John Roskam Funeral Service

CreeksideDM

John Roskam's Funeral Service at Creekside Church, Saturday, July 20, 2024 Celebrating a Life Well Lived: John Ray Roskam (March 13, 1939 – July 14, 2024) Officiating: Pastor Steve Smith Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 Music provided by Jennifer Thomas (Soloist) and Karen McFadden (Pianist) Pallbearers: Silas Thomas, Simeon Thomas, Jacob Roskam, Devon Roskam, Curtis Guyer, Samuel Thomas Lunch following service Private burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa Psalm 16:5-11 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful[a] one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. "Christians Never Say Goodbye" written by The Nelons "Jerusalem City of God" written by The Hoppers John Ray Roskam was born on March 13, 1939 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to Albert and Olive (Schneidermann) Roskam. At the age of 14, he trusted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior. After graduating from Cedar Falls High School in 1957, he “pestered” the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company until they hired him. Starting as a lineman, he would work his way up to supervisor and later course developer over 29 years, moving to Waterloo, Bettendorf, Iowa City, and finally Des Moines. He joined the US Navy, serving in the Reserves from 1961-1967, with two of those years in active duty. In 1962 John joined a group from his church in attending a winter retreat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It was on a toboggan there that he met the love of his life, Ruth Faulkner. Although he had brought several girls in his car, he offered to drive Ruth home to Chicago, saying it was “only 200 miles out of his way”. After a long-distance courtship, they were married on November 27th, 1965. God blessed their marriage with four children: Roger (Lori), Jennifer (Vaughn Thomas), Ryan (Susie) and Jay; grandchildren, Jacob and Devon Roskam; Silas, Tori (Sam) Thoman, Arianna, and Simeon Thomas; and Curtis Guyer. On December 24, 2023 Carolina Thoman was welcomed as their first great-grandchild. In 1987, John took early retirement but was never idle. He started driving a school bus for Johnston, hired on as a salesman at the new Best Buy, videotaped many events and weddings, gave tractor rides at the Machine Shed Restaurant, and he never stopped collecting and working on telephones. Later, John and Ruth enjoyed traveling and escaping the Iowa winters by heading south. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Huebert of New Mexico, brother-in-law Dick (Arlene) Faulkner of Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews. He went to be with the Lord on the morning of July 14, 2024 after living with Parkinson’s for several years. Family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at Creekside Church, 2743 82nd Place, in Urbandale. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the church. A private interment will occur at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation in loving memory of John. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com