John Earl Hewett

John Earl Hewett, age 88, of Storm Lake, Iowa, previously of Columbia, Missouri, died April 15, 2025 at Accura HealthCare in Aurelia, Iowa. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Missouri. Family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Rollins Road, Columbia, MO 65203. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. John was born February 20, 1937 to John and Marion (Schaible) Hewett in Fairfield, Iowa. From a young age, John loved farming. He attended school in Fairfield, graduating in 1954. He went on to attend Parsons College, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1958 with a degree in mathematics. John taught mathematics at Monroe High School for two years. He then obtained his master’s degree in mathematics and doctorate in mathematics with a concentration in statistics from the University of Iowa. John then worked as a professor at the University of Missouri from 1965 until his retirement on September 1, 2000, earning the title of Professor Emeritus. During his career, John served as Chair of the Department of Statistics from 1983 to 1989, was the founding editor of “Stats” Magazine, and was awarded the honorary rank of Fellow from the American Statistical Association. He was also a recipient of the Arthritis Health Professions Association Lifetime Achievement Award. John was a member of Kiwanis for a time and was actively involved at Trinity Presbyterian Church as an Elder and receiving treasurer. On February 20, 1960, John was united in marriage to Thelma Ongna in Fairfield. They were blessed with three children: Kris, John, and Jim. John loved being a father. He could be found coaching his children’s sports teams, taking his family on camping trips and enjoying some friendly competition in family ping-pong matches. John lived an active lifestyle. He enjoyed running, playing softball, basketball, and golfing. In later years, John enjoyed bowling, playing bridge, and traveling with Thelma. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Left to cherish John’s memory include his beloved wife, Thelma Hewett of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Kris (Phil) McEuen of Shelbyville, Illinois; John (Lauri) Hewett of Red Oak, Iowa; Jim (Stacie) Hewett of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Marsha (Zachary) Friedrich of Windsor, Illinois; Clay (Paige) Marsland of St. Louis, Missouri; Dakota Marsland of Windsor, Illinois; Ethan, Madison, and Grayson Hewett of Red Oak, Iowa; Courtney (Robbie) Terry and Jordan (Kodey) Pederson of Aurelia, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Emilia Friedrich; Gwendolyn Terry; siblings-in-law: Jean Hewett of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Wayne Reimes of Gibbsville, Wisconsin; Lois (Jerry) Faulkner of Naples, Florida; Linda Daane of Oostburg, Wisconsin; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Marion Hewett; brother: Gilbert Hewett; parents-in-law: William and Wilma Ongna; and siblings-in-law: Nelda and Allen Westerbeke; Muriel Reimes; and Don Daane.

John Earl Hewett

February 20, 1937 - April 15, 2025