John Lawrence Yochum Sr., 90, of rural Ottumwa, died at 12:47 a.m. January 3, 2026 at Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa.

He was born September 17, 1935 in Ottumwa to Herman and Leona Renfrew Yochum. He married Katherine R. Shepherd April 27, 1957.

A graduate of Catholic Central High School, John had worked a short time as a carpenter for Harold Phillips. He farmed all of his life as well as worked in maintenance at Ottumwa Regional Health Center for 11 years and was a truck driver, hauling livestock for others.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and always enjoyed going dancing with his wife. John was a wonderful, husband, father and grandfather. He greatly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s events and spending time with all of his family.

Surviving is his wife, Kate; their children; John. L. (Jane) Yochum Jr. and Matthew Yochum, both of Ottumwa and Lisa Anne (Dan) Smith of Keosauqua; 9 grandchildren, Megan (Derek) Liles, Melinda (Jason) Brooks, Felicia Bustamonte, Seth Yochum, Cyrus Yochum, Scott (Loretta) Smith, Adam (Erin) Metcalf, Abbye (Calvin) Todd and Mattie Smith; 2 step-grandchildren, Carrie Moore (Andrew Greiner) and Amy (Andrew) Boyle; 38 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Paul (Carol) Yochum of Agency and Bernard Yochum of Fairfield; three sisters, Mary Ann Vandello and Patricia Eklofe both of Ottumwa and Donna Rupe of Batavia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark Allen Yochum; two brothers, David Yochum and infant Charles Yochum; two sisters, Theresa Houk and infant Christiana Yochum; brothers-in-law, Paul Vandello, Steve Rupe and Bill Houk; and a sister-in-law, Lynda Yochum.

Visitation will be open after 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 6th at Reece Funeral Home with his family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 7th at Reece Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.