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John Cochran

John Pressley “Pep” Cochran, 89, of Traer, passed away Monday, March 14, 2022 at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer with Father Anthony Boahen Nketiah as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, March 21, 2022 from 4-7 PM at St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer.

John was born on November 12, 1932, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of John William and Sue (Pressley) Cochran.

He graduated from Traer High School in 1952.

On August 21, 1965, he was united in marriage to Karlene Podhajsky at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer. Pep farmed as a young man taking over the family farm and then was a mechanic at Cherveny Implement, Traer Implement, Vokoun’s Car Dealership and Steffeny Mowers and Small Engine in Traer. He worked as a hired hand at Keller’s Farms and then became Director of Transportation at the North Tama Schools where he also did all the mowing for the schools. Pep continued to mow and remove snow up until his death for the people in the community and St. Paul Catholic Church. He also took care of the City Park, managed the Car Wash, helped Bill Seda with harvest, and they have delivered the Waterloo Courier for over 40 years.

Pep was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer. He was a former volunteer for the Traer Ambulance. He and Elmer Bradley started the Wrestling Club in Traer and helped build a strong program at North Tama. Pep liked to garden, spend time outdoors and enjoyed helping make sauerkraut and noodles. He was a big fan of Iowa Hawkeye Sports, especially wrestling, enjoyed watching old TV shows and loved listening to Czech music on Sunday mornings. Pep’s favorite quote was “Don’t take wooden nickels.”

Survivors include his wife of fifty-six years, Karlene of Traer; one son, Christopher (Rachelle) Cochran of Traer; one daughter, Christine “Tina” (Richy) Wrage of Traer; four grandchildren, Jakeb (Courtney) Cochran, Danika Wrage, Johnathan and Emily Cochran; a great grand puppy, Cali; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two grandchildren, Carley and Jayme; one sister, Margaret; and one brother, Virgil.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.