John’s family was Seventh Day Adventist, and he attended elementary school at Helen Hyatt followed by High School at College View Academy, both Seventh Day Adventist Schools in Lincoln. Throughout high school, he worked with his uncle as a chef in restaurants such as the Clayton House and the Knolls. In fact, he claimed he could remove a tablecloth from a table without upsetting the dishes!
But in his youth, his luckiest break came when he was attending church with his relatives in Denver. There, at the front of the room, was a beautiful little girl in a red dress, playing a red accordion! It changed the course of his life. It was time for him to choose an instrument at school, and he wanted nothing to do with their offerings! He wanted an accordion—not exactly a popular instrument in high school bands! Finally, his dad came through and presented him with the accordion of his dreams. He began lessons immediately and went on to become very prolific.
In 1965, he moved to Elk River, Minnesota to superintend his uncle’s painting and varnishing business. His Aunt was getting her Master’s degree at St. Cloud State University and he decided to go there as well in the winter of ’69. He majored in clinical psychology with a minor in music. While there, he acquired a new best friend named Susan. They married in 1971 and were married for 52 years until his death. Though many were not quite ready for this marriage, the minister stated that this couple needed more love and support than the norm. And that, their loved ones did!
In 1969 John started graduate school at the University of Nebraska, majoring in Clinical Community Psychology. Upon receiving his Master’s Degree, he accepted a job as a State of Nebraska Probation Counselor-Officer which eventually resulted in becoming Chief Probation Officer for a few years. He’d spend the next 35 years in probation until having a major stroke in 2008, forcing him to retire.
John was very passionate about numerous things, one being cars. He began a used car dealership that he absolutely loved and which his father and Susan helped him run for many years. Another passion was pipes. He had a collection a mile long and knew everything about briar, makers, shapes, etc. He even came in fifth in the national pipe smoking contest in Chicago one year!
Another passion John had was photography. He carried cameras wherever he went, and again knew every little detail about the workings of a camera. And he has some beautiful photos all around his home.
Of course his biggest passion was the accordion. He could explain the inner workings of the instrument for hours if you’d let him! And then play for you for hours! He had the privilege of studying with one of the best accordionists in the world, Mr. Larry Malmberg, in Minneapolis for many years. But for you Nebraskans, don’t ask him to play a polka. His music was classic, pop, and jazz. He still continued to play 2-3 hours each day until late last fall!
John was always an avid bike rider, and following his stroke he took up refurbishing bikes. He wasn’t quite ready to leave us as his garage is still full of bikes! And he also has stacks of music yet to learn! He said he never wanted to play the harp anyhow, so hopefully there is an accordion in heaven!
In 1980, John became a father to a beautiful baby girl, Kara. Then in 1988 he was again blessed to meet our beautiful Naomi, whom we had relinquished for adoption prior to getting married.
John loved traveling—especially to be with his family in Jacksonville, and in Minnesota. As he and Susan were ready to leave for Minnesota to celebrate Christmas, he announced that he wasn’t feeling the best. That was the beginning of the end, as he died of kidney disease on March 15, 2024.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Bernice Napue and survived by his wife Susan, his children, Naomi, and Kara and her husband Brian, whom he loved like a son. Also three grandchildren, Anatola, Ian, and Ariana. Survivors also include his 3 beloved sisters—Yuleen Broome from Jacksonville, FL, Phyllis Jones from Atlanta, and Jill Napue from Jacksonville, as well as nieces and nephews Heidi, Moncrief, Maxie, Odiesha, and Odies and a host of great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Memorials to the family for future designation.