John Headington Obituary

John "Jack" Headington age 95 of Decorah, IA passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Wellington Place in Decorah.
A memorial service will be held at Helms Funeral Home on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with a 1 hour visit prior.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Jack was born at home on June 12, 1929, in Canoe Township Winneshiek County, Iowa to Paul Edward and Leila Annie (Enger) Headington. He attended grade school, primary through the eighth grade at Canoe Township District #1. Upon completion Jack entered Decorah High School, graduating with the class of 1947. He married Edel Solum at the Madison Church on December 18, 1948. They were blessed with four children Ellen, Mary, John, and Kara.
Jack worked as a school bus driver and then started employment for Holt Dairy. The dairy ownership changed multiple times, Polly Meadows, Marigold Foods and Kemps. In 1991, after 42 years, he retired. He worked for Tom and Teresa Bockman at Your Place for several years. Besides being the well-loved "milk man", Jack was also known for raccoon and deer hunting and many adventures in hobby farming. Jack and Edel had a dairy goat herd, donkeys, mules, Fjord horses and other various animals. In his free time, Jack could be found on the Mississippi and Upper Iowa Rivers, wood carving or gone hunting.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, 4 brothers, and grandsons: Dr. Brian Levernier, and Joseph Headington.
Jack is survived by his four children Ellen (Joe) Levernier of Nolensville, TN, Mary (Jerry) Nelson of Iowa City, IA, John (Barb) Headington and Kara (Pat Hoppe) Headington of Decorah; seven grandchildren: Daniel (Melonie) Levernier of Brentwood, TN, Zackariah (Krysta) Murray, Mikaila Murray, Philip (Shawn) Headington, Curtis (Ashley) Headington, all of Decorah. Ericka Njemanze, Oakland, CA, and Erik Nelson, Iowa City, Iowa. He had thirteen great granddaughters, six great grandsons and one great great grandson. Brother-in-law, David (Carol) Solum, Decorah, IA and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials In Lieu of flowers may be directed to: St. Croix Hospice, 101 Elkader St., Strawberry Point, IA 52076, Wellington Place, 2479 River Road, Decorah, IA 52101, or Russell Cemetery Association, PO Box 353, Decorah, IA 52101.