John Onnen
John Henry Onnen
1926 - 2010
John OnnenBorn in Des Moines, Iowa, to Jack and Irene Onnen, John had a long and full life. At age 17 he enlisted in the United States Naval Air Force but was not called up to serve until after his high school graduation. After the navy he attended Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa, graduating with a BS in chemical engineering.
In 1947 he wed Virginia Wise. They moved to St. Louis, Missouri and John worked with Mallinckrodt Chemical Company. In 1951 John joined the Arabian American Oil Company in New York. During his years with Aramco he spent one and a half years at the MECAS School in Shemlan, Lebanon, where he studied and became fluent in Arabic. He had a long career with Aramco, retiring as manager of Oil Supply Planning and Scheduling in 1983.
John and Virginia had a life of adventure. Together they explored the deserts of Saudi Arabia, traveled through the Middle East, Europe, the South Pacific, Asia, and returned every two years to renew family ties in Iowa.
John left us peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2010 while surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Irene Onnen, his sister, Mary Onnen, and his brother, Robert Onnen of Des Moines, Iowa.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Onnen; devoted children - Sally Duncan, Mary Jane Onnen & Ken Bus, Amy & Mike Lynn, Rebecca & Jeff Eichelberger, and Jennifer & David McDaniel; his brother, Richard Onnen; a brother-in-law, Robert Popple; 9 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Virginia may be contacted at:
4409 Gaines Ranch Loop
# 415
Austin, TX 78735
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be made to Christopher House or charity of choice.
Hospice Austin
Christopher House
2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Austin, TX 78702