John Sawhill

John Robert Sawhill, 75, of Winterset, died Monday, July 10, 2017, at West Bridge Care & Rehab in Winterset. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 16, at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset, with family present to receive friends during this time. A funeral service will held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 17, at the funeral home. Burial will be held at a later date in the Eppard Cemetery, Jackson Township, Madison County. Memorials may be directed to the Madison County Fair and Winterset Husky Wrestling. John Robert Sawhill, son of Harold and Jessie (Robey) Sawhill, was born March 7, 1942, in Jefferson, Iowa. He graduated from Winterset High School in 1960. John was united in marriage with Annette Eckhardt May 7, 1961. She preceded him in death November 30, 1998. He was later married to Karen Rayl Howard on July 8, 2000, at the Zion Federated Church at the Madison County Historical Complex in Winterset. John farmed for most of his working career on the family farm west of Winterset. He was a member of the Pitzer Presbyterian Church and the Jerusalem Methodist Church in Creston. John loved the Madison County Fair and was on the Madison County Fair Board for over 25 years. He also kept score for the Winterset Husky Wrestling team for over 30 years. He enjoyed being a HAM radio operator and was a member of the DMRAA (Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association). He also attended coffee club at Hardee’s every day. John liked to attend horse shows and had the uncanny ability to fall asleep anywhere. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren at all their sporting events and activities. Most of all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who cherished the time he was able to spend with his family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 17 years, Karen Sawhill of Lorimor; two sons, Mark (Mavis) Sawhill of Jefferson and Andrew (Denise) Sawhill of Winterset; step children, Cindy Smith of Adel and Bruce Howard of Lorimor; four grandchildren, Lillian, John Michael, Katlyn, and Megan Sawhill; step granddaughter, Abbey Smith; sister, Eyleen Sawhill; extended family and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Jessie; first wife, Annette; and his son, James Sawhill.