John D. Ogden
John D. Ogden
John D. Ogden
January 14, 1952 – September 25, 2016
What Cheer, Iowa | Age 64
John D Ogden, 64, of What Cheer, Iowa passed away peacefully at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday September 25, 2016 after a strong battle against cancer. John was born January 14, 1952 to Wilson Dean and Julia Ogden.
John graduated from Tri-County High School in 1970 and attended Drake University.
He worked construction in Des Moines and later returned to What Cheer to partner with his dad in running the family business; Ogden Oil Company. John was the third generation to own and operate Ogden Oil Company and did so for almost 40 years.
To many, he was known as “big John”. His massive size made him quite recognizable and his kindness and generosity was as big as he was. He was active in many organizations in the community over his lifetime such as What Cheer City Council, Lions Club, Commercial Club, Keokuk County Fair Board, and What Cheer Ball.
He married Berdette Walston on November 28, 1987. They shared a great life together for 28 years.
On weekends, John liked sitting with Berdette on their deck enjoying the morning. John and Berdette were blessed with what John considered to be three amazing kids; Logan, Erin, and Zoe. He was very proud of their accomplishments and loved each of them very much.
John loved watching the kids play sports and participate in other school activities, going to Minnesota fishing, eating breakfast at 5am at the restaurant with his “breakfast buddies” and joking around with “the guys at breakfast”.
John is survived by his wife, Berdette; his son Logan (& Caitlyn) Ogden of Omaha, Nebraska; his two daughters: Erin (& Kyle) Thomas of Loves Park, Illinois, and Zoe Ogden of What Cheer. Also surviving him is his mother Julia Ogden of What Cheer, a brother Mark (& Iris) Ogden of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a sister Regina Striegel of Des Moines, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father Dean Ogden; and a brother Paul Ogden.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, September 29th, 2016 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm at the Tri-County High School Cafeteria with family present during that time.
As requested by John, his body has been cremated and no funeral is planned.
John was a big advocate for giving to the community; in lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution in his name to the What Cheer Fire Department or What Cheer Ball.
You may mail memorial donations or condolence to:
Holland-Coble Funeral Home
PO Box 325
What Cheer, Iowa 50268
