John Hubler

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA
Born on Jul 19, 1952
Departed on Nov 12, 2024

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John Hubler, a beloved member of the Marion community passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, after a brave and dignified battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his journey, he displayed unwavering strength, determination, and grace.

John was born on July 19, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Edna (Tudie) and Jack Hubler. A graduate of Linn-Mar High School, Class of 1970, he excelled as a pitcher on the school’s baseball team before continuing his education at Kirkwood Community College. His professional journey began in high school when he joined the Marion Hy-Vee as a courtesy clerk, gradually advancing through various positions. John's hard work and dedication led to a series of promotions, eventually earning him his first store directorship in Watertown, South Dakota, in 1983. Four years later, in 1987, he returned to Marion to manage the Hy-Vee where he began his career. John dedicated himself to serving his community and delighted in the relationships he built with loyal customers and staff.  John retired from Hy-Vee in 2004 after 36 years of “helpful smiles,” and the Mayor of Marion proclaimed that Dec 10th as John Hubler Day.  John served on the Hy-Vee Board of Directors and was named Business and Community Leader of the Year in 2000 by the Marion Chamber of Commerce.  His commitment to the Marion community was widely recognized, and he was honored with Hy-Vee’s prestigious Community Involvement Award for his generosity and active engagement.  John was a member of the Elks, the Marion Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Board of Directors for Heritage Bank.  

John married Valerie Gilman, with whom he had two children, Jamie and Hilary. They later divorced.  John married Jane (Nebel) and they have been married for 36 years. In retirement, John and Jane cherished their time between homes in Marion, Iowa, and Lake Havasu, Arizona, enjoying travel, boating, and riding ATVs in the desert with good friends. Together, they treasured time spent with family and friends.

John is survived by his wife Jane; his children Jamie and Hilary; mother Tudie; mother-in-law Mary; brothers Steve (Dee), Jeff (Sue), Greg (Sandy), and Brad (Coleen); brothers-in-law Steve Nebel (Julie), Dave Nebel (Connie), Dan Nebel (Kim), Tim Nebel (Joy); and sister-in-law Jackie Devine (Brad); grandchildren Arianna, Tristan (Kay), Tatia (Quinn), Jayden, Brexlyn, Joah, and many dear nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his father Jack and father-in-law Leland (Fritz) Nebel. John’s legacy of warmth and compassion will live on in his family.

John will be deeply missed. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness, compassion, and strength left a lasting impact on all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire us.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 18, 2024, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be held Monday, November 18, 2024, from 8:00 AM until the time of service at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. 

A livestream of the memorial service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for John Hubler, under the video tab starting at 11:00 AM, November 18, 2024.

Thank you to Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and Mercy Medical Center for their kind, loving, and compassionate care. 

Memorials may be directed to: National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Flowers & cards may be sent to Cedar Memorial.