John M. Pestal, born: June 16, 1928, died: May 18, 2024,  Age: 95 - Omaha, Nebraska

John M. Pestal Obituary | June 16, 1928 - May 18, 2024

John was born and raised in Omaha and his family lived across the street from Buffet Grocery Store. John and Warren shoveled     snow for Warren's grandfather and earned 50 cents a day.

He graduated from Benson High School where he excelled in many sports. John was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951. He proudly served his country and became a member of the American Legion Post #1 and served on the Honor Guard for 40 years. After the war, he and his father barbered in Dundee for 43 years.

He continued to play many sports throughout his life, and he started a Little League Soccer in Omaha. John was known as "Father Soccer" to many and was inducted into the Benson Hall of Fame as well as the Nebraska Soccer Hall of Fame.

John was an avid checker player who won 12 state championships. He loved to play and talk checker strategy with anyone who was interested.

John and Betty spent their winters in Arizona where they made many lasting friendships and fond memories when "snow birding."

He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Benson where he ushered for 60 years. John will be remembered as a caring and humble person who worked hard his entire life.

Preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty; son, Johnny; and brother, Bob.

Survived by his wife, Betty; son, Todd (Kim); granddaughter, Rebecca; sister, Mary Griego; four stepgrandchildren, and four stepgreat-grandchildren.

VISITATION: Thursday, May 23rd, from 4 to 6 p.m., at West Center Chapel, with a PRAYER SERVICE at 6 p.m. FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, May 24th, 10:30 a.m., at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Paul United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #1 or the Nebraska Soccer Association.

Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler
West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Rd., Omaha, NE 68124
402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com
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Published by Omaha World-Herald from May 21 to May 22, 2024. Also Legacy.com and Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler