2024
Born July 31, 1931 to George W. and Ethyl (McIntire) Holsapple, John was one of eight children. Ethyl tragically died in 1937 when he was only 5 years old. His oldest sister, AnnaBelle, raised them becoming a second mom to John.
After graduating Mitchell High School in 1950, he was then drafted into the United States Marine Corp. John served active combat in Korea 1951-1953. He came home wounded with no acknowledgement from any officials. Sadly, his records were “lost” by the Marines for the next 60+ years. No one outside of his closest family ever knew how profoundly his life was forever changed serving our country.
John met Patricia York on a blind date set up by her cousin and his brother. They married on February 19, 1965. Married for nearly 60 years, she survives.
John along with his lifelong friend, Merrill King, loved their cars. From drag racing in their youth to being an excellent mechanic, John was an expert on all things automotive, especially Fords.
John was also an avid farmer, working the family farm most of his life. Using only organic methods was very important to him. In his later years, he turned that passion into mowing. If he saw a yard that was a little tall, he was mowing it. Neighbors and strangers were regularly surprised to find this chore done for them.
After a very short illness, John passed away peacefully at home September 17, 2024 with family and his beloved by his side.
Survivors include his wife Patricia; one sister Georgia Reid of Worthington; children: Gretia Deckard of Bloomington, Shawn (Michele) Holsapple of Morgantown, Tia (Alan) Turner of Flora, Julia McMahon of Bloomington; Grandchildren including Dusten Deckard, Jacob Melton, Eli Melton, Brittany Fultz, Ashlee Holsapple, Megan Fultz, Jenny Spooner, Josh Turner; many great grandchildren including Brody and Legion Spooner, Juliette Carlson.
John was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Nita Melton, and siblings: AnnaBelle Nichols, Van Holsapple, Maralyn (Polly) Gorbett, Ruby Toliver, Marion Holsapple, and Elden Holsapple.
There will be a celebration of life held October 12th 1:00-3:00 at the Boy Scout Cabin in the Flora Community Park. Military Honors will be conducted at 2 p.m. In true Holsapple tradition, this will be an ice cream social style event. We will gather there to honor this truly one-of-a-kind man.
Visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel Flora is honored to serve the Holsapple Family.
Condolences for the family 010
Alicia Toliver
September 21, 2024 1:23 pm ·Prayers for the family 💔
Randy Bugh
September 21, 2024 2:19 pm ·So sorry for your loss. So many years and memories with this family, especially thorough those high school years. My family offers it’s condolences and pray for you during this time.
Bill and Donna Sharp
September 21, 2024 2:23 pm ·John was a part of our family for a very long time and always had a story to tell. He was our brother in law who will be missed.
Jim Passmore
September 21, 2024 3:33 pm ·So sorry for your loss. Prayers ❤️🙏
Joyce Simpson
September 22, 2024 11:33 am ·Sorry for your loss prayers and hugs are with you
Amy Burkhardt
September 22, 2024 7:49 pm ·I’m so sorry to hear about John. Praying for the family to have the peace and comfort from God.
Amy
Roy and Marcia Sage
September 24, 2024 9:14 am ·Sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences to your family.
Ron Grubb
September 24, 2024 9:59 am ·Sorry for your loss. John was a great man. Praying for your family.
Larry Nichols
September 26, 2024 1:55 pm ·My condolence to Uncle Johns family. Did not know. Love to all.
Kim LaFollette
September 26, 2024 4:31 pm ·We are very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We loved to hear the stories of his life he would share with us.
Our deepest sympathy, from New Holland Rossville.
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