John King

John King, 67, of Hubbard,, formerly of Eldora, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Hubbard Care Center, Hubbard, Iowa. His funeral will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Eldora with a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:30 am. After the service, a luncheon will take place in the church basement before going to the cemetery. 

John was born Aug. 26, 1957, in Eldora, to Carl King and Roberta (Pope) King. He was the boy his Dad had waited so long for. John was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Eldora, where he attended Sunday School and confirmed there in eighth grade. John attended Owasa and Eldora Elementary Schools and graduated from Eldora High School in 1975. He participated in wresting during his high school years. In his senior year, he was crowned Eldorian King making him King John King. Following high school, John farmed with his dad and worked as a Repossession Agent for a short time. Farming with his best friend/Dad on the family farm south of Owasa was the job he loved dearly. John also loved restoring older vehicles. He was very proud of his ’36 Chevy pickup and his 1970 Plymouth Duster. In 1979, his Duster was featured on the front cover of Car Craft magazine with an article about the restoration. John even participated in a few drag races at Cedar Falls, Iowa. He had two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, one being his favorite a Sturgis 1980. He enjoyed going on motorcycle trips with his biker friends to Sturgis, SD, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, and other states. Those friendships have lasted for years and those same friends will be giving him one last ride on October 12th. 

He tried living on his own and to continue farming, but Multiple Sclerosis/MS took over his body and he had to leave farming. In November 2006, John became a resident of Hubbard Care Center where he received excellent care. He loved the staff and they loved him. It was the same care center where his Mom and Dad were residents years before. 

John’s 3 older sisters spoiled their “little” brother and enjoyed dressing him up in fancy clothes, jewelry and all—something he really didn’t care to do but appeased his sisters. He also joked that perhaps it was all the Aqua Net Hairspray his sisters used that he breathed in for years and years that caused his MS. 

Speaking of dressing up, even as an adult John was known to show up at Halloween parties in costume, not saying a word, and having people wonder who he was. He may even played Santa at times. 

When John turned 60, a party was thrown in his honor and he was so happy to share the day with so many classmates, family members, and friends. It was an enjoyable day he mentioned quite often. 

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Hubbard Care Center staff, Max Daleske, Kelli Nehring, St. Croix Hospice, and Pastor Hambleton. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Roberta King, grandparents, several aunts and uncles, cousins, and two brothers-in-law. Survivors include sisters: Cheryl (David-deceased) Pence of Lakeville, MN, Susan (Melvin) Barz of Georgetown, TX, and Nancy (Jim-deceased) Racey of West Branch, IA, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. 

Memorials may be made out to the Multiple Schlorosis Foundation or Hubbard Care Center.

Visit Abels Funeral Home online.