Obituary of John A. Koberg

John A. “Jack” Koberg, age 86 of Iowa City died Sunday, July 21, 2024, at his home after a sudden cardiac event.

Private family memorial services are being planned through Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service with Full Military Honors provided representing his military service in the United States Navy.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and donations can be sent to the funeral home for the Foundation for Fighting Blindness.  

John Arlo Koberg was born July 20, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Arlo and Beatrice (Schrank) Koberg.  Following graduation from high school in Sioux City he attended and later graduated from The University of Nebraska with his BS/BA degree through the ROTC Navy program.  In 1960, he commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy flying the F4 Phantom. This was the first two engine, two pilot supersonic jet in military history. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was involved in operations off the USS Enterprise. His last mission with the military was the honor of flying over JFK’s funeral in the missing man formation.  Returning to college after his military service he received his MS&C from St. Louis University in 1969.

Jack was united in marriage for 63 years to Louise “Jane” Kirchmann on December 26, 1960, in Fremont, NE just as his Navy tour began. Jack was in the banking profession for over 37 years before his retirement, serving banks in Omaha, NE, Fairmont, MN, Sulphur, OK, Iowa City and West Liberty.  He was active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City and also a member of the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce.  Jack served on the Systems Unlimited Board of Directors for 12 years, and was a 30 year plus member of Rotary International.

His family includes his wife, Jane; their children, Pamela Couffer (Roger), Patricia Pogue, John Koberg Jr. (MaryEllen), Judith Koberg, and Janet Bundza (Corey); grandchildren, Bradley Koberg, Matthew Koberg, Jonathan Hamlin, Justin Hamlin (Hannah), Campbell Bundza and Rowan Bundza.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet Blessing (2005).