John Howard Dick of West Branch, Iowa passed away in his home on April 9, 2026.

John was born on November 22, 1954, in Waterloo, Iowa, the fourth child of Dr. and Mrs. Fred Dick Jr.  When he came into the world, he was greeted by an eight-year-old sister, a twelve-year-old brother, and a fourteen-year-old sister.

He was a precocious young man who explored all avenues of his environment. He loved competition and was a champion archer in high school. He loved woodworking and his grandfather clock earned him the grand championship at the state fair. He loved electronics and before he could drive he would ride his bike to Farnsworth Electronics in Waterloo to find components to make or repair radios. He loved the piano and played it better than all of his siblings. He loved nature and going to the family cabin in Wisconsin was always exciting. Fishing, sailing, water skiing, and just enjoying the beauty of lake country were favorite pastimes.

After graduating from Waterloo West High School, he went on to the University of Iowa. He also worked in a music store in Cedar Rapids tuning and repairing pianos. It was there that he was introduced to all things about guitars. He soon started building guitars in a small shed next to his trailer. After graduating in psychology in 1993, he decided to continue what would become his life’s work building guitars.

He learned all he could from other expert builders but added his own ideas to theirs. He soon became a luthier to admire. He built over 160 guitars, selling to several famous guitarists. He spent many years in West Branch building the masterpieces that embodied his love of music. Many late nights were spent under the lights of his front shop window, entertaining his West Branch neighbors and passersby as well.

John was a kind and generous man. His thoughts could jump from the commonplace to the esoteric in minutes, leaving his listeners in awe of his vast knowledge.

He was a good person, a good brother, and a good son. His essence will live on in his guitars and in the beautiful music they make.

John is survived by his sister Patricia (Robert) McCabe from Waterloo, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Thelma Dick from Waterloo, his sister Bonnie (Dan) Dunham from Frankenmuth, Michigan, and his brother Fred (Donna) Dee from Iowa City.

Rest in piece John, your loving sister Pat.

A celebration of life will be announced later to be held in the Henderson-Barker funeral home in West Branch, Iowa.