John Francis Farmer

John Francis Farmer, 90, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood. He was born on December 10, 1933, in Strawberry Point, the son of Dewey James and Cepha (Steele) Farmer. John was raised in the Strawberry Point area attending kindergarten through eighth grade at Cox Creek School District #9. John later purchased the family farm and the property which included his country school house. The school house, now named in his honor by his children, hosts family get-togethers. John graduated from Strawberry Point High School.

On June 6, 1964, John was united in marriage to Kathleen Brownell. To this union eight children were born. John was a dairy farmer for 50 years, retiring in 1993, but continued to help on the farm. Additionally, John worked at the Elkader Sales Barn, owned and operated by his sister and brother-in-law, during their Monday livestock sales for 30 years. John's children have fond memories of adventures when it was their turn to join on sales day. He was a member             of the Strawberry Point American Legion and Saint Mary Catholic Church in Strawberry Point.

When not tending to the family farm, John enjoyed hunting and fishing. John was a master euchre player and taught his children and grandchildren to enjoy this pastime. John’s pride and joy was his large family. Talking about his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought joy to his face.

Survivors include his eight children, Jay (Lori) Farmer of Strawberry Point, Jeff Farmer of Oelwein, Julie (Brad) Andreae of Arlington, Jill (Mike) Ries of North Liberty, Jeanette (Bruce) Riniker of Winthrop, Janice (Doug) Martins of Fairbank, Joe (Carrie) Farmer of Manchester, Jerry (Lori) Farmer of Strawberry Point, and the children’s mother, Kathleen; 24 grandchildren, Levi (Kenzie) Farmer, Emery (Cynthia) Farmer, Nicholas Farmer, Derek Farmer, Kyle (Paige) Andreae, Tyler (Melita) Andreae, Hannah (Bradley) Ware, Abbey (Aiden) Ries, Lauren (Jarret) Ries,  Megan Ries, Adam (Leah) Riniker, Alex (Courtney)  Riniker, Amanda (Chance) Cook, Alyssa (Kennie) Orr, Alexa Riniker, Garrett Martins, Emily Martins, Lydia Martins, Luke Farmer, Rebecca Farmer, Kaden Farmer, Shannon Farmer, and Kirsten Farmer; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Leonard of Elkader and Rita Larson of Elkader; and nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Katie Farmer; sisters, Irma (Jim) Leonard and Cecil Ann (Francis) Quinn; brother, Don (Mildred) Farmer; and brothers-in-law, Irving, Leonard, and Don Larson.

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