John F. Pope

   John F. Pope, 95 of Sioux City, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at a local nursing facility. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Very Reverend Armand J. Bertrand as celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the United States Army. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with family present at 6:00 p. and a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening.
   John was born on October 16, 1921 in Sioux City of Italian parents Mary (Naso) and Frank Pope. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School thru the 8th grade and graduated from Central High with the Class of 1940. John started work in June of 1940 for the old Great Northern Railroad until entering the United States Army in 1942. He served in field artillery in the European Theatre until his honorable discharge in 1946. John was awarded four battle stars while in the Army. Upon returning home, he resumed work on the Great Northern Railroad. John married Gladys Spoonemore on May 5, 1947, and three children were born to the marriage, John Jr., Charles, and Connie. John retired from Burlington Northern Railroad with 42 years of service in 1982. Gladys and John enjoyed his retirement with dancing, gardening, and attending activities at the Senior Center. Gladys passed away in May of 1998. John was a member of the V.F.W., the Senior Center, and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
   John is survived by his son John Jr. and his wife Connie of Sioux City and their daughter Erin; son Charles “Chuck” and his wife Geri of California; daughter Connie Haggin and her husband Gerry of Sioux City and their children Brian (Joanie) Rise (grandchildren Jacob and Annabelle Mae), and Jennifer Peterson and her husband Austin (grandchildren Austin Jr. and Angelina Gracie; five sisters Rose Bocian, Josie (Frank) Blair, Katherine Codina, Mary (John) Corio, and Annie (Gene) Bostic; two brothers Tom Pope and Frank Pope; and numerous nieces and nephews.
   John was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gladys of 50 years, special friend Betty King, two brothers Nick Pope and Pat Pope, sister Millie Scursso, brothers-in-law Frederick Bocian, Phil Codina, and Angelo Scursso, and sisters-in-law Frances Pope, Catherine Pope, and Helen Pope.
   John will be deeply missed by his Family. We thank you Dad for all the blessings you have given us and the joy you have brought to our lives. We were truly blessed to have you as our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. It brings us comfort to know that you and mom have been reunited in Heaven.