John, or “Ike” by his family and friends, was born Oct. 17, 1932 in Humphrey, Neb. John went to school there in Humphrey at St. Francis Catholic School. A short time after graduating, he enlisted into the Coast Guard and was honorably discharged from the military on May 5, 1955.

He then enrolled into The University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Neb. and received a BS in Geology.

He met Berneice Helen Beck on the dance floor in Norfolk, Neb. and married her on Aug. 31, 1957. They have been happily married now for 66 years. At the time, he was looking for work as a geologist, but there were no jobs available.

He went through several jobs until he found a sales job with Sylvania and realized his calling was in sales. They moved to San Antonio, Texas, and he started his own business “Lighting Agents” and owned it until he retired at age 67. After retiring, he would drive vehicles all over Texas for various car dealerships for many years.

Ike and Bernie were founding parishioners of St. Matthew Catholic Church. They were very involved with the church and he with the Knights of Columbus where he always made his “Ike’s beans” for many church events.

Ike had many hobbies and enjoyed life. He was an avid bird hunter and made many trips back to Nebraska to go pheasant hunting. He loved gardening and planted his vegetable garden at “Lake Eisenmenger” every year and usually gave it all to the San Antonio Food Bank or other charitable organizations. He loved to dance and would show off his “jitterbug” moves on the dance floor. He loved football and his “Cornhuskers”, even though they usually lost. And of course, he loved his beer and to sing “There’s no tomorrow” at family gatherings!

Ike was preceded in death by his parents Mark and Florence, sister Doris and brother Dan. He is survived my his wife Berneice and his sons; Michael and wife Lupita and family, David and wife Jeanette and family, and Tony and wife Cherie and family. He is also survived by sisters Ann and husband Ron Denkinger, Lenore Wemhoff and Rita and husband Sonny Herink and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Viewing, Rosary and Funeral Mass was on March 12, 2024 at St. Matthew Catholic Church; Viewing was at 9 a.m., Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m.

A reception followed immediately after in the parish hall. Interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2 p.m. Cemetery.