John Philip “Jack” Bell, son of Henry and Mary Bell, was born January 1, 1933, in Atlantic, Iowa, and was baptized Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 1933. He passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the age of 91 years.
Visitation with the family present will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 19, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic, followed by a luncheon. The burial will be held at Wiota Cemetery, southwest of Wiota, Iowa.
Jack was one of the last to graduate 8th grade from a one-room county school, Brushy Point No. 1. He graduated in 1951 from Atlantic High School and in 1955 from Iowa State College.
On December 18, 1954, Jack was married to Doris Jeanene Myers and to this union six children were born. In 1955, Jack and Doris were assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas and from there to Battery D of the 98th AAA Battalion in East Orange, New Jersey. Their mission was to protect New York City. In January 1957, Jack was released as a 1st Lieutenant and returned home to Atlantic to farm the home place. Farming was always Jack’s first choice and dairy cattle, hogs and beef cattle were included. Bell Farms was recognized as an Iowa Century Farm in 1982. Jack served on the Cass County Extension Council and was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Farm Bureau, Atlantic Elks Lodge and a board member of the Danish Mutual Insurance Company for many years.
He led by example on the farm and in life. His kind heart and “don’t sit still” work ethic led him to a long, full, fruitful life of happiness. His children are now following in his footsteps as he would have wanted.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his parents, Henry and Mary Bell; brother, Kenneth; and sister, Barbara Jean.
Survivors include his children, Tami (Bill) Nooning of Westminster, CO, Joni (Don) Johnson of Aurora, CO, Jim (Trisha) Bell of Atlantic, Mike Bell of Atlantic, Lisa (Glen) Weaver of Lafayette, CO, and Tressa Stohs of Blair, NE; grandchildren, Kelli, Jon, Katie, Matt, Christina, Eric, Misty, Dreanna, Drew, Ally, Chay, Garrett, Jack and Joe; great-grandchildren, Emerie, Layton, Vinay, Sonali, Eden, Torin, Kai, Rylie and Logan; sister-in-law, Sheryl Myers; along with many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jack’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com. Please visit our flower store to order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John “Jack” Bell.
