John F. Last, 81, of Mason City, died Friday (November 30, 2018) at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa, in Mason City.
A Funeral Service for John will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday (December 5, 2018) at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Dan Gerrietts officiating. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery.
A visitation with public viewing will be held on Tuesday evening (December 4, 2018) from 4 pm until 7 pm at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City.
Should friends desire, memorials may be left in John’s name to the Sunrise Rotary Youth Scholarship Program in Mason City.
John Frederick Last was born on June 26, 1937 in Horicon, Wisconsin, the son of Robert and Helen (Lentz) Last. He attended and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1955 before enrolling at the University of Iowa where he studied Business Administration.
In September of 1956 John enlisted in the Unites States Air Force where he served his country until his honorable discharge in January of 1960.
On April 15, 1961 John was united in marriage to Jane Shaw in Ottumwa; together they would be blessed with three children, Cathy, John David, and Robert.
The family moved north to Forest City in 1967 and John began working with Stitch Craft, an affiliation of Winnebago Industries. He began working on the manufacturing line and eventually worked his way to Purchasing Manager. In 1969 the family moved to Northwood after John accepted a position at Carroll George, serving as their Plant Manager.
In 1987 John began working with Beacon Microcenter in Mason City, as was proud to have been one of the first authorized Apple resellers in the state of Iowa. He finished his career with Henningsen Construction working in sales until his retirement.
John was incredibly civic minded and gave countless hours to volunteer work in the communities where he lived. For nearly twenty years he served as a volunteer Fireman with the Northwood Fire Department, holding the title of Chief for many years. Also was active with Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as served in many capacities with First Lutheran Church, including serving on the church board. He was an original member of the Mason City Sunrise Rotary, and served as the District Secretary for District 5970 for countless years and took great pride in his service. He spearheaded many committees throughout his time in Rotary. Many winters John could be found volunteering his time as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.
He was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. In his free time he was an avid golfer and supporter of the North Iowa Bulls.
Those grateful in sharing in John’s life are his children, Cathy Hove, Mason City, John David Last, Ottumwa, and Robert Last, Waukee; his grandchildren, Nicholas Hove, Elsa Last, Zachary Chavez, Micah Chavez, and Joseph Last; his brother, Rev. Michael (Colleen) Last, Mason City; as well as his nieces and nephews and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jane; and his parents, Robert and Helen Last.
