John Andrew Zaruba

John Andrew Zaruba, 94, of Tipton, died suddenly on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, with loving family at his side. On Saturday, March 13, 2021, Fry Funeral Home will be hosting a 12:00 noon Visitation followed by a Celebration of Life Service, officiated by Pastor Kerry Sandusky, at 1:00 pm. 
In memory of John, a memorial fund has been established in his name. Cards and memorials may be mailed to Joyce Zaruba, at 1924 Hwy. 38, Tipton, IA 52772.
Online condolences may be shared on www.fryfuneralhome.com.
John, son of John Albert and Francis Mae (Coppess) Zaruba, was born on Wednesday, February 9, 1927 in Oxford Junction, IA. The oldest of seven children, he was born at home and attended school in Wyoming, IA. 
John was inducted into the US Army on April 23, 1945 and served his country until his Honorable discharge on January 2, 1947. While in the Army, John was stationed in Japan during the aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. His original job was to help with clean-up, but having been blessed with an innately refined memory and sense of direction, he was selected for the exclusive job of driving soldiers to and from their destinations, through some of the most decimated terrain in Japan. 
After his discharge from the Army, John returned to Iowa City, where he met, what would be “the love of his life for 71 years”, Joyce Arlene Stout. John and Joyce were united in marriage on November 26, 1949 and within a year, moved to Tipton and embarked on their 60 plus year adventure of farming together. Over the years, they farmed dairy, crops, livestock and everything in between. John attended both Lutheran and Methodist church and was a member of the Farm Bureau and the American Legion. 
When he wasn’t farming, John enjoyed using his artistic passion for metal art and woodworking. He made metal, heart and star shaped lawn ornaments; wooden, duck, airplane and bird shaped weather vanes; a wheel barrel and child’s tractor and pedal trike. John and Joyce loved Bluegrass music and over the years, enjoyed taking their camper to bluegrass shows all over Iowa and Missouri. John loved to plant all sorts of trees around his farm especially walnut trees, but his love of dessert is what family said fueled his planting of peach, apple and pear trees. John also enjoyed watching westerns on TV and talking under the handle “Bobcat” on his CB radio. Family describes John as a hard-working, family loving man with immeasurable patience who will be deeply missed. 
John is survived by, his wife, Joyce Zaruba; children, Ray Zaruba of Tipton, IA, Diana (Merle) Waltz of Tipton, IA, and Bruce (Lora) Zaruba, of Tipton, IA; brothers, Bob Zaruba of Wheatland, IA, Jimmy Zaruba of Waukee, IA, and Jerry (Judy) Zaruba of Cedar Rapids, IA; sister-in-law, Gertrude Zaruba of Maquoketa, IA; 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by, his parents, John and Francis; sister, Barbara (Zaruba) Widel; brother-in-law, Lyle Widel; brothers, Francis Wayne Zaruba and Glen Dale Zaruba; sisters-in-law, Helen Zaruba, Cookie Zaruba, and Darlene Zaruba; and grandson, Austin Zaruba.

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