John Samuel Garber

     John Samuel Garber, the son of James F. and Emily (Emma) Smith Garber, was born June 21, 1918, on a ranch north of Audubon, Iowa and died August 26, 2008, at his daughter Carol’s home in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 5 days.

     John was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa.  He attended rural Audubon County Schools, then graduated from the Audubon High School with the Class of 1936.  He then attended a Barber College in Des Moines, Iowa. John was employed as a barber, first in Jefferson, Iowa, Kimballton, Iowa and then Atlantic, Iowa.

     On July 14, 1941, he was united in marriage to Bernice L. Thomsen at the Catholic Rectory in Atlantic.  John was inducted into the U. S. Army. During his tour of duty he served as a radio operator in the European, African and Middle East Theater. John was decorated in Africa and Italy receiving the Purple Heart and two Bronze Battle Stars. He was honorably discharged on November 5, 1945 and returned to Audubon to join his family. John continued serving his country with the National Guard for many years. John went into business with Harry Phillips Barber Shop where he worked for many years.  Later John farmed for several years along with barbering with Clark (Sam) Kauffman. In 1969, they moved to Gunnison, Colorado where John worked as a rancher for several years. John then became the Water Commissioner in Gunnison. He received Water Commissioner of the Year Award for his service during times of flooding. John continued working as the Water Commissioner until he retired at age 70.  They moved to Phoenix, AZ. During the time they lived in the retirement village John enjoyed operating a barber shop  part time as long as his health allowed. They later made their home with their daughter Carol.

     John was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Phoenix, AZ.  He was a 60-year member of the American Legion and a member of the V.F.W.

     Preceding him in death were his grandson Dan Garber; his parents; and his brother George P. Garber.

     Survivors include his wife Bernice L. Garber of Phoenix, AZ; his children: Thomas J. and wife Dona Garber of Audubon, IA; Carol and husband Robert Zaller of Phoenix; Mary J. Jones of Julian, CA: and Michael J. and wife Shari Garber of Perry, IA; his grandchildren; Sharon  and husband Steve Messer of Pleasant Hill, IA; Cynthia and husband Jeff Deist of Audubon; Eric Zaller of Phoenix; Anthony and wife Julie Zaller; Luke R. Zaller all of Los Angeles, CA; Andrea Jones of Galloway, NJ; Bradley and wife Staci Garber of Surprise, AZ; his step-grandchildren: Mindy and husband Lynn Van Beek of Sioux Center, IA; Matt and wife Stacy Motsick of Shawnee Mission, KS; his great-grandchildren:  Kaytlyn  Messer; Lisa Messer;  A. J. and Will Zaller; David and Samantha Garber; Payton, Daniel, and Cael Van Beek, Emily and Acton Motsick; his sister-in-law:  Mary Garber of Bemidji, MN; Muriel and husband Max Bacon of Harlan, IA; his brothers-in-law: Thomas and wife Lillian Thomsen of Spring Hill, FL; Burdett and wife Nan Thomsen of Apple Valley, CA; Eugene and wife Robin Thomsen of Kimballton, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Inurnment will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Audubon.

     Mass of the Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon.