John B. Moorhead, 84

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John Bekins Moorhead, 84, died on March 29, 2021, at his home in Moorhead. He was born on Feb. 16, 1937, to Park W. and Edna (Bekins) Moorhead in Sioux City. He went to school in Moorhead, graduating with the class of 1955. John went on the further his education graduating from Cornell College in 1959. He then joined the U. S. National Guard where he served for six years. On July 16, 1960, John was united in marriage to Anita Kalskett, at the Soldier Lutheran Church, and they were blessed with two daughters, Mary and Ann. The family spent many years living and working on the farm. In 1997, John and Anita retired from farming and moved to their house in Moorhead. 

John was a member of the First Christian Church in Moorhead. He was also involved in the Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Sioux City Consistory, National Livestock and Meat Board, past chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, secretary of the Iowa Livestock Feeders Association, East Monona School Board, Moorhead Coop Board, 4-H leader, extension work, Willow Vale Golf Board and other Loess Hills organizations. John was an amazing woodworker. He also loved to go golfing and fishing. John and Anita enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family. The couple spent 15 winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. More than anything, John cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. He was the “Grandpa Delux”.

John was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Rosemary Blaine and Barbara Hostetler. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anita Moorhead; daughters, Mary and her husband Alan Cumming of Moorhead and Ann and her husband Steve Forney of West Des Moines; five grandchildren, Robert (Rachel) Cumming, Katie Cumming, John Forney, David Forney and Elizabeth Forney; and many other relatives and friends.

A private family funeral service was held on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at the Christian Church in Moorhead. Pastor Chuck Snow presided over the service. Family memories were shared by Elizabeth Forney and Katie Cumming. The musicians were Connni Andersen and Sam Johnson and the musical selections were “How Great Thou Art”, “Lord I’m Coming Home”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Battle Hymn of The Republic”. The honorary pallbearers were Keith and Mary Heiber, Darrell and Beverly Andrews and Frank and the late Carolyn Archer. The pallbearers were David Forney, John Forney, Steve Forney, Robert Cumming, Alan Cumming and Charles Kalskett. John’s final resting place is at Spring Valley Cemetery outside of Moorhead.

John will be missed for his commitment to God, his wife, Anita, and to his daughters, Mary and Ann.

Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com