John Emerson Newkirk Sr.

John E. Newkirk Sr. died Monday, October 12, 2020 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday October 15th at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home and 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery. A visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Laufersweiler Funeral Home. John is survived by his sons Joe (Jen) Newkirk and John Newkirk Jr. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carson (Mandy) Newkirk, Nick Newkirk, Isaiah Newkirk, Mary (Karry) Auten, Missy (Bob) Stoneburner and Michael Wirth, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren Kristi (Casey) Murray and their son David and Lori (Darold Paul II) Cummings and their son Darold Paul III, siblings Virginia Carlson, and Ben (Judy) Newkirk. He was preceded in death by his wives, Kathryn in 2010 and Ursula in 2017; daughter, Margaret Wirth; and sister, Bertha Grell, brothers Mervin, Clarence, and Tom Newkirk. John Emerson Newkirk was born August 24, 1930 in Fort Dodge. On June 27, 1950, John married Kathryn Grell at Holy Rosary Church and the couple made their home and raised their family in Fort Dodge. For a short period of time he hauled coal. John then worked for Georgia Pacific for over 45 years and while working there he also drove truck for Mead Containers, Oberg Freight, Iowa Beef, and Pan of Gold Bakery. He retired as a heavy equipment operator but never really stopped working. Staying busy John could be found working at Casey's or ushering at Sacred Heart Church. On January 14, 2011 John was united in marriage to Ursula Condon. He enjoyed gardening, trips to the casino and spending time with his family. Memorials may be left to Holy Trinity Parish or to the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home.