John William Vandetti

John William Vandetti, 93, passed peacefully into the arms of his savior July 15, 2020, at his La Junta home with family around him.

Johnnie was born in La Junta, CO on August 24, 1926 to Lawrence & Anna (Pagano) Vandetti. He is survived by his wife, Cora Mae Vandetti; son, Larry Vandetti; daughter, LuAnn Vandetti-Trumble; grandsons Jeremy Trumble (Jessica), Robby Trumble and Tyler Trumble; and great-grandson Joseph Trumble. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Eleanore Vandetti-Barnes and Dorothy Vandetti-Walters, and brother Ernest Vandetti.

He graduated from La Junta High School in 1944, joined the U.S. Navy in the same year and was honorably discharged in May of 1946. He came back to La Junta and attended one semester of college at Otero Junior College to play basketball. He married Cora Mae Johnson in 1951 on Ground Hogs Day and celebrated 69 years of marriage. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, patient, perfectionist driven father who encouraged them always to pursue their dreams. He was employed with the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe Railroad for a few years before settling into his career with the Philips Petroleum Company pipeline in La Junta for 30 yrs. before retiring in 1985.

As an accomplished builder, he worked with his family in the late 40’s early 50’s building many of the brick homes still standing today around the La Junta area. He built 3 homes for his family. After retiring, he perfected his skills as a Master Craftsman. He lovingly built and refinished furniture and cabinets, never turning down the opportunity to fix something for someone. He was always generous with his time and enjoyed long afternoons visiting with family and friends. He was an active and dedicated member of Our Lady of Guadalupe & St. Patrick Parish. His grandsons remember the many stories he would tell, one in which he hauled plaster up the scaffolds helping build ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ catholic church.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. both services will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish in La Junta with Father Henry Wertin officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in La Junta. A celebration of Johnnie’s life will be held in the future. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank their caregivers, Margaret Espinoza and Michelle Likes, Dr. Richard Shand, Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center staff, Bent County Healthcare Center staff and Arkansas Valley Hospice for their efforts, care, and dedication to their Dad.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.