John Naifeh

John Oscar Naifeh, 80, formerly of Ft. Madison, Iowa, and Sun City, Arizona, passed away at Morningstar Senior Assisted Living Facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho, November 15, 2014, with his family by his side. He was born in Ft. Madison, Iowa, August 16, 1934, to George (Papa) and Rose (Sittie) Naifeh. John graduated from Ft. Madison Senior High School in 1952. He attended college for a short time but found his true calling working alongside his father at George’s grocery store at 13th and Avenue G. He purchased Naifeh’s Supermarket in 1960 from his father, who retired to Sun City, Arizona with Sittie. He moved the business to 2805 Avenue L in 1969, where Naifeh’s Meat Market flourished. He discussed many meat and business deals with Rudy Naifeh, who owned Naifeh’s in Burlington. He married Cheryl Janine Griffith of Ft. Madison, Iowa, in June 1963. To this union they were blessed with three children, Doug, Lori, and Bobby. They were later divorced and continued to raise their children together. John extended his family when he married Pamela Maxson Ritter in 1983, and raised stepson Sean Michael Ritter. After selling Naifeh’s Supermarket they semi-retired in Litchfield Park, AZ in 1986 and were later divorced. John was deeply involved in multiple organizations throughout his lifetime and provided many contributions to the local community. Specifically, he made donations to the local YMCA during its groundbreaking. John was created a Noble in the Kaaba Shriners in May 1962 and was a member of the Claypoole Lodge in Ft. Madison. His commitment to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles is evident by his many accolades with the Eagles. He was President of the Pen City Eagles #1287 of Ft. Madison, Iowa, three times, Iowa state president in 1971-1972, regional state president in 1974-1975, and a devoted Eagles member for 50+ years. John was selected to the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2002. His selflessness was obvious with his dedication and involvement as President of the Eagles to raise funds to build the Lee County Activity Center in Montrose, Iowa. He also served as a Mason for Fort Madison #13 for over 50 years. His involvement with the Ft. Madison Chamber of Commerce was apparent when he served as President in 1974. Also in 1974, the Armour Dial Corporation awarded him Merchandising Man of the Year for his business savvy. After he moved to Litchfield Park, Arizona, in 1986, he became involved with Kiwanis International and served as President due to his leadership in 1994-1995. John is survived by his children, Douglas Irvin Naifeh, Lori (Tammy) Ann Naifeh, Robert John Naifeh, and stepson, Sean (Colette) Ritter; his grandchildren, (Bobby) Justin, Joshua, Jake and Jenna Naifeh, (Lori) Adriana and Annalicia Shelton. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Ginny Naifeh, and his seven nieces and nephew, Kathy (Bernie) Naifeh, Kim (Dave) Reichmann, George III (Trinh) Naifeh, Kerri (Dave) Smith, Kelli (Ed) Price, Kamila Sharp, Kristin (Dan) Erno. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose Naifeh and a brother, Dr. George Naifeh. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ft. Madison, IA, the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, or Encompass Cares in Idaho Falls. The family would especially like to thank Ashley Melanese and the staff of Morningstar and Sandy, Brandy, Gary, and Krisa of Encompass Cares for their love and care of our father and a very dear and special thank you for all the people of Ft. Madison and beyond who walked through the doors of Naifeh’s meat market all those years. A Memorial Service will be held in late May or June at King-Lynk Funeral Home and Crematory in Ft. Madison, Iowa. Some final words of wisdom from John, “It’s only money, not your life!,” “It only costs this much -- to go first class!,” “Don’t let your meat loaf!” and of course “You can’t beat Naifeh’s meat!” Love and hugs to all my family and friends! C ‘ya!!