Mass of the Christian Burial for 61-year-old, John Kerkhoff of Templeton will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday at the Sacred Heart Church in Templeton with Burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Templeton. Those in attendance are asked to abide by social distancing guidelines and facemasks are required. The Ohde Funeral Home in Manning is in charge of the arrangements. Friends may call from 4pm to 7pm on Monday at the Sacred Heart Church where there will be a rosary will be at 7 pm. Visitation will resume at 9:30 am on Tuesday at the church.
John Henry Kerkhoff, son of Earl and Elizabeth “Betty” (Kalkhoff) Kerkhoff, was born May 8, 1959, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. He grew up on a farm outside of Templeton. In 1977, he graduated from Kuemper High School in Carroll. Upon graduation, John worked as a farmhand for R.J. Knobbe and numerous other neighbors. He also worked part-time at the sale barn and assisted in the operations of a custom spraying business.
On July 1, 1978, John was united in marriage with Karen J. Hackfort at St. Mary’s Church in Willey. Four children were born to this union. John and Karen spent their entire lives in the Templeton area. In 1987, John was extremely proud to move to the homeplace to operate the family farm and continue to raise his family. When his laborers grew up and moved away and the farming industry became a struggle, John began employment at TFI Lighting Products in Willey doing welding and assembly. In 2004, John and Karen built a new house and moved into town.
John’s prolonged health issues began in 2008 when he underwent brain surgery. He was then diagnosed with cancer in 2012. At this point in time, John decided to end his farming career.
John was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in Templeton. In his spare time, John enjoyed golf cart rides, card playing, watching Westerns, tinkering, and spending time with family and friends. His ultimate enjoyment in life was his grandkids. Time spent with them was priceless and he loved to instill his knowledge into each and every one of them.
On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, John passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Templeton. He was 61 years, 11 months, and 19 days of age.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Betty Kerkhoff; an infant daughter, Mary Ann Kerkhoff; Karen’s parents, Arnold and Agatha Hackfort; and a brother-in-law, Rick Hoffman.
John is survived by his cherished wife Karen Kerkhoff of Templeton; children: Eric Kerkhoff and wife Jeanne of Templeton; Alan Kerkhoff and wife Lauren of Templeton; Gina and husband Jeremy Carroll of Manning. He was a proud Grandpa of ten: Emily, Mitchell, Nolan and Katie Kerkhoff; Abigail, Avery, Eli and Spencer Kerkhoff; and Grace and Piper Carroll; his siblings: Marilyn Hoffman of Carroll; Janice and husband Dan Hackfort of Carroll; Rose and husband Kevin Brinker of Carroll; Jeanne and husband Dwight Gruhn of Manning; and Julia Kerkhoff and friend, Bob Gross of Johnston; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
