John Joseph Wadle

July 8, 1940 - November 1, 2020

John Joseph Wadle, age 80, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family. John was born on July 8, 1940 at his family’s home in rural Marion County, Iowa, the son of Matthias and Blanche (Wachter) Wadle. He grew up in Knoxville and attended Knoxville Schools. After school, John worked for a few years until he joined the United States Army on November 14, 1960 and proudly served his country. He was stationed in Germany during peace times until 1963. John was united in marriage to Pamela Rodgers. After her passing and their infant daughter Jacqueline, he married Karol Hellyer in May of 1970. They were blessed with two children, Kevin and Kathy. John and Karol later divorced. Later John met his longtime companion of 34 years, Linda Kay Provenzano. John was blessed with two bonus daughters Melinda and Pamela. John worked at various jobs during his work career. As young man he worked for Skellgas, then Pepsi. He was over the road semi driver for 11 years and later worked for 19 years at a plastic factory in Wes Des Moines. John enjoyed fishing, motorcycles and was a closet poet. He was a shade tree mechanic, working on his family’s cars and small engines. John is survived by his children, Kevin (Jennifer) Wadle of Knoxville, Katherine (Chris) Clingman of Knoxville, Melinda (Johnny) Jones of Missouri, Pamela (Terry) Grubb of Knoxville, and Jeremy Wadle of Missouri; siblings, Eunice DeLong of Michigan, Ronald (Carole) Wadle of Florida, Melvin (Carole) Wadle of Missouri, Maurice (Videlle) Wadle of Coralville, Iowa, Mary (Rick) Steinberg of Wisconsin, Eldon (Gloria) Wadle of Virginia, Michelle (Stephen) Wadle of Texas, and Barbara (Jim) McGaughran of Florida. John is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Chuck Reeves. John is preceded in death by his parents, Matthias and Blanche Wadle; first wife, Pamela Wadle; daughter, Jacqueline Wadle in infancy; companion of 34 years, Linda Provenzano; brother Merrill Wadle and sister, Patricia Reeves. Visitation for John will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. John’s family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville, with military honors. Face masks and social distancing are recommended. A memorial may be given in John’s memory to Every Step Hospice of Knoxville or a local charity of the donor’s choice.