JOHN STEFEN CHEW

Indianola


A Celebration of Life service for John S. Chew, 68, who passed away Monday, January 23, 2017 after a seven month battle with blood cancer, will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, January 28 at the First Assembly of God Church in Indianola.

John was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 5, 1948 to Bob and Babe Chew.  He graduated from Perry High School in 1967 and Simpson College in 1971.  He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity where he met many of his lifelong friends.  In 1972, he married Paula Lane and they raised three children.

John began his work life at Central Paving Corporation in Indianola. He then spent several years on the family farm in Dallas County before returning to Indianola in 1985.  John retired on December 30, 2016 from Vanderpool Construction after 26 years.

John spent much of his free time at his cabin at Lake Rathbun. He loved to tinker, work on projects, go boating and enjoyed mowing the four acre lawn.  Countless memories were made at the cabin with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends.  He called the cabin his Heaven on Earth.

His sense of humor, willingness to help others and his hugs will be greatly missed.  A special thanks to Dr. Ahmad Wehbe for treating him as a friend, the men of ATO, Vanderpool Construction, the staff and members of First Assembly of God, all those that prayed in his name and to his family for being by his side until the end.

Survivors include his wife, Paula; children, Joanna (Matt) Carson, John Chew II and Justin (Maisy) Chew; siblings, Jennifer (Jeff) Wilson, Jeff (Sheryl) Chew and Julie (Joe) Blaker; step-brother, David (Kay) Buchholz; step-sister, Karen Buchholz; and six grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, Cole, Guy, Brody and Livvy. Preceding John in death were his parents, Bob Chew and Babe (Arnold) Chew Buchholz.

Visitation will be held 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday prior to services at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Assembly of God Church in Indianola.