John Raymond Allensworth of Mesa, Ariz., left this world to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. He was 81 years, 7 months and 4, days old.
John was born in Wapello, Iowa, March 12, 1939. His family moved to Kalona, where they operated the Kalona Restaurant in the local hotel. After graduation, John joined the staff of the VA Medical Center. He held many different positions at the VA including morgue attendant where he met his wife Jacquelyn Skank Abshier, who transcribed autopsies... much humor was shared over the years regarding that connection! John retired from the Veteran Affairs in 1995 as the Assistant Chief of Environmental Services, Marion, Ill.
John was the WASTE Reunion king! While residing in Lake Egypt in Southern Illinois, John arranged family reunions for the families of Walker, Allensworth, Spreacker, Thornton and “every one else” (all the offspring) for many years. WASTE members came from all the states to camp and play or just enjoy the company of their relatives.
John is survived by his wife of 54 years: Jacquelyn (Jaci); and three children: Jeffrey Mark Allensworth of St. Louis, Mo., Jerry Michael Allensworth of Seattle, Wash. and Joni Rae Allensworth, Coralville; five grandchildren: Ashton Allensworth Wheeler of Imperial, Mo., Kyli Rae Allensworth Wickenhauser of Imperial, Mo., Melissa Kirby of Mesa, Ariz., Rece Allensworth of Seattle, Wash., and Jameson Allensworth of Seattle, Wash.; four great-grandchildren: Ethan, Ella and Emilia Wheeler of Imperial, Mo. and Charlie Wickenhauser of Imperial, Mo.; and a sister-in-law: Virginia Allensworth of Kalona.
John was preceded in death by his parents: Winthrop and Ethel Pilcher Allensworth; brother: Rex Allensworth; sisters: Eleanor Allensworth Thornton, Patricia Allensworth Spreacker and Marilyn Allensworth Walker; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
