Fr. John A. Moser
Fr. John A. Moser, 65, of Waukon, passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at UW Health University Hospital in Madison, Wis. The Mass of Resurrection will be held Thursday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Archbishop Thomas Zinkula officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Elkader. Friends may greet the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the church in Waukon, where there will be a 3:30 p.m. scripture service and 7 p.m. vigil service. Visitation will also continue from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at church on Thursday. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. John’s life and legacy will continue to influence and inspire those who knew him. His family, friends and community will remember him as a pillar of strength, compassion and devotion. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, St. Mary’s Dorchester Catholic Church in Dorchester or St. Mary’s Hanover Catholic Church rural Waukon.
Fr. John Anthony Moser was born Jan. 2, 1959, in Guttenberg, the son of Stanley and Clara (Wille) Moser. He attended St. Joseph grade school, graduated from Elkader High School and earned his B.A. in sociology from Iowa State University. John went to St. Paul Seminary, which prepared him for a life of priestly spiritual leadership and community service. He dedicated his life to the service of others as a Catholic priest in the Dubuque Diocese. Ordained on May 24, 1986, John served in multiple parishes across Iowa: Resurrection in Dubuque from 1986-89; Waukon, West Ridge and Lycurgus from 1989-1991; Holy Family in Mason City from 1991-93; Riceville and New Haven from 1993-2000; Chester from 1997-2000; Protivin, Fort Atkinson and Little Turkey from 2000-05; Osage and Stacyville from 2005-11; and Lansing, Harpers Ferry, New Albin and Wexford from 2011-2020. Starting on July 14, 2020 until present, John was the priest at St. Patrick and St. Mary’s Hanover in Waukon and at St. Mary’s in Dorchester. He was also the dean of the Decorah Deanery from July 2018 until present.
John was a man of deep faith, cherished by his family and revered by his parishioners and fellow priests. His commitment to his faith and community was evident in every aspect of his life. Beyond his ecclesiastical duties, John was an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast. His competitive spirit was matched only by his love for several sports teams, fishing, bike riding, and travel; all pursuits that brought him great joy and relaxation.
He is survived by his sister Joyce Patrick and brothers Daniel (Sue), Richard and Mike (Cindy); six nieces and nephews, Karinda Wahls, Dessa Caya, Bryan, Emily and Mary Moser and David Hemby; 11 great-nieces and nephews; uncle and aunts, Ed (Agnes) Wille, Mary Hampton, Rita Lansing and Anna Wille; and several cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Harlan Patrick.
Casketbearers are St. Matthew Council 1570 of Waukon and Knights of Columbus Council 2209 of Elkader.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
