John Wardman, 84, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, October 10, 2022, at his home in Columbus surrounded by his loved ones

The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 14 at 10:30 AM, at the Federated Church in Columbus with Rev. Dr. Edward Yang officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Friday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Friday at 10:15 AM, at the church. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery.

John William Wardman was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on January 31, 1938 to John and Leonora (Snyder) Wardman. He grew up in the Albion, Iowa area and graduated from Albion High School in 1956. He then served in the National Guard for six years. On June 7, 1959, John was united in marriage to Brenda Maxfield in Albion, Iowa.

John loved to tinker, he enjoyed doing so even into his final days. He had a passion for creating something out of nothing. This was apparent as John spoke of the widgets and components he created during his 11 years working for American Fire Apparatus, designing and building fire trucks. In 1974, John and Brenda moved to Schuyler, Nebraska where John covered a 5 state area as a regional Safety Inspector and District Manager for Underwriters Laboratories. John retired in 2000 and he and Brenda moved to Columbus in 2013. John had many hobbies that he filled his days with. He built Doll houses and Farm Sheds from scratch with amazing detail. He enjoyed building and playing with his model train set and amassed an impressive collection of remote controlled boats, planes, cars, and heavy equipment, some of which were home made. John especially loved spending time with his 7 great grandchildren. John was a member of the Federated Church.

John is survived by:
Wife: Brenda Wardman of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Tambri (Kermit) Wilshusen of Schuyler, NE
Grandchildren: Ben (Heidi) Wilshusen; Bethannie (Clay) Brandl
Son: Todd (Tiphanie) Wardman of Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren: Ashley Wardman, Logan Rizza, Chase Wardman
Son: Christopher (Sandra) Wardman of North Bend, NE
Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Wardman, Brandon Wardman, Kiersten Wardman, Kierra Wardman
Seven Great Grandchildren

John was preceded in death by:
Parents: John & Leonora Wardman
Parents-in-law: James & Bessie Maxfield
Sisters: Helen Bailey & Genevieve (Floyd) Case
Brothers-in-law: Jim Maxfield, Alan Maxfield, Steve Maxfield