John Weisshaar

John Richard Weisshaar, age 81, of Des Moines, Iowa and Apache Junction, Arizona, entered into eternal rest on June 10, 2025, due to an unexpected farm accident, although while doing something John loved the most, "fixing things". Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 21,2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston, with Father Patrick Amedeka, Celebrant. Family will receive friends Friday, June 20, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Memories and condolences may be left on-line at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

John was born in Creston, Iowa on June 26, 1943, to Edna Marie (Kelley) Weisshaar and Hans Albert Weisshaar, John attended St. Malachy grade school and graduated from Creston High School in 1962. After attending Creston Community College for one year, he returned home to farm alongside his brother Joe Weisshaar.

On July 4th, 1964, John married Rosa Lea McGinnis of Creston, Iowa, and together they had three children: Rose Ann, Anthony, and Terri. John's passion for mechanics led him and Rosie to open J & R Cycle, which they managed for many years and they spent their summers traveling to motocross races with their son Tony.

After relocating to Des Moines in the mid-80's, John built a successful 40-year career in the automobile sales and financing industry, starting at Charles Gabus Ford, and then working at nearly every major dealership in the city over time. Even in retirement, his love for sales continued as he spent 7-8 years selling travel trailers and campers with his daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Bob Burnett.

In his later years, John began wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona, where he reconnected with his high school prom date, Janice (Schroeder) Custer, who became his cherished companion. Together, they created wonderful memories in their retirement years.

John's passions included riding motorcycles, making annual trips to Sturgis with his friends, and spending countless hours tinkering in his garage on anything he could “fix”. He learned to fly small private planes. He was a devoted father and grandfather who treasured time with his five grandchildren. In Arizona, he enjoyed the community pool, socializing with friends, and indulging in his love of late nights watching western movies.

John is survived by his son Tony Weisshaar; daughter Terri (Bob) Burnett; grandchildren Kelsi, Alexandra, Madison, Lauren, and Jacob; great-grandchildren Elijah and Hazel; sisters Dorothy Wallace and Jane Keitges; brother Tom Weisshaar; significant other Janice (Schroeder) Custer; and Jan's children Aaron Custer and Leah Pine; his beloved cat Mitsi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Rosa Lea (McGinnis) Weisshaar; daughter Rose Ann Weisshaar; brother Joe Weisshaar; and sister Kay Hawks.