John L. Hare Jr., 78, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at his home in Maquoketa.

John Leonard Hare Jr. was born June 23, 1947, in Colombus, Ohio, to John L. and Rose (Thompson) Hare Sr. He graduated from Maquoketa High School with the Class of 1965. John married Barbara J. Keil on July 14, 1967, at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. John proudly served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam.

Upon his discharge from the Army, John worked as a police officer in Mechanicsville, Iowa. He later worked at Stolper Industries in Dewitt, Iowa, before settling in as a purchasing agent for Precision Metal in Maquoketa until his retirement. John also owned a gunsmithing business, was a prolific marksman and was a member of the Isaac Walton Gun Range.

John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing of all kinds, and golf. He bred and trained hunting dogs for many years. John and Barb travelled to many NASCAR races, supporting his favorite driver, Dale Jarrett. John loved sports and was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes. John and Barb started the Friday Night Friends group along with four other couples, meeting every Friday night for over 20 years, growing to include many more friends over the years.

Those left to honor his memory include a his children Brian (Tammy Posey) Hare of Pelham, AL, Michelle (Rick) Jacobs of Maquoketa, and Christopher (Hollie) Hare of Winthrop, IA; bonus daughter Tabitha (Nick) Hasenbank of Maquoketa; sisters Sue McAfee of Maquoketa, and Gay (Dennis) Storlie of Maquoketa; brothers Bill Hare of Maquoketa, and Tom (Dawn) Hare of Maquoketa; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Gracie. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barb; sister Lois Houston; brothers Claude Hare and Robert Hare; and sisters–in–law Sue Hare and Jean Hare.

A celebration of life service honoring John will be held at 5:30 P.M., Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 3 P.M. until 5:30 P.M. A dinner will be served at the Eagles Club in Maquoketa immediately following the visitation.  A graveside service will be held at 9 A.M. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.