John O'Rourke

MEMORIALS CAN BE MADE TO ST. BRIDGET OF ERIN CEMETERY OR LOGAN FIRE & RESCUE UNITS.

John William "Bill" O'Rourke was born February 22, 1921, to John Miles and Mary Pearl (Steele) O'Rourke at home on Meecher's Hill in rural Modale, Iowa. Bill was raised in Magnolia and graduated from Magnolia High School in 1939. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for four years. He served his entire time in the states as a tank mechanic. After his honorable discharge, he started farming near Magnolia and sold Vigortone Feeds. Bill married Mary Catherine Kenealy on September 2, 1957, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Neola. After the wedding, their car was placed on a trailer and was in the Hoo Doo Day's Parade. Bill worked for Scoular Grain Elevator in Woodbine and Logan. He also drove the bus and other jobs for the Lo-Ma school district for 30 years. Bill always had a special place in his heart for the school children ~ especially the special needs children.

Bill was baptized at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Missouri Valley. He was a member of St. Bridget of Erin Catholic Church in Magnolia and then St. Anne's Catholic Church in Logan. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Parish Council, St. Bridget's Cemetery Board, and American Legion. He loved being a grandparent and often called this time the best time of his life. He enjoyed farming, being a steward of the land, animals, and sitting on the front porch with Mary watching all the activities.

Bill died on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Longview Nursing Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa attaining the age of 87 years and eight days.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary Ellen; and two sisters, Loretta Neill and Ellen O'Rourke. He is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine O'Rourke of Missouri Valley, Iowa; three children, Pat (Mike) Boggs of Sioux City, Iowa, Kathy (Mike) Dick of Woodbine, Iowa, Jim (Gina) O'Rourke of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren; sister Mary Neill of Missouri Valley, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.