John Feikert

John Keith Feikert, 69, of New London, IA, died Saturday, March 21, 2015 at his home. Open visitation will be held on Friday, March 27th from 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mt. Pleasant. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, the 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Olson-Powell Chapel with Pastor Bob Wagner of the Bethel Presbyterian Church officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the service by the Henry County Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Keokuk National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the New London Junior Baseball Association. Born December 19, 1945 in LaHarpe, IL, John Keith was the son of Dale William and Effie Lucille (Ridge) Feikert. He graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1964. Enlisting in the United States Army, John served his country during the Viet Nam War. In 1983 he attended Western Illinois University earning his Bachelor's Degree. He continued at Western to earn his Master's Degree in Law Enforcement Administration. A dedicated student, he earned Phi Kappa Phi honors while attending Western Illinois. On September 9, 1989 he married Cynthia Lee Schriver at the New London Country Club. The couple later divorced. In March 1981, John began work at the Iowa State Penitentiary located in Ft. Madison, IA. In September 1984, as a lieutenant, he took a guard position at the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility. He later became a captain and worked in that capacity until retiring in 2002. John was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the Carthage VFW. In the early 80's he served with the Lee County Honor Guard. He served on the New London Library Board. Favorite hobbies included reading and going to casinos. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Survivors include two brothers, Leo Dale (Peg) Feikert of Blandinsville, IL and Dennis Feikert of Montrose, IA; two sisters, Marie (Jim) Crabtree and Cathy (Bill) Searson all of Keokuk, IA; a sister-in-law, Karen Feikert of Hamilton, IL; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; and a brother, Gary Feikert.