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Obituary For John Fredrick Sargent
John Fredrick Sargent, 78, lovingly known as “Sarge,” of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2026, after a brief, but brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). A memorial service will begin at 2:00 PM, at the same location with burial following the service at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
Born in Altoona, Iowa, on December 29, 1947, John grew up in Milo and graduated from Southeast Warren High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted and proudly served in the United States Army from 1967–1969, spending 18 months stationed in Alaska where he worked as a tank operator.
On September 2, 1978, John was united in marriage to Linda Butler, enhancing a life filled with dedication, hard work, and deep love for family and friends.
For 40 years, John worked as a star route driver, primarily for Roger Griffin Trucking, hauling mail to towns across Iowa. His routes brought him countless friendships and stories, and he became known as someone who rarely missed a day of work and always showed up ready to lend a hand. In earlier years, he also worked part-time as a bus driver, happily transporting children to school and on field trips.
John had a passion for collecting Nascar, sprint car, and John Deere memorabilia, and was an enthusiastic Dale Earnhardt fan. After retiring, he enjoyed working part-time at Brass Armadillo and later at Costco, where he handed out free food samples and liked chatting with customers.
He will be remembered as a man with a strong work ethic, a kind and generous spirit, and a gift for making friends wherever he went. John never met a stranger, and his daily coffee chats at the Ankeny Café were a cherished part of his routine.
John is survived by his wife, Linda Sargent; his children, Susan Sargent, Scott (CJ) Sargent, Joe Sargent, and Ann (Matt) Gillotti; his grandchildren, Kelly Sargent, Jonathan McBride, and Scott Sargent; his great-grandchildren, Zachary Sargent and Grady McBride; and his brothers, Glenn and Charlie Sargent.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Wilma Sargent; his brothers, Jim, David, and Steve Sargent; his sister, Gladys Barnes; his granddaughters, Angel and Shelby Sargent; and Virginia and Joe Biddle who had become like 2nd parents to John.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future memorial and charitable contribution in John’s honor.
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Add A CondolenceJohn was a good friend.
Sarge was a friend you could joke around with. Don't know anyone that disliked him. Always friendly snd greeted you everyday. The man would give his shirt off his back if you needed it. He liked to tell stories of his life experiences and the issues with HOA homes. Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed. Linda sorry for your lose. I'm here and People at Ankeny Cafe are here if you need anything.
Graduated in same high school class with John. Known him for many many years. Soldier's salute to a rock solid guy.
Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. While I never met him, he sounds like a wonderful husband and father! I hope your memories comfort you and your family at this time of loss! God bless you all.