John H. "Jack" Spooner

John H. "Jack" Spooner, age 89, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died May 17, 2010 at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Jack, son of John E. and Lucile (Thompson) Spooner was born on October 19, 1920 in Storm Lake, Iowa. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Catherine Spooner Christian. As an infant, Jack was baptized at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake where he was later confirmed in 1934, he remained a lifelong member. Growing up, Jack attended Storm Lake High School where he graduated with the class of 1938. He furthered his education at the Iowa State Teachers College. Jack joined the United States Army Air Force/Air Transport Command in 1942 where he served his Country in Laredo, Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Storm Lake and joined Fred Strickler at Stricklerâ€™s Variety Store. On June 26, 1949, Jack was united in marriage to Jane Shannahan in Des Moines, Iowa. Jane was the girlâ€™s PE teacher in the Storm Lake Schools. Together they were blessed with two boys, John and James. In 1950, Jack purchased half interest in Stricklerâ€™s Variety Store on Lake Avenue. Together they changed the name to Strickler-Spooner Variety Store. In 1968, Jack changed the store name to Ben Franklin and operated it until his retirement in 1988. Always very active in the community, Jack was a member of the Storm Lake Rotary, The Masonic Lodge, Shrinerâ€™s, Zoning Board, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member at Lake Creek Country Club, PRIDE, and SCORE. Jack was a founding member of SERPACI. He was also a member of the Buena Vista Historical Society and the Lakeside Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. Jack served on Citizenâ€™s First National Bank Board from 1958 until his death. Jack loved antique cars and was an avid collector of cars, coins and stamps. He owned and refurbished automobiles with models ranging from 1913 to 1975. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jane of Storm Lake; children: John (Dianne) Spooner of Franklin, Tennessee; Jim (Judy Quick) of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren: Justin (Angela) of Keller, Texas; Jack of Des Moines, Iowa; Cameron and Anna of Franklin, Tennessee; great grandchild, Kate of Keller, Texas; extended family and many friends. Jack will be remembered by his family and friends for his humor and a life well lived. He was born, lived, worshiped, had a career, and a fulfilling life on one street, in one town, that he loved so much. Memorial contributions may be made to Buena Vista County Community Foundation in memory of Jack Spooner at P.O. Box 711 Storm Lake, Iowa 50588.

John H. "Jack" Spooner

October 19, 1920 - May 17, 2010