John D. Hogan

John Dennis Hogan was born on the family farm near Morton, Minnesota on June 8, 1927, the fourth child of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lorden) Hogan. He attended a rural school and graduated from Morton High School in 1945. John married Bernadette Elizabeth Neudecker June 4, 1955 and together they were blessed with six children. John farmed in Minnesota until 1968 when his promotion to plant manager with Amoco Oil moved them to Denison, Iowa. For 13 years he was a volunteer fireman in Denison and was the assistant fire chief four of those years. John was an active member of the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since the 1940’s and was promoted to a 4th degree Knight. Over the years he was a lector, usher, Eucharistic minister, funeral meal server, and 22-year member of the cemetery board. He initiated videotaping masses for those who were homebound and established a computer program entering all the cemetery records. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking, and volunteering his time to help others. John’s nephew, Rick, wrote the following which sums up his character, “He was always the one who brought out laughter and fun when he was around and this made him super special. His sharp wit,quick on the draw jokes and pranks have given many great memories and stories to tell.” John was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter (Gina Marie), two brothers (Francis and Leo) and sister (Genevieve Colwell). He is survived by his wife, Bernadette, of 57 years; five children: Timothy (LeAnn) of Shawnee, KS; Thomas (Peggy) of Denison, IA; Kevin (Denice) of Tigard, OR; Colleen Kersey (Randy) of Portsmouth, VA; Michelle Weiss (Denton) of Portsmouth, VA; ten grandchildren (Kate Elliott, Michael Hogan, Annie Hogan, Amber Harrison, Dustin Hogan, Madison Hogan, Cole Kersey, Alec Kersey, Micaela Weiss, and Natasha Huff) eight great grandchildren (Emilee Elliott, Kara Elliott, Savanah Hogan, Andrew Hogan, Laurel Harrison, Linden Harrison, Evan Hogan and Audrey Hogan) and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 16, 2012, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Denison, Iowa, with Father Paul Kelly as Celebrant. Others participating in the mass included Servers: Nick and Cory Miller; Lectors: Kevin Hogan, Denton Weiss and Randy Kersey; Gift Bearers: Tim Hogan and Tom Hogan; and Eucharistic Ministers: Ione Hinners, Martha Paz and Dan Pfannebecker. Music for the mass was provided by St. Rose of Lima Adult Choir singing “O Loving God”, “Prayer of St. Francis”, “You Are Mine” and “The Irish Blessing” with Judy Thams serving as accompanist. Immediately following the mass the family invited everyone to join them in the Parish Center for a luncheon prepared and served by the St. Rose of Lima Ladies Guild.