John Metzger

John “Johnny” Metzger was born on June 1, 1921 to George and Louisa (Martie) Metzger at rural Elgin, IA. He attended school at Lime Kiln Country School, rural Elgin.

John passed away March 9, 2014 at Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, IA.

John married Viola Howard on May 1, 1942 at the parsonage of the First Baptist Church, Elgin, Ia. Six children were born to this union. John farmed and drove livestock truck for his brother Ervin at Metzger Livestock, Elgin. He also worked at Hygrade Plant, Postville. In 1954 he started working for Interstate Power Company, West Union. He was employed there until retirement in 1984. He also had a tree cutting business with Bob Hanson, Elkader during those years. In 1966 John’s son, Steve and him started the Metzger Bait Shop in West Union which he still ran until 2013. Johnny mowed lawns for the elderly in Clermont until the age of 90.

John’s passion was coon hunting, trapping, deer hunting and fishing. He loved telling stories of his childhood, playing cards with his friends and family. John especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. John also showed coon hounds and served as vice president of the Northeast Iowa Coon Hunters Assoc. John was willing to lend a helping hand at all times.

Survivors are his children: Darlene (Lowell) Maurer, Fairbank, Ia., Diane Bronson, Waterloo, Ia., JoAnn (Neal) Bishop, Clermont, Steven (Cynthia) Metzger, Clermont, Ia., Marlene (Craig) Woodson, Hawkeye, IA., Carol (Marti) Swenson, Clermont, Ia.; 12 grandchildren, Brenda (Maurer) & Randy Hagenow, Dean Maurer, Jon Bronson, Darin & (Jodi) Bronson, Nanette (Bronson) & Johnny Syharath, Don & (Sheri) Bishop, Jeff Bishop, JoDee (Bishop) Sherwood & Bernie Sherwood, Jenny (Metzger) & Dan Macken, Kristi (Metzger) & Travis Hiatt, Brock & (Maya) Swenson and Alesha Swenson; 19 great-grandchildren, Tarissa and Garett Hagenow; Aaron and Ian Dahlin; Preston, Parker and Delaney Bronson; Maddy, Malia and Morgan Bronson; Anna and Ashton Syharath; Trevor and Trey Hiatt; Victoria and Brianna Bishop; Asami Clark and Samantha Sherwood; Lily Swenson; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Viola; granddaughter, Dody (Bronson) Dahlin; son-in-law, Bing Bronson; brothers, Ervin (Ruth) Metzger, Eli (Marcella) Metzger, Noah Metzger and an infant brother Elmer Metzger, sisters, Sarah (Orville) Moore and Katie (Paul) Grimm.

Casket bearers are John’s grandsons, Dean Maurer, John Bronson, Darin Bronson, Don Bishop, Jeff Bishop and Brock Swenson.

Honorary casket bearers are his granddaughters, Brenda (Maurer) Hagenow, Nanette (Bronson) Syharath, JoDee Sherwood, Jenny (Metzger) Macken, Kristi (Metzger) Hiatt and Alesha Swenson.

A public visitation was held from 4 pm until 7 pm on Friday, March 14, 2014 at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

A public graveside service was held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 11 am at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in rural West Union, Iowa with the Rev. Rusty Phillips officiating.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union was in charge of the arrangements.   12u12