Lonnie Charles John

Lonnie Charles John at the age of 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Nebraska VA Hospital in Grand Island, NE, surrounded by his family after an 18-year fearless and courageous battle with cancer. Lonnie’s wishes were for cremation. All Faiths Funeral Home is assisting the family. The family wishes to thank Dr. King and the third-floor staff at the VA Hospital, for their kindness and care during our last moments with Lonnie. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 2-4pm, at the United Veterans Club in the Liberty Room on Capital Ave. The Celebration will kick off with Military Honors at 2 pm. Dress casual but remember Lonnie’s dress code – sweats, t-shirts, and flannel shirts. Lonnie was born March 4, 1949, in a farm house in Valley County Nebraska to Lumir and Ruby (Layher) John. After graduating from Ord High School, he started working at Sperry New Holland which lasted 34 years until his retirement. He was drafted into the Marine Corps in April of 1969, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam, and honorably discharged on December of 1970. Three months after returning home, Lonnie married his senior prom date and the love of his life, Connie L. Wajda, in Ord, NE. Lonnie always said he’d pluck her out of the hills in Valley County. To this wonderful union their daughter Erin Lou and son Adam Charles, joined them in their ventures through life. Lonnie was a great father, coaching his kids in all sports on the field and in the stands. The John’s house, was the gathering place for the neighborhood kids because Lonnie was a player as well as a coach. After retirement, he was an all-weather walker with his four-legged companion, Lexi. “Papa” was also a full -time chauffer on- call to help with his eight granddaughters. His greatest joy was cheering for his granddaughters at dance recitals and sporting events. Lonnie and Connie Shared a life time of family and friends and memories traveling, camping, and riding ATV’s. Lonnie was a member of the Grand Island United Veterans Club and the Saddle Club. He is survived by Connie, his wife of 52 married years; daughter Erin (Chad) Ackerson and their daughters, Emily, Rylee, and Payton all of Clarks, NE; son Adam (Jolene) John and their daughters, Maly, Lauryn, Annaston, Maddi, and Ellie all of Kearney, NE; mother-in-law, Vivian Wajda of Grand Island; sister, Lana (Larry) Blair of Shreveport, LA; brothers, Gordie (Linda) John of Brady, NE, and Danny (Jennifer) John of Sun Valley, AZ; sister-in-law, Rowena Wajda of Elba, NE; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lonnie never met a stranger and would always talk to anyone. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Louie Wajda; brother-in-law, Larry Wajda; nephew, Eric John; and some close friends of the “basement boys.” In honor of his love for his granddaughters, and in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital to fight childhood cancers.

Lonnie Charles John

March 4, 1949 - November 10, 2023

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Lonnie Charles John

March 4, 1949 - November 10, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support