John H. Mills

John H. Mills age 88, a dedicated father and husband passed away on February 28th, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. John (Jack) was born in Dubuque, Iowa. He was the son of Percy and Marcella Mills. John graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1945. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the Navy Seabees as a ship fitter and was stationed in Okinawa in World War II. It was this experience that taught him his love for construction and engineering skills. Upon returning from the war he was employed at the Adams Company in Dubuque, Iowa. On February 14th, 1953 he married Charlene G. Chesterman at the Dubuque Grandview Methodist Church. They were active youth directors for a time. In 1957, they moved to Denver, Colorado to make their home for over 55 years. John worked 30 years for Gardner Denver Engineering Company later known as Cooper Industries as a design engineer. After retirement he loved to volunteer with the Cherry Creek Civitan Club, Kodack lecture series, and at Denver Porter's Hospital for over 20 years. He loved meeting people and enjoyed his weekly interaction with patients and staff. John was quick to help others with any project they needed assistance with. He liked to travel and was able to visit 48 states with his wife and beloved pet Casey. John was an active and devoted member of Cameron Church and served on many church committees including the chairman of trustees and led the ushering team for many years. In his early retirement years, he enjoyed playing golf. He is survived by his wife, Charlene and two daughters, Jody Panian (Steve Panian, MD) of Golden and Jill Ryall of Lakewood; grandchildren; Jessica A. Ryall, Ryan J. Panian, and Karli M. Ryall; his siblings; one sister Margo (Walt) Morris, and two brothers, Robert Mills (Shirley) and Richard Mills (Rose) in Dubuque, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding John in death was his mother and father and one sister Pat Hanson. John has a plaque at the Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa. Funeral service will be held on Saturday March 12th, 2016 at Eleven O'Clock in the Morning - 1091 South Colorado Boulevard Denver, Colorado 80246. Interment service will be held on March 19th, 2016, Harmony Cemetery, Zwingle, Iowa. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Denver Hospice 501 S. Cherry Street Suite 700 Denver, Colorado 80246. Please share your memories and condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.