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 (Phyllis) and Sister Lois Ann PBVM, who are twins as well, Clyde, Theresa Mikulas, and Tom(Dixie).

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, and frequently served as an adult. John was an avid dancer, and enjoyed dancing his entire life. He left home after eighth grade to attend Heelan high 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 they were stationed in Europe. They traveled as much as they could, skied the Alps frequently, and danced every opportunity. They returned to 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 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 funeral that was short staffed, he joined American Legion Post 331 and presented colors at veteran’s funerals.

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. There were so many collections and he had so much joy giving them away. When he collected african violets, you could count on getting one up at the hospital after a birth. His extensive John Deere die cast tractor collection was dispersed to the youth years ago.

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

“Well done, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21

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