John Feeley
Saylor Township

John Thomas Feeley, 78, passed away on Sunday, November 7 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Knoxville, IA. John was surrounded by his family as the angels escorted him to his Heavenly Father.

Family was available to greet friends and visitors at the Prayer Scripture Service which was held at All Saints Catholic Church on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave., Saylor Township, IA.

John was born on November 28, 1925. He was the sixth of nine children born to Thomas Michael Feeley and Cecelia Ellen (McCahill).

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Hilda; his sons, John T. Feeley, Jr. and his wife Tammy of Saylor Township; James J. Feeley and his wife Lucy of Suprise, AZ; Brian M. Feeley of Independence, MO; his daughters, Mary Ann Avery of Des Moines; Kathy Jo Wilkinson and her husband Richard of Des Moines; Coleen L. Golbuff and her husband Thomas of Olatha, KS; his brothers, Frank Feeley and his wife Dina of West Frankfort, IL; Emmett Feeley of Colorado Springs, CO; Ambrose Feeley and his wife Judy of Laceiba, Honduras; Patrick Feeley and his wife Donna of Prescott, AZ; and his sister, Mary Feeley of Ireland. John is also survived by 19 grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 25 years, Lucille Mae (Flanders) Feeley; his daughter, Cynthia Arlene Feeley; his brothers, Vincent M. Feeley and Joseph M. Feeley; and his sister, Marcella I. Feeley.

John attended All Saints Grade School and was a graduate of Dowling High School. John enjoyed being outdoors and working on his acreage. He enjoyed time spent with his wife, family, friends, and grandchildren. After World War II, John was a Golden Gloves Boxer. John was a symbol of strength, not just for his family, but for all that knew him. He will be missed by all.

John was a devout Catholic. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and was involved in numerous church activities throughout his life. He was a retired Mail Carrier for the US Postal Service. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During World War II, John served with the 1st Marine Division, participating in many campaigns across the Pacific. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the campaign for Peleiu.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family School and All Saints Parish.