John Golden's Obituary
John Golden, age 98, of Exline, passed away Monday, September 11, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.
John was born on January 3, 1925 in Tiperary, Missouri, the son of Antoni and Anna (Markowski) Golden. He grew up in Mystic, Iowa. Following high school graduation, John enlisted in the United States Navy on August 13, 1943. He completed service schools training in California and in Hawaii before serving at the United States Navy Training Station in Farragut, Idaho, the NTSch (Radar Operations) at Point Loma in San Diego, and lastly serving in the United States Navy Pacific Fleet in Radar for 2 ½ years on the USS Patterson during WWII. John served his country faithfully, earning the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, American Area, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Victory Ribbon, totaling in eight bronze stars, before being honorably discharged as a Radarman 2nd Class on December 13, 1945.
John was united in marriage to Joy Kerby on October 4, 1947. The couple lived in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area for forty-four years before returning to Iowa. In Minneapolis, he worked in electronics and computers, retiring from Unisys in 1989.
In his free time, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, beekeeping, reading, traveling, ship reunions, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Exline Church of Christ, American Legion Post #340, and the VFW Post #526.
Left to honor John's memory are his wife of over 75 years, Joy Golden; his children, Jerry Golden and Jill (Brian) Leager; his grandchildren, Shandi (Travis) Spring and Jasmine Fernandez; his great-grandchildren, Ryland Elliott and Kaelyn Elliott; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Antoni and Anna Golden; his brothers, Toney and Albert; and his sisters, Josephine, Elizabeth, Helen and Rose.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Exline Cemetery with military honors conducted following the service. In lieu of flowers, Memorials have been established to the Exline Church of Christ, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Golden family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?