John S. Sargent

Born: Dec 8, 1934 Died: July 29, 2025

Preceded in death by his parents John and Evelyn Sargent, sisters Bernice Clark and Lois Anderson, infant brother Theodore, and son-in-law Keith Shaffer, grandson Paul Sargent, and great-granddaughter Gianna Genereux.

Survived by wife of 66 years Gertrude and his twin sister Joanne (Norval) Roth, also siblings Don and Sister Lois Ann PBVM, who are twins as well, Clyde, Theresa Mikulas, and Tom.

John is also survived by children; Debora Shaffer, Cheryl (Tom) Wisinski, Dan (Peg) Sargent, Loretta (Mike) Caniglia, Michelle (John) Johanek, Monique (Jim) Rueger, Karen (Russ) Clevenger and Joe (Jen) Sargent.

John was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren: Justina (Brandon) Shirley, Jayden, Harlei and Finn Shirley. Luke (Nicole) Shaffer, Keith, Raegan, Everett, Harrison and Graham Shaffer. Ben (Eileen) Wisinski. Kelsey Wisinski. Katrina (Nick) Genereux, Layla, George, Lucia, Lilly Genereux. Bill (Heather) Sargent, Oaklynn and Skyler Sargent. Melina (Patrick) Komesu, Megan, Elisabetta, and Kieran Komesu. Anthony Caniglia. Dominick Caniglia. Kate Johanek. Jen (Eric) Kruse. John Johanek. Chris Johanek. Tim Johanek. Ryan Johanek. Mick Clevenger. Kelly Clevenger. Joe Sargent. Ava Umbertone. Leo Umbertone.

John was born in Winner SD, and was an altar boy at St Boniface in Clearfield, and frequently served as an adult as well whenever his was at a mass that was in need. John was an avid dancer, and enjoyed dancing his entire life. He left home after eighth grade to attend Heelan H igh school in Sioux City, stayed with a sponsor family and got a job to support himself. After graduation he joined the Air Force with his brother Don and after boot camp they were stationed in Europe. They traveled as much as they could, skied the Alps frequently, danced every opportunity, and returned to their home air base in Sioux City, where he met and married Gert and started his family.

He was skilled at leather tooling, and his bible & prayer books have his hand tooled covers. His Air Force career led him to Omaha eventually where he retired after twenty years, and started a new career at the Post Office. He was very active at his parish, St Agnes, in the events that supported the school, was chairman of their festival for many years, served on their board, weekly Bingo, and was a Knight of Columbus his entire life.

He and Gert are both Marianist Affiliates, and John was an EME for many years. After attending a veteran’s funeral that was short staffed, he joined American Legion Post 331 and presented colors at many a veteran funeral.

John’s hobbies included wood working, carving and building furniture. Many family members have grandfather clocks, carved cedar chests, and wooden statues. He eventually took stained glass classes to build pieces with inlaid doors. His love of woodworking led him to another hobby, felling trees. John felled Black Walnuts, had the wood planked, aged it himself and used it for his projects.

John was born a collector. He collected coins both in the states and on all his overseas tours. He collected stamps as well. He also started collecting vintage and antique jewelry, and has a website: johnsantiquejewelry.com on Etsy.

He loved history, Abe Lincoln, and Lewis and Clark. He was interested in plains Indians, learned beading and beaded shirts, hat bands, and walking sticks.

Above all John was a family man, and went by the name DOD around his home (Dear Old Dad).

In lieu of flowers memorials by be directed to Gertrude Sargent family for supporting Catholic Education.