John R. Weisshaar

John Richard Weisshaar, 81, of Des Moines and Apache Junction, Arizona, entered into eternal rest June 10, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Saturday, June 21, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston, with Father Patrick Amedeka, Celebrant. Family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Memories and condolences may be left online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

John was born June 26, 1943, to Edna Marie (Kelley) Weisshaar and Hans Albert Weisshaar in Creston. John attended St. Malachy grade school and graduated from Creston High School in 1962. After attending Creston Community College for one year, he returned home to farm alongside his brother Joe Weisshaar.

On July 4, 1964, John married Rosa Lea McGinnis of Creston. Together they raised three children: Rose Ann, Anthony and Terri. John’s passion for mechanics led he and Rosie to open J & R Cycle, which they managed for many years, and they spent their summers traveling to motocross races with their son Tony.

After relocating to Des Moines in the mid-80s, John built a successful 40-year career in the automobile sales and financing industry, starting at Charles Gabus Ford, and then working at nearly every major dealership in the city over time. Even in retirement, his love for sales continued as he spent seven to eight years selling travel trailers and campers with his daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Bob Burnett.

In his later years, John began wintering in Apache Junction, where he reconnected with his high school prom date, Janice (Schroeder) Custer, who became his cherished companion. Together they created wonderful memories in their retirement years.

John’s passions included riding motorcycles, making annual trips to Sturgis with his friends and spending countless hours tinkering in his garage on anything he could “fix.” He learned to fly small private planes. He was a devoted father and grandfather who treasured time with his five grandchildren. In Arizona, he enjoyed the community pool, socializing with friends and indulging in his love of late nights watching western movies.

John is survived by his son Tony Weisshaar; daughter Terri (Bob) Burnett; grandchildren: Kelsi, Alexandra, Madison, Lauren and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Elijah and Hazel; sisters, Dorothy Wallace and Jane Keitges; brother Tom Weisshaar; significant other Janice (Schroeder) Custer; Jan’s children, Aaron Custer and Leah Pine and his beloved cat Mitsi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Rosa Lea (McGinnis) Weisshaar; daughter Rose Ann Weisshaar; brother Joe Weisshaar and sister Kay Hawks.