JOHN LEE LOVELLETTE
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Tuesday November 6, 2018. Beloved husband of Cathleen (nee Colvin) Lovellette and the late Joan Lovellette . Loving father of Sean (Cheyanne) Lovellette and the late Erin Lee Lovellette. Loving son of the late Lee and Helen (nee Dilg) Lovellette. Dear brother of Mary (Leon) Miller, Katheleen (Richard) Essenpreis, Nancy Muller, Janet (Mike) Ligibel, and James (Jaemi) Lovellette, and the late Patricia Peters, and the late Michael Lovellette. Dear brother-in-law to Susan Lovellette, Dick (Susan) Colvin and John (Ashley) Colvin. Dear son-in-law of the late Thomas and Eleanor Colvin. Dear friend Carla (Jon) Keatley and family. John is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

John served his country in the US Army. To say he was a good man is not enough. Words like integrity, honesty, devotion, and caring are all true words but fall short of painting a true portrait of John Lovellette. Like a strong tree with deep roots, his steady, purposeful step and low, firm voice defined John as a man of few words, quiet strength, and extraordinary character. Not given to idle chatter, John was known to sit quietly while discussion buzzed around him, then sum up the truth of it all in a few wise and well-chosen words. John was devoted to his wife, children, and family. He was a gentle man, at the same time giving no quarter to those intruding on family time and space. John’s blue eyes shone with pride at the mention of his children but, when Sean was a teenager and his visitors overstayed their welcome, John might very well stand and say “Well… thanks for coming;” that is Lovellette for “it’s time to go home.” John was unimpressed by flashy talk and fancy possessions and valued his modest home in the country over the most magnificent mansion. A man of simple pleasures, the perfect day for John might start with a bagel for breakfast followed by a walk around the yard tending bird feeders and picking up sticks. After his daily nap, he would relish sharing a pot of soup with Cathy for supper, then turn on the TV for the nightly news or, even better, a Cardinal game. He would end the day drinking a longneck with his cat snoozing on his lap. Turning in around midnight, he would be perfectly content with his wife sleeping beside him and wanting nothing more than knowing that all was well with those he loved. He loved and stood by his wife, tenderly cared for his daughter, and instilled immeasurable character in his son. He hunted with his brothers, danced at family weddings, and he was always there for those who loved him. John’s slow smile, quiet humor, and solid presence will be missed but he leaves behind a legacy that will follow us, speak to us, and encourage us to follow his example of simple goodness.

Visitation Sunday November 11th, 12 Noon until time of funeral service beginning at 2pm at Bopp Chapel. A private interment will take place at St. Anns Catholic Cemetery, Long Grove, IA. Memorial contributions preferred to the Special Olympics.