., on the Ocoee Ranger District, specifically working on wildlife management, conservation education and recreation programs.

John returned to Arkansas in 2009, and continued his employment with the U.S. Forest Service, serving as recreation program manager for the Boston Mountain and Mount Magazine Ranger districts until his death. He implemented crucial districtwide recreation plans and advanced partnerships which improved recreation programs within the district.

As part of his work with the U.S. Forest Service, John participated in recovery efforts during hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. He also worked on forest fire details in several states. He had recently returned from California after helping battle one of the largest forest fires in that state's history. These experiences had a great impact on John.

John is survived by his wife, Donna; his two children, Claire and Nova; his parents, Jim and Joyce Lane of Mount Vernon; sister, Jennifer Lane of Cedar Rapids; and sister, Jessica and husband John Robinson, with their sons, Jarrett, Jace, Jentry and Jessen, of West Des Moines.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Eladel Lane and John and Fran Feiereisen, all of Cedar Rapids.

John introduced his children to the great outdoors. Claire loves ducks! Nova loves fish! He taught his children the valuable lessons of caring for the earth, respect for all living things, tolerance and reason, and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them. Simply put, John was a wonderful son, a fine man, an incredible soul, a true friend and an awesome "Papa."

A Celebration of Life is being held at Prairie Oak Lodge at Squaw Creek Park in Marion on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. All family members and friends are invited and appreciated. Following the service there will be time to visit with the family.

Memorials may be directed to the Claire and Nova Hertlein Lane Fund, c/o Mount Vernon Bank & Trust, P.O. Box 188, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.

"If, then, we can live without goose music, we may as well do away with stars, or sunsets, or iliads." – Aldo Leopold