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John Clifford Ossian
Born: November 27th, 1946
Died: February 20th, 2022
Obituary
Ever the warrior, John Clifford Ossian did not go softly into that good night. From Vietnam in the 1960s to standing guard at Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison for over 30 years to debating all sides of every political event, he strove to contain the destructive forces. He endured twenty-five years of marriage to a red-headed English teacher and twenty years of friendship with her after the marriage.
Born on November 27, 1946, to Johan Anton Elmer Ossian and Verus Leota Hiatt Ossian, he spent his life in Burlington, Iowa. After he broke his leg at home, he was in Oak View residential facility for therapy when he died on the morning of February 20, 2022. He always hated mornings.
Survivors include son John Ossian, Thornton, Colorado, daughter Jennifer Ossian (Nicholas Williams), Oquawka, Illinois, and grandson Ian Williams. Also mourning his loss are children of his sister, Jo Ann Ossian Monroe: Scott Monroe, Bill Monroe, Lisa Classen, and Melinda Monroe. John Stitely from Minnesota is a life-long friend, as is Mary Ross Ossian Rieke of Durango, Colorado. Lance Parsons and Wolf Thye called him "Dad."
John Ossian was active in the Des Moines County Democratic Party, Shutterbug Camera Club and Des Moines County Historical Society. He was dedicated to his family and chatted with his kids daily. He loved being bossed around by his four cats and enjoyed cooking. He followed the Old Ways and observed Summer Solstice with friends every year.
His parents and sister preceded him in death. Inurnment will be at the Ossian family plot in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa. Family and friends will gather at a later time, and we will toast him with recipes from his gourmet collection and lift a glass of his home brew in his memory. Hail the Traveler who is coming home!
To send flowers to the family of John, please visit our floral store.