John Alexander Kamerick

John was born on February 5, 1950 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Golmore and Gladys (Bagley) Kamerick. While living in Melcher-Dallas he worked Flanagan's Grocery as a child. One of John's youngest work memories was having the idea of developing the successful drive up window for the grocery store. John graduated from Melcher-Dallas High School, class of 1969. During his senior year he was State of Iowa Golden Gloves Boxing Champion of 1969. John, like his father before him, enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy from June 4, 1969 to March 12, 1973 and after an honorable discharge, he moved back to Knoxville. He began to work for Vermeer Manufacturing and after a short time he started his career with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Knoxville. John began his career as a custodian and then the laundry department, then grounds and transportation, before becoming a pipe fitter and steam fitter. During his 35 year career with Veterans Administration he became a master pipe fitter, steam fitter, certified asbestos remover, and a certified medical gas system and brazier. John was awarded several certificates of achievement above and beyond his duty at the Veterans Administration, including the very prestigious employee of the year award. After a 35 year career he retired in April of 2005. John married Brenda Lea Sulentich on June 1, 1974 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia. Their 34 year marriage was blessed with two children, Apryle and Natasha. While working at the Veterans Hospital and raising his family, John also enjoyed volunteering. He was active for ten years with the rural fire department, and for several years he would take two weeks of vacation and take veterans fishing in Clear Lake, Iowa. He was a member of the Masonic Oriental Lodge #61 of Knoxville and the Za-Ga-Zig Temple of the Shrine. John also enjoyed several hobbies including fishing, woodworking, NFL Football, College Basketball, NASCAR Racing, flower gardening, yard work, copper sculptures and making birdhouses. He loved his family and playing with his grandchildren. He will be forever remembered as a model friend, husband, dad and grandfather. John passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Iowa City at the age of 59 years, and 13 days. John is survived by his wife, Brenda of Knoxville; two children, Apryle Maddy (Mike) of University Park, and Natasha Lambert (Roy) of Knoxville; four grandchildren, Milliejean, Michael John, Perry Luke, and Porschella Lea Marie. He is also survived by four sisters, Sharon Petersma (Richard) of Pella, Carol Jahner of Pensacola, Florida, Debbie Kamerick of Des Moines, and Eileen Kamerick of Melcher.