Maloy Johanningmeier

Maloy A. Johanningmeier, 94, of Waukon died Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Prairie Maison Nursing Facility in Prairie du Chien, WI. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 6 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Rev. William Odermann officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Maloy Arlo Johanningmeier was born December 14, 1923 on his family’s farm in rural Farmersburg, the son of William and Johanna (Wagner) Johanningmeier. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona and attended Giard country school through eighth grade. After school he was devoted to helping his family farm during the difficult Depression years.

September 23, 1950, he married Helen Decker at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in McGregor. The couple farmed in Jefferson Township, milking cows, raising beef cattle and hogs, and growing crops. Farming was always part of his life as he loved to farm. He was very close to his neighbors and was always helping others with anything they needed including helping many to get started in farming. If he could give or get something, he would always choose to give.

Maloy is remembered for his strong, hard-working hands and his big, gentle heart. His mind was sharp and his memory was keen and he never forgot anyone or anything. He knew the history of every farm in Allamakee County and following his retirement he loved to drive around and check out everything that was going on in the area. Maloy was a friend to everyone who he met and he acquired many friends during his 94 years of life.

Maloy was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon. He and Helen enjoyed traveling together, whether it was by car, plane, bus or train; they liked to explore new adventures including Colorado, California, Hawaii and Florida. They also enjoyed many day trips to local destinations or a drive down any random gravel road.

He loved spending time with family, friends and his grandchildren and enjoyed playing games such as Bingo, Connect-4 and playing cards. He had a competitive spirit and up until the day he left us he would be sure to beat you at any of the games above. He taught his kids and grandkids that you had to work hard to win and there were no free rides; whether it was in work or playing games, you had to think smarter and work harder.

Maloy had a heart as big as they come. He was a hard-working farmer, a loyal friend and neighbor, and a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. We were blessed to have him in our lives and he will be missed by many.

He is survived by his children: Steve (Jane) Johanningmeier of Waterville, Jerry (Kim) Johanningmeier of Waukon and Sheila (Tom) Neuhaus of McGregor; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Kleinow of Prairie du Chien, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Maloy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen, in 2001; a grandson, Jason Johanningmeier; four brothers: Lloyd, Carl, Willis and Palmer Johanningmeier; a sister, June Schriver; two brothers-in-law, Guy Schriver and Henry Kleinow; and four sisters-in-law, Ulina, Nellie, Gertrude and Mildred Johanningmeier.

Honorary casketbearers were Maloy’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casketbearers were Matt, Mike and Scott Johanningmeier, Jeremy Neuhaus, Chet Bachman and Koal Deering.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.