John Henry Zidlicky, age 97, passed away peacefully Sunday November 2, 2025, after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Baker Zidlicky; a brother, Frank Zidlicky, and an infant brother, Charles Zidlicky; his father, Milles Zidlicky, mother, Bertie Ammerman Zidlicky, stepmother, Ruth Armstrong Zidlicky, and a second stepmother, Mabel Buckner Zidlicky, and a stepbrother, Bob Armstrong; his sister-in-law, Ruby Miller and her husband, Donald Miller, son-in-law, Larry Reynolds; and granddaughter, Catherine Zidlicky.

John is survived by his son, Steven Zidlicky (Sharon), his daughter, Tresea Reynolds, granddaughter, Susan Zidlicky Hoevelman (James), and great granddaughter, Emma Hoevelman. Niece, Janell Scudder (Donnie), nephew, Tony Miller (Bea) and their families, nephew, Robert Louis Armstrong. He is survived by descendants of the Zidlicky, Baker, Armstrong, Ammerman, Sterling and Hancock families.

John was born on June 2, 1928, at his home in Bolivar and lived his entire life on the family farm. He attended school in a one room schoolhouse, Cooper School, and graduated from Bolivar High School, class of 1947. John began his lifelong career as a farmer and married Ruth Pearl Baker on June 30, 1950. He bought the family farm before being drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served 2 years in the Army then returned home to the farm and his family. For several years he maintained a flock of leghorn hens and sold hatching eggs. He milked cows for the milk, and sold seeds grown on the farm to many area farmers during the 50s and 60s. He began a farming partnership with his son, Steven, in the late 60s and they continued growing and selling cleaned seed wheat and red clover seed until his retirement. They sold hay and raised beef cattle and hogs. John was a good farmer and took great pride in growing field crops. His favorite crop to grow and harvest was wheat. John maintained a large garden for the family as long as his health permitted.

John joined the Methodist Church in Bolivar at a young age. Through the years, he served on many boards and committees in the church. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest and longest living member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church. John served on the Bolivar School Board. He was involved in the initial obtaining of land and building Leonard School and in the consolidation of the Bolivar R-1 School District. John was the founding chairman of the Polk Co Soil and Water Conservation District in 1969. He remained a member of the board for 19 years. He and his wife, Ruth also enjoyed serving as election judges for many years at the Cliquot store building.

John was a kind and generous man who cared deeply for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all.

Pitts Chapel in Bolivar will hold visitation Friday, November 7, from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Funeral services to be held Saturday, November 8, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar.  Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.