JOHN M. SMALL was born October 23, 1947, in Blair, Nebraska, to Walter W. “Bud” and Ida Jane (Blankenbeckler) Small.  He passed away Friday, December 28, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, due to injuries from a car accident, at the age of 65 years.

John lived in Decatur, Nebraska, his entire life except for time in college and a year in Omaha.  He attended Ball School in rural Decatur until sixth grade then attended Jr. High and High School at Decatur Public School, graduating in 1965. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for two years playing football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.   

In October 1975, John married Susan Mussack. To this union a daughter, Nicole, was born.  He also welcomed Tina and Damon Schmidt into his family. 

On June 30, 1990, John married June Cook.  He welcomed Karen and Ken Welch and John Retland into his family. 

John enjoyed farming for 40 years.  He also worked at Carl T. Curtis Health Center for 33 years.  He began as the Maintenance Supervisor but changed positions to Computer Network Administrator. 

John loved his family.  He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and spent many hours attending their activities. 

John attended New Life Assembly of God in Lyons.  John had a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He lived out his faith in loving and serving others. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida J. Marr.

Survivors include his wife, June of Decatur; daughters and son-in-laws, Nicole Small of Decatur, Karen (Ken) Welch of Sioux City, IA, Tina (Shannon) Kellogg of Decatur;  sons and daughter-in-law, Damon Schmidt, John (Kathy) Retland  all of Onawa, IA; father, Bud (Viola) Small of Onawa;  brother, Dan (Konnie) Small of Decatur; eight grandchildren, Darin Archibeque, Keyton and Kwyntin Kampa, Justin, Bryce, Mackenzie, Riley, and Lindsey Welch;  aunt, Helen Gatewood of South Sioux City, NE; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, January 3, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at the Decatur City Hall, 913 S. Broadway, Decatur, Nebraska

VISITATION: Wednesday, January 2, 2013, 4 - 8 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Services at the New Life Assembly, 700 S. Tenth St., Lyons, Nebraska.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, Nebraska

MEMORIALS: To the Family