John started out life as a twin, his twin brother (James) passed away one and half days after birth. John grew up on a small acreage located at 3801 Randolph Street, Lincoln, NE. and attended Randolph Elementary School, Millard Lefler Middle School, and Lincoln High School.
John was married on April 17th, 1964 to Carolyn Sue Dimick. As John liked to say: This was the SAME DAY the first Ford Mustang was rolled out, and THAT’S how he remembered his wedding anniversary. He eventually became the father of three sons: Brian, Troy and Eric.
John’s first job was at Safeway grocery stores, transitioning to Uniservice Laundry as Chief of Maintenance and route driver. His career also included to be a mechanic at Fred Georges Lincoln-Mercury, a maintenance technician at Lincoln General Hospital, a Power Plant Engineer at the University of Nebraska, Sheldon Power Station, Hallam, NE, and at Lincoln General Hospital. He worked as a manager at Kings Food Host restaurants at the 48th and O street, Greenwood Interchange and West O Street locations, and was a Zone Manager over six stores.
John was co-owner (along with Carolyn) of Pabst Petroleum Products delivery case oil and other automotive products. John concluded his working career at Lincoln General (Bryan West) Hospital after working there for 26 years.
John easily made friends from all walks of life. He was well known for his sense of humor. His passion for animals let him train his family dogs as therapy dogs (Nikky, Sky, Noah, Daisy, Scooter, Jack and Jill). These dogs have given comfort to many on their visits to schools, at nursing homes and rehab centers throughout the area. He was a member of Wildlife Rescue, saving many ducks, chickens and geese throughout the years. John collected classic Ford cars 1954 – 1969 and Farmall Tractors 1942 – 1962. His saying about tractors was: “If it ain’t RED, keep it in the shed!” He was an avid bicycle rider, completing 25 BRANs (Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska) and averaging 2000 miles a year. John loved to sing and was a member of several singing groups. Other memberships were to the Nifty Fifties Ford Club and the Clown Alley, a clown club in Lincoln, NE. After living in the city for years, John and Carolyn fulfilled their life-long dream and bought an acreage in the country. He loved living on the acreage near Burr, NE, giving back to the community while serving on the Syracuse Rescue Squad for several years. John was always willing to help anyone in need.
Family members include his wife, Carolyn; sons Brian, Troy (Sabine) of Unadilla, NE, Eric (Rosa) of Lincoln; granddaughters Samone Wulf, Lincoln, Molly Pabst, San Diego, CA, Estella Pabst, Lincoln, NE; and sister Linda Pabst. Proceeded in death by his parents and brother, and sister Katherine Bowen.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Roper and Sons South Chapel.
A visitation will be held with family greeting friends from 6:00-7:30 PM on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Roper and Sons South Chapel.
Memorials to Capital Humane Society.