MASON CITY — John M. Crowe, 88, of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at his home after receiving compassionate care from MercyOne North Iowa Hospice, leaving behind a loving family and a lifetime of service to the community he called home.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Epiphany Parish-Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave. in Mason City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Dave O’Connor officiating. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.
Memorials may be directed to MercyOne North Iowa Hospice or Epiphany Parish-Holy Family Catholic Church.
John was born Aug. 25, 1937, in Waterloo to Virgil and Viola Mullin Crowe. His family moved to Mason City when he was 3 years old, and the community remained his home for the rest of his life.
He graduated from Holy Family High School and went on to begin a long career with the Mason City Post Office. John spent 31 years serving local residents as a mail carrier before retiring in 1995.
On Oct. 26, 1957, John married Elberta Cory. Together they built a life in Mason City, raised two sons and shared nearly 69 years of marriage filled with family, travel, faith and service to others.
John and Elberta remained active members of Holy Family Catholic Church and generously volunteered their time through the church, the Community Kitchen and the Mason City Chamber of Commerce.
During retirement, the couple spent 10 winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they enjoyed warmer weather and new friendships.
Travel was an important part of their life together. John and Elberta enjoyed camping, hiking and exploring new places, eventually visiting every state except Oregon.
John also found happiness in simple everyday pleasures. He enjoyed reading, grilling, listening to music, golfing and riding his bicycle.
A devoted sports fan, he faithfully followed the Minnesota Vikings, Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals.
John had a deep appreciation for nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was also well known among family and friends for his love of peanuts and peanut butter, rarely allowing a day to pass without enjoying one or the other.
Above all, John was proud of his family and the lives they built. He took great joy in their accomplishments and remained deeply interested in each new chapter.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Elberta; his sons, Steve and Chris Crowe, both certified public accountants, and James Crowe, an engineer; his grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Crowe, Benjamin Crowe and his wife, Carol, and Jennifer Crowe and her husband, Sal Ahmed; along with numerous nieces and nephews who remained close to him throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Viola Crowe, and his brothers, Vernon Crowe of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Bob Crowe of Redondo Beach, California.
John will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, faithful church member and dependable public servant whose life was centered on family, community and kindness.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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