John Francis Mall was born August 2nd, 1931 to Harold T. and Sue (Hopkins) Mall in Wichita, KS and passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on November 29, 2017 with his family by his side.

John was raised in Wichita sharing the love of his parents with his sisters Emma and Leola. He enjoyed spending many hours joking around with his sisters.

A 1949 graduate of North High in Wichita, John attended Friends University for two years and then transferred to Fort Hayes State College, where he majored in Agronomy.

In 1952, a few years shy of his degree, he received his draft notice to the U.S. Army. While serving in the U.S. Army, John became a Combat Infantryman serving during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Corporal. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, John returned to Fort Hayes State College, where he received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Agronomy.

He started working for the USDA-Soil Conservation Service in Slayton, Minnesota. John served in several capacities and locations in Minnesota as a District Conservationist. After 38 years of working with farmers, the soil and preserving our natural resources, John retired from the SCS in Shenandoah, Iowa.

While he was in college, John met the love of his life, Lorraine Benson, at the Benson Park in Omaha. On June 23, 1956, John and Lorraine were united in marriage. To this union were born four children, LuAnn, Jerry, Jeff, and Linda.

John enjoyed spending time with his family on vacations or playing with them in the backyard. Some of the fondest memories are all the trips to the cottage in Parry Sound, Canada. He was a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America with Jerry and Jeff when he took them to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. This is the same trip John had made as a Boy Scout himself. In 2016, John and Linda were honored to be a part of The Honor Flight for Veterans to Washington D.C. to tour many of the War Memorials. John was an avid sports fan and really enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings with LuAnn. LuAnn was also honored to present John with a "Quilt of Valor" for his service from the Shenandoah American Legion Auxiliary. He also enjoyed participating in Southwest Iowa Theater Group, he along with Lorraine and LuAnn received the Outstanding Service Award.

John and Lorraine made many trips to visit their children, grandchildren, and then their great-grand children. They also made many trips to Florida before moving there in 2002.

He was a member of the Guiding Light Community Church, Fort Myers, Florida, American Legion Posts in both Slayton and Morris Minnesota and the American Legion Post and Color Guard in Shenandoah Iowa. In 2012, John was very proud to receive his 50 year membership certificate with the American Legion.

Preceding him in death, were his parents; sister Leola; and son Jeff.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lorraine; daughter LuAnn (Alan) Armstrong; son Jerry (Julie) Mall; daughter Linda (James) Christiansen. Five grandchildren; Jon, Jennifer, Justin, Alexis, and Jeff. Five great-grand children; Jerry, JoAnna, Genna, Ethan and Ellie. Sister Emma Hayes, brother-in-law Dwight Mills, sister-in-law Shirley (Don) Pemberton, along with many nieces, nephews, and a whole world of friends!

Celebration of life funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.

Burial will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah with military rites provided by Shenandoah American Legion Post #88 Color Guard.