John W. Obermiller's Obituary
John W. Obermiller, 79, died Saturday October 19, 2024, in the home he loved with his wife by his side.
Memorial Services will be 3:00pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00pm at the funeral home on Saturday.
John was born in Clinton, Iowa, on September 26, 1945, to H. Edward Obermiller and Claire Louise (Cramm) Obermiller while his dad was in the Navy. In 1964 he graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa. In his teen years he worked at the Odeon Club, setting pins, caddying at the Clinton Country Club, worked at the then Chemplex, which is now LyondellBasell Industries. He prides himself on his work ethic, “if you want something, you have to work for it”, and he credits he learned that from his father, who he says always told him, “if you are going to do something, do your best, it may not be the best but it will be your best!!!”
John served his country with pride and passion, he served in West Point teaching the cadets bridge building, was an Army recruiter all over the US, Vietnam, where he did two years back to back. He spent six years in Germany, a year in Greece, a year in Korea, and back in the US Fort Rucker, Alabama and Fort Riley, Kansas. After 21 years in the Army, he worked for the State of Nevada as Chief Inspector of Public Works, retiring in 2006.
In 1966 he married Dorothy Goodman, they later divorced, in 1970 he married Wendy Harrington, they later divorced and in 1988, he married Dorothy Goodman Obermiller a second time but later divorced in 2005, In 2008 he married Ellyne Baker.
John is survived by his wife, Ellyne (Grumstrup, Baker) Obermiller, one sister Susan Highland, his children, John D., Jeanine (Marty) Millard, William (Sally), Jennipher Hedrick, Melissa (Clay) Jernigan, Diane (Eric) Lane, Step daughter, Laurelle Heimbaugh. Step-children: Ashley, Nicole, and Patrick. He has many grandchildren and several great grandchildren, too many to mention, and nieces and nephews. Preceding John in death is his parents, and his daughter Jeanette.
Memorials can be made to the Clinton Humane Society.
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