John William Oliver, Sr., 89, of Grand Island, Nebraska passed away peacefully with his family at his side on January 20, 2022, at Tabitha Journey House, in Lincoln, Nebraska. An informal celebration will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island, Nebraska. For the safety of everyone masks are encouraged. Interment will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor team. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Friendship Home, PO Box 85358, Lincoln, NE 68501-5358. You are encouraged to sign John's guest book at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. John was born on January 18, 1933 to George and Anna (Stoppkottee) Oliver in Grand Island, Nebraska where he spent the majority of his life. He attended Grand Island Senior High and graduated in 1951. It was at that time when he met Jeannine Koehler who he would marry the following year on November 2, 1952. The two of them would share an adventure that would last over 69 years. In March, 1953 John was selected to serve his country in the armed forces during the Korean Conflict. After serving, he worked for Hutton Appliance Service in 1955 through the GI Bill. Soon after, he started his own appliance repair business which he and Jeannine operated full time for over ten years. In 1978, John started work at the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island where he would retire in 2002. John and Jeannine would eventually move to Lincoln to be closer to their kids. When John wasn't working, he was spending his time with his family and loved ones. His love of fishing, Husker sports, good home cooking and being around family and friends made him most happy. Any chance he got, John would cast out a line and wait patiently for the big one to bite. A nice day on the lake, a cold beer and his loved ones fishing next to him was his perfect recipe for a happy life. John was proceeded in death by his father George and mother Anna as well as his brother Larry and his infant son, Keith. Surviving John is his wife Jeannine, daughter Renae, three sons John, Lon (Vyta) and Kevin. John has four grandsons: Jeromy, Michael, Kyle and Christopher. The family wishes to extend its love and gratitude to all who were present during dad's days. A special thank you to the staff of Tabitha Journey House for making his final days comfortable. Celebration of Life Gathering Curran Funeral Chapel Wednesday, January 26, 2022 10:30 AM 3005 South Locust Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801