John V. Costello, 91 of Clinton, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026 at Senior Star on Elmore in Davenport, IA. According to his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be held at Rock Island National Cemetery. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.
John was born on October 19, 1934 in Charlotte, IA, the son of Valery and Ella (O’Brien) Costello. John enlisted in the US Army in 1956 and served his country overseas for over a year. He married Carol A. Kershner (Hess) in 1956. They divorced and he later married Lorraine (Lori) Grucela. She passed away in 2023. John was a member of Prince of Peace in Clinton. After returning from the service, John worked as a welder/pipefitter, became a licensed auctioneer and owner/operator of a mobile home park in Indiana. He ended his working career as a welder. John never met a stranger and loved people. He loved to have garage sales and loved visiting the local casinos.
John is survived by his children, Dr. Kathleen (Lyle) Van Buer of Davenport, Dawn (Randy) Nissen of Plover, WI, Brian (Shanistie) Costello of Clinton, Jim (Pam) Scacco of Plainfield, IL, and Vicki (Tim) Rekemeyer of Rockford, IL; Grandchildren, Ryan (Mary) Van Buer, Chris (Laura) Van Buer, Jordan (Nicole) Nissen, Troy (Jessica) Nissen, Brett (Ashley Powell) Costello, and Brittany Costello, Jimmy (Dana) Scacco, and Gina (Charlie) Schalk; great grandchildren, Ellia and Riley, Anthony, Sarah, Michael, Tyler, Juliaunna, Jeremiah, Daniel, Nathan, and Jaden, and 4 great-great grandchildren; a sister Marie Leenknecht; brothers Don and Ralph Costello; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; sister Eileen; and brothers, Jim, Gilbert, Paul, and Mike.
Uncle John always had our backs; whether he was correcting our math on appropriate union wages for the working man; Or even simply reminding us never to pee on the electric fence.
Gotta love you sir,
your loving nephew,
darrell
Hey, Brian, I remember when your dad came to our class at Sacred Heart grade school in Clinton to demonstrate auctioneering. I’m glad he got to live such a long life.
We were very sorry to hear about your dad (Uncle John) passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Me and my family remember all the great times (you all visiting the farm on Sunday afternoons). A good opportunity for farm kids to show their city cousins around. Uncle John had a heart the size of Texas. He was always interested and curious with what was going on. As a result he would and did talk with people everywhere. I know that Uncle Jim (my dad) admired John’s sense of adventure and how John left the farm life and went on to immerse himself, very successfully, in construction, welding, auctioneer etc. Uncle John was always up for an adventure. May he rest in peace.
prayers for comfort and peace for all. Uncle John was a very special person. He was always very kind but also did tell it like it is. Thankful for seeing him a few weeks ago.
Sympathies to all the family. Uncle John was always great to visit. He liked to see people and chat. Rest in peace Uncle John. We are praying for all the family.
Deeply Saddened for time lost here with Uncle John who was as stratght forward & joyful person as you could hope to meet. Prayers for the whole family with love & Gods Blessings to all.
Best ever…. I spent time researching genealogy… many hours… and shared with uncle John,,,(many other blessed memories too.. (well done my good and faithful servant))… but to be greeted by Uncle John with …” that is great! I would not have walked across the street to find that out.” …
Thankful and blessed by times with Uncle John. Prayers for comfort and peace for all.