01/25/2012
James Eugene Onstank was born January 29, 1928 in Knoxville, Iowa to Mink and Helene (Davis) Onstank. James was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, class of 1946.
Following high school he served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
After his service James married Barbara Jean Bittner on July 6, 1954 in Auburn, Nebraska. James and Barbara shared over 57 years of marriage and were blessed with two children Paul and Deb.
James worked for Maytag Manufacturing Company in Newton for 36 ½ years. He was a certified pipe fitter and plumber for Maytag and was an extraordinarily handyman.
He retired in 1984.
James died on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital in Knoxville. He was 83 years, 11 months, and 27 days.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Mink and Helene; one sister Alberta Carter and one brother Kenneth “Pete” Onstank.
James is survived by his wife Barbara Onstank of Knoxville; their children Paul Onstank of Knoxville and Deb and Mark Swanson also of Knoxville; four grandchildren Neil Lovell, Nick (Amber) Lovell, Carver Onstank, and Levi Onstank; and four great grandchildren Desiree, Kiana, Kasia, and Nikkaila
Per James request: there will be no service.
The family will gather to celebrate his life at a later date.
The Onstank family has established a memorial to the Knoxville Fire and Rescue. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com.