John J. Sohm of Mequon, passed away October 26, of complications from Parkinson’s disease with Lewy body dementia. Born May 28, 1946, in Danbury, Iowa, the fourth son of Carl and Margaret (Harrigan) Sohm, John graduated from Danbury Catholic High School in 1964. After attending The Creighton University, he graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in 1969, and an MS in 1973. He served in the Iowa National Guard from 1963 to 1969.
In 1969, he married Margaret Klus, and they had three children, Nicole, Anthony, and Bridget. After a brief teaching career, he joined Horace Mann Insurance and worked for 36 years as an agent and manager in the Ames, Des Moines, and Iowa City areas. He won many awards and traveled with Margaret to many conferences and destinations around the world. He was very grateful for the opportunity to help many clients achieve financial security for their families. In retirement, John and Margaret moved to Wisconsin in 2009 to be closer to their family.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Nicole, and husband, Andrew DeGuire, of Whitefish Bay; son, Tony, of San Francisco, CA; and daughter, Bridget, and husband, Joe Richlen, of Milwaukee. Also survived by grandchildren, Eileen and Liam DeGuire, and brother, Marshall, of Danbury, Iowa, as well as in-laws, nieces, nephews and his beloved mother-in-law, Bridget “Billie Jo” Klus. He was predeceased by his parents and older brothers, Richard and David.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Lighthouse of Mequon, and Columbia-St. Mary’s Ozaukee, including the Lawlis Hospice.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 3, from 2:00PM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at Lumen Christi Parish (2700 W. Mequon Rd) A fellowship will follow the mass. An additional memorial mass will be held in Iowa City, IA. on Saturday, November 7 at 2:00PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, Iowa City, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association-Wisconsin Chapter, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, or to the charity of your choice.