John Arnold Voaklander, age 71, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at his home in Osage.
John was born on November 25, 1952, in Osage, the sixth child of Clark and Mary (Dargan) Voaklander. John was raised on a family farm near Little Cedar. John was just 5 years old when his father died. The family continued to live on the farm for several years. In 1969 John moved to Osage with his mother and younger brother. He attended school in Little Cedar, Mitchell, and Osage, graduating from Osage High School in 1971. In his early years he worked as a mechanic at Olson Motors in Osage. When John was no longer able to work due to various health issues, he used his mechanical skills to keep his car, mowers, and household appliances in working order. John used his creativity to craft many useful objects, combining wood and metal to furnish and decorate his home. In his spare time, you may also find him fishing, gardening, or hunting.
John is survived by his sister, Rebecca (Richard) Brown of Stacyville; brothers, Joel (Judy) Voaklander of Osage, Jeffrey (Julie) Voaklander of Osage; sister-in-law, Alverna of Belle Plaine, MN., along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, James and David Voaklander; his sister Ann and her husband Robert Williams.
Friends and classmates will fondly remember John as “Hoss.”
A celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the American Legion, Osage, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Champion Funeral Home of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schroederfuneralhomes.com.
