John M. Hardison

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John M. Hardison, 67, of Moline, Illinois, a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. 

John joined his Lord and Savior on January 16, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City. 

Services are 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, at Cornerstone Assembly of God Church, DeWitt, Iowa, with Rev. Curt Girod officiating. Burial is in Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation is 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 20, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in John’s memory. 

Born on May 23, 1957, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Carl and Erma (Nixon) Hardison, John lived a life full of love, laughter, and service. 

John married the love of his life, Cathy “Joey” Hardison, on September 18, 1982, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and shared passions. For 35 years, John was an active and cherished member of the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in DeWitt, Iowa—a church he helped build with his own hands. His devotion extended beyond the sanctuary as he joyfully mowed the church lawn, ensuring its beauty for all to enjoy.

John had a passion for life that was evident in his many hobbies, including restoring antique Wheel Horse garden tractors, boating on the river, four-wheeling, chopping wood, and shooting guns. Above all, he loved spending time with his “Joey” and creating memories with his family. He found joy in simple pleasures like fires in the garage, playing checkers with “Neighbor Paul,” and taking his fully restored 1954 F-100 truck out for a drive, complete with impressive burnouts.

John dedicated 42 years of his career to Blackhawk Foundation in Geneseo, Illinois, serving as a crane operator and superintendent. He was proud to have been the first operator at the company to operate a crane with a 120-foot boom. His work on the VA Hospital and the Central Tower at the Indianapolis 500 Speedway stood out as defining achievements in his long and impactful career.

John’s vibrant humor, energy, and charisma left an impression on everyone he met. He was not only a hardworking professional but also a mentor, friend, and steadfast family man. Whether chopping wood with his family, exploring Wisconsin with his “bride,” or planning weekend adventures, John always put family at the center of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; his daughter, Tara Hardison of Salt Lake City, Utah; sons, John “Ryan” Hardison of Moline, and Connor (Kaitlin) Hardison of Ankeny, Iowa; his brother, Dale (Linda) Hardison; four sisters, Nancy (Lauren) Corlis, Anna (Cletus) Till, Bonnie Cruz, and Suzi (Terry) Spain; his sister-in-law, Barb Hardison; his in-laws, Ann and Neal Miller; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Carl Hardison; and his brothers-in-law, Steve Miller and Cisco Cruz.

John Hardison was a devout Christian, a fierce protector, a source of strength, and an endless well of love. His family and friends will miss him more than words can express, but his legacy of adventure, laughter, and service will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.

Rest easy, John. You were one of a kind.