John F. Hassebroek

January 12, 1918 — September 21, 2016

John F. Hassebroek

Sioux City, IA – John F. Hassebroek, 98, of Sioux City died peacefully from natural causes on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City with his daughter Val by his side.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Monday, September 26, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux City with Rev. Dr. Tom Murray officiating. Military honors will be presented at the church. Visitation will be 5 to 7 Sunday in the Chapel at Sunrise Retirement Community. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City is in charge of arrangements.

John was born January 12, 1918 near Sibley, IA to Wessel and Hattie (Klaasen) Hassebroek; the youngest of five children. His mother, Hattie died two months after his birth during the flu epidemic of 1918. Following her death, John lived with his paternal grandparents. In 1931, John’s father married his first wife’s sister, Annie. The family moved to a farm near Buffalo Center, IA.

After attending country school through 8th grade in George, IA, John graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1936. His classmate, Lloyd Kiewiet and John became fast and lifelong friends.

Following graduation and miscellaneous jobs in Buffalo Center and Des Moines, John enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. While in Des Moines, he met Bonnie Jean Brodie, a member of the Women’s Army Corp. They were married on October 2, 1943 in Des Moines. Both served overseas during World War II.

Following the war, John and Bonnie returned to Iowa, settling in Sioux City. John worked for American Popcorn Company for 36 years retiring in 1982 as Vice President: Field Representative. John enjoyed a long and successful career with strong connections to the Smith family and the farm families with whom he contracted acreage for Jolly Time Popcorn. He always felt pride in his work and was known as Popcorn John.

John and Bonnie were longtime, active members of First Presbyterian Church in Sioux City. John was an avid camper and fisherman enjoying many adventures with their friends the Roseberry’s. In retirement, John pursued many projects at their cabin at Lake Okoboji. Fishing, gardening and entertaining grandchildren at “the cottage” were among his favorite pastimes. In 2005, John and Bonnie moved to Sunrise Retirement Community in Morningside. John often said it was the best decision he ever made. He was happy there and well-like by all he met. Bonnie passed away September 12, 2008.

John is survived by his daughter, Valerie and her husband Jerry Vagts of St. Paul, MN; four grandchildren: Rachel of Berea, KY, Amalia and spouse David of Decorah, IA, Thatcher and spouse Kelly of Moab, UT, Paul and spouse Indra of Sarasota, FL; a great granddaughter Kaya and great grandsons Pierson, Finn, Aiden and Oran, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Bonnie; his son Tom; his parents; four siblings and their spouses: William Hassebroek (Vera), Marvin Hassebroek (Margaret), Harriett Van Hoorn (Dick) and Harvey Hassebroek (Grace).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sunrise Retirement Community for the remodeling of the Bernstein Unit.

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John F. Hassebroek

January 12, 1918 — September 21, 2016

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