John Wade

John “Jack” Wade, 91, passed from this life on July 7, 2023, in Madrid. In agreement with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

John “Jack” Wade was born August 8, 1931, outside of Jamaica, Iowa. He was the first child of Roy and Bessie Wade. He graduated from Jefferson High School in May of 1949 and was active in music and athletics. Jack enlisted in the Iowa National Guard on March 8, 1949. He served through several national guard reorganizations retiring as a Master Sargent after 22 years from the 234th Signal Division. He was employed by the Iowa Electric/Alliant Energy Company in June 1949 and retired in 1991 after 42 years.

Jack married Louise Lynn on September 3, 1951; a marriage which lasted 63 years until her death in 2013. To this union, four children were born. He was active in MAD Forum and enjoyed acting and singing in many of the musicals performed. Jack enjoyed camping in his younger days and traveling to nearby sites on bus tours. He enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together and feeding the birds and squirrels outside his home. He was dedicated to his family, church, job and the Iowa National Guard. He was an active volunteer with Cub/Boy Scouts and assisted many with electricity projects and badges. He was a “Do-Dad” at Camp Hantesa and helped build many projects for the Camp Fire Organization. Family meant the world to him and he was most happy when enjoying activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his four children, Paula (Phil) Rush of Marshalltown, John Alan (Janet) Wade of Dyersville, Wendy (Ray) Ortmann of Madrid and Jackie (Dean) Wipperman of Grimes; seven grandchildren Natalie (Brandon) Fritz, Thomas (Sali) Swalla, Marci (Charles) Johnson, Angie (Drew) Anema, Michael (Katie) Wade, Maggie (Brent) Jambor and Stacy (Daniel) Roberts; 21 great-grandchildren, Karina, Kierstan ,Eliana, Mirelli, Silas, Tyrza, Titus, Apollos, Aliya, Lilly, Matthew, Anna, Elizabeth, Andrew, Victoria, Lilah, Esher; Lily Rose, Dahlia, Amos, and Abner and his brother Michael Wade of Stratham, New Hampshire. Jack was preceded into eternal life by his parents, his wife Louise who passed away in 2013, and three great-grandchildren.

A Rosary will be recited on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 9 a.m. followed by visitation until 11 a.m. at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church with a Memorial Mass beginning at 11 a.m. Private family burial at the Fairview Cemetery near Madrid, IA.

The family has respectfully requested that in lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions be made in Jack Wade’s name to: Madrid Home Communities and St. Malachy’s Catholic Church.