John Wayne Werling

John Wayne Werling, 71, of Muscatine, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton.

John was born June 29, 1954, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Vernon Gilbert and Velda Gladys (DeMean) Werling. He graduated from West Liberty High School with the Class of 1972.

He was united in marriage to Penny Ann Thomsen on December 8, 1974, at Rochester Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2023.

Following high school, John worked for Farm Service, Durant Foundry, and Louis Rich. What began as Kent Feeds later became Atalissa Ag, where John served as the sole driver for the grain elevator business for 41 years. He was known as a dependable, hardworking man who took pride in doing a job well.

John enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved spending time with family and friends along the river, boating, fishing, camping, mushroom hunting, and bowling in West Liberty. He also enjoyed a cold Busch Light and never cared much for flashy things.

Though modest in many ways, John took great pride in his pickup trucks over the years. He enjoyed customizing each one and keeping them meticulously clean.

He was known for his quick wit, one-liners, and zingers. Though sometimes quiet at first, once you got to know him, his fun-loving and carefree personality quickly showed through.

John was also a fan of Westerns and could often be found watching favorites such as The Lone Ranger and Gunsmoke.

Left to honor his memory are his children, Brandy Lee Marquez of Fruitland, Heather L. Ehlers of Milan, Kyle J. Werling of Riverside, and Jeff C. Heathman (Holly) of Ely; his longtime companion of 31 years, Mary Sward; grandchildren, Mason, Vaughn, Emmett, Bailey, Lane, Cael, Taylor, Kaitlyn, and Mason Shouse; sisters, Betty L. O’Rourke (Dan) of Millersburg, Missouri, and Nancy S. Telleen of Atalissa; brother, Robert L. Werling (Louise) of Atalissa; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Penny Ann (Thomsen) Werling; brother-in-law, Brian Telleen; and nephews, Mike Martz and Rusty McGrath.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.