John L. Heimsoth, Jr.

John L. Heimsoth, Jr., age 95, of Stover, passed away peacefully, Thursday, December 12, 2019, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, where he had been a resident for the past few months.

He was born September 23, 1924, in Stover, a son of John L. Sr., and Francis “Fannie” Kipp Heimsoth.  He was baptized October 5, 1924, and confirmed April 10, 1938 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stover by Pastor Schreiner.  The confirmation verse chosen was Psalm 86:11, “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”

He was a 1942 graduate of Stover High School.  John served his country during World War II in the US Navy from January 1943 – February 1946, with two and a half years in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS LST 218 participating in the invasion and occupation of Tarawa Atoll, Kwajalein Atoll, Eniwetok Atoll, Saipan Island and the Tinian Island.

On December 27, 1953, John was united in marriage to Helen Marie Monsees Viebrock at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover; immediately taking on the role of dad to Helen’s four young children.

In October of 1953 John went to work at the Stover Barber Shop, proudly serving the Stover community until selling the business in June of 1976.  While working and owning the barbershop, he also served as Stover City Clerk from 1954 – 1977.  In 1977 he joined his son-in-law’s business, G&V Construction, as Office Manager officially retiring in 1999.

John joined the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover in 1954 shortly after he married Helen.  He enjoyed singing in the church choir, attending church events and spending time visiting with the church pastor; remaining a faithful member until his death.

He was also a lifetime member of Galloway-Martens American Legion Post 343 in Stover and while in Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Base, was a member of the Great Lakes “Blujackets” choir.

John was a devoted husband and father and was especially proud of his grandchildren.  When his granddaughter, Shana opened her flower shop in Stover, John immediately signed up to deliver flowers; he enjoyed being the bearer of gifts and could even be persuaded to serenade the recipient with a line or two from a favorite song.  He looked forward to spending time with his family and as the family grew, so did his love for each one of them.

John dearly loved his Great Grandchildren, spending hours playing, going for rides and teaching them to fish.  He was so excited and proud when they had children of their own, making him Great-Great Grandpa John.

In John’s 95 years, he saw many changes and advances in technology. One such advance, the internet, brought about a life changing event for him and a fellow shipmate, DeVere Johnson.  The Emmy award winning documentary “The Last Signal” was written and produced, detailing the reunion of two of the last known sailors aboard the World War II Navy vessel LST-218.  John, accompanied by his granddaughters, was able to attend the ceremony in October of this year to witness the award presentation.

John’s survivors include, two daughters and sons-in-law, Dee and George Underwood of Lake Winnebago and Marcele and Virgil Harms of Stover; a brother and sister-in-law, Neil and Marilyn Heimsoth of Cole Camp; three grandchildren and their spouses; Ashley and Dave Martin, Shana and Melvin Griblin and Kristi and Mark Elick; five great grandchildren, Reed and Rebecca, Triston and Kameryn, Stephanie and Brett, Ben, and Anna, five great-great grandchildren, Kaliyah, Kayliana, Daxtyn, Paisley Mae, and Kale, along with several beloved nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his wife Helen, John was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Claton and Larry Wayne Viebrock, a brother and sister-in-law, Lorin and Lucille Heimsoth, a sister and brother-in-law, Fay and Merrill Lanning; two infant sisters, along with Helen’s brothers and their wives, Harold and Ardella Monsees and Norman and Pat Monsees.

A Prayer Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 14, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Stover with visitation following until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 15, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover with Pastor Tom Tuura officiating.  Interment, with military honors, will be in the Stover Cemetery-Kipp Addition.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Preschool or the Christ Lutheran Church.

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Prayer Service Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home-Stover Saturday, December 14, 2019 4:00 PM 204 W. 3rd St.
Stover, Missouri 65078 Directions Visitation Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home-Stover Saturday, December 14, 2019 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 204 W. 3rd St.
Stover, Missouri 65078 Directions Funeral Service Christ Lutheran Church Sunday, December 15, 2019 1:00 PM 505 West Second Street
Stover, MO 65078 Directions