John Francis Vittetoe, 75

John Francis Vittetoe, 75, of Iowa City, formerly of Sigourney, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Per John’s request, no funeral services are being held. A private family service was celebrated on August 21, 2024, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. 

John was born on January 22,1949, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of James and Lillian (Peiffer) Vittetoe. He was a 1967 graduate of Sigourney High School. John served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1969 after which he was honorably discharged for medical reasons. On January 21,1972, he was united in marriage to Sharon K. Hammes at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Harper, Iowa. Together they had four children. John enjoyed being a farmer, hunting mushrooms, playing cards, and was an avid reader of daily news. He liked to keep informed on what was happening in his community, as well as what was happening in the world. Once John was no longer farming, he became a federal meat inspector and worked for many years at Louis Rich, Inc. in West Liberty, Iowa until he retired in 2005. 

His family was very important to him and nothing made him happier than when he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. His last days were marked by a “walk” with Tina, Claire, and Mack. They picked apples, got caught in the rain, and made Hollie and her friends laugh. John reminisced with Richard Harberts and laughed about “the good ‘ole days.” He ate a brownie and had 7up by request. John was happy and content...and then he slipped away while his hands were held and his head was cushioned in his wife’s lap. We all love him and will miss him very much. 

John is survived and will always be remembered by his wife Dr. Shari Hammes, his children, Travis (Lisa) Vittetoe of West Liberty, Kristina Vittetoe of Iowa City, and Troy (Hollie) Vittetoe of Iowa City; twelve grandchildren, Molly Vittetoe, Dylan Vittetoe, Austin Barnes, Aaron Barnes, Lillian Barnes (Lane Ungaro), Andrew Barnes, Jaedyn Sapinoro, Hailey Sapinoro, Colton Sapinoro, Claire Vittetoe, Ila Vittetoe, and Mack Vittetoe. Son-in-law Ray Sapinoro, sister Sandra Veldhuizen, sisters-in-law Twyla Morlan, Linda (Bill) Patterson, Shirley (Richard) Harberts, Joyce (Michael) Pfannebecker, Barbara Peiffer, Sandy Hammes, and Julia (Joe) Parcell. Brothers-in-law Michael (Lindy) Hammes and Richard (Tracy) Hammes. Aunts and uncles, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

John was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmothers Iris Vittetoe and Hanky Greene-Vittetoe, and his much-missed daughter Tatum Vittetoe-Sapinoro. 

A special thank you to Linda and Bill Patterson, Shirley Harberts, Twyla Morlan, Jaedyn Sapinoro, Barbara Peiffer, Jeni Peiffer, and Dee Isaacs for their care and concern and for the services provided by Iowa City Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated in John’s name to the American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, Disabled American Veterans, or Iowa City Hospice. 

Please share your memories of John or condolences to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.