John "Jack" W. Larew

John “Jack” William Larew, 98, of Lone Tree, IA, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the Lone Tree Health Care Center.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Lone Tree.  Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery, with military rites provided by the Lone Tree American Legion Post 457.  Following the committal service, fellowship with light refreshments will be held at the Lone Tree American Legion.  Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Lone Tree is caring for Jack’s family and arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Lone Tree American Legion Post 457 or Mary’s Farm Sanctuary, 5630 Wapello Ave SE, Lone Tree, IA, 52755.

John William Larew, Jr. was born on December 27, 1926, the son of John W. Larew Sr. and Ethen L. (Stonebarger) Larew.  He was a 1944 graduate of Lone Tree High School.  Following high school, Jack enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 – 1946, serving in the Pacific.  On February 4, 1950, Jack was united in marriage to Norma M. Eden in Iowa City.  He began his lifelong career as a farmer in 1949.  Jack was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Lone Tree, a 76-year member and last living WWII member of the Lone Tree American Legion Post 457 and also a member of the Moose of Iowa City. 

Jack shared his irresistible smile and gift of humor with everyone he met. His stories, memories, and quick wit entertained and enlightened those around him. Stories of growing up in the 30’s and 40’s and his time served in the Pacific during WWII were favorites. If anyone ever needed a hand, they knew Jack would be there to help.

In their earlier days, Jack and Norma enjoyed going to dances, getting together with friends to play cards, and bowling night with the Lone Tree crowd at Colonial Lanes. Later in life their favorite past time was going for rides together. Jack and Norma loved to travel and spent many happy trips with their children and grandchildren. Family reunions in Colorado were a favorite. Learning to downhill ski in Colorado at age 64 was legendary. As a big Iowa Hawkeye fan, he always stayed glued to the TV during games. And having coffee and shooting the breeze with the guys uptown was a nice break from his routine. Jack knew the importance of caring for the land that he farmed and the livestock that he raised and he made a good life for his family.

In retirement, without the worry about the weather and crops, he fully embraced a more carefree lifestyle. One of the things he missed about getting older was no longer being able to play golf. He grew beautiful flowers at home and for the past several years, he cared for the flowers at the Lone Tree Care Center where he lived. He loved animals, especially yellow Labs, horses, and his cattle. He enjoyed bacon and having ice cream at Yotties, but not at the same time!

Jack’s family will cherish many wonderful memories of their Poppa and Momma. The loving care their parents shared with each other was a reflection of their devotion and love for each other and their children and a symbol of their long marriage. When Poppa felt we were being too serious, he always found a way to tease a smile back on our faces. He always wanted us to have a fun time together and we did. 

Jack will be deeply missed by his children, Terri Bianchi of Surprise, Arizona, Cheri (Fred) Thompson of Highland Park, Illinois and Denise (Ken) Robertson of Corvallis, Oregon; four grandchildren, Matthew (Jessie) Robertson, Jared (Heather) Robertson, Danielle Larew and Jackie (Beau) Hanisch; five great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Hester Larew, of Lone Tree and his nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma; son, John William III; twin brother, Jim Larew and sister, Jean Gumtow.

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