John Kenneth Bogert, 67, of rural Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 26, 2024, at his home
He was born on September 4, 1956, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Clifford Marion and Evelyn Marie (Peel) Bogert. On October 7, 1978, he married Catherine Schier at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison. They later divorced in 2008
He is survived by three children: Vanessa Bogert, Derek Bogert, and Shaye Bogert; and one sister Janice (Greg) Gobble. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
From the time he had his driver’s license, John loved competing in the demolition derbies held in the area, especially at the Lee County Fair. He and his buddies would strategize with one another on how to take the “out of towners” out of the running. One year the prize was finally his and when the local paper reported his winning the Derby, it referenced him as the “Hometown Favorite.” Some of his buddies went so far as to put a crudely constructed sign north of town announcing “Donnellson, Home of Hometown Favorite, John Bogert"
John loved conversation and managed to remember everything he had been told by Dad, Maurice and other elders who had imparted their knowledge to him on topics from local history, family history, farming and deer hunting. He was a member of the Franklin Township Deer Hunting Association through several generations of hunters and would regale any listener with not only details of the hunt but the pranks the hunters pulled on one another. He loved history and was an avid reader devouring books and watching documentaries on the World Wars and other major historical events.
He was devoted to family and friends his entire life. He was eager to help those that needed help or at least offer his sage advice on how to handle problems life throws at you. He dearly loved his kids, Vanessa, Derek & Shaye and his extended family Erinne, Emma, Garrett, Ashley & Daniel and their offspring. He prided himself on being the “Patriarch” of his clan.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2024 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson, Iowa with Tony Keefe officiating.
Burial will be in Evangelical Cemetery, Donnellson, Iowa.
A memorial has been established in his memory for St. Paul’s United Church of Christ or Donnellson Fire and Rescue.
