Justin Faiferlick

Justin Faiferlick, 57, of Fort Dodge passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He tenaciously battled cancer for the last three years of his life.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Friday, March 13, 2026 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in North Lawn Cemetery with military rites by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. A visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday in the chapel of Laufersweiler Funeral Home.

Justin was born January 26, 1969 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended school in Fort Dodge and Renwick and graduated from St. Edmond High School in 1987. Justin met Deann Maschino while they were both in high school. They went on to marry in Fort Dodge on June 6, 1992. Their marriage was filled with inspirational love for over 33 years and resulted in two children, Kelsey and Michael. He was obsessed with spending time with his 5 grandchildren. Justin's passion as a husband, father, and grandfather was evident in his everyday life.

Justin served 30 years in the Air Force / Air National Guard and was very proud of his military service. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2020. Justin was a true lifelong learner, earning his Master's Degree in Business Management in 2007. While battling cancer, he earned his Associate's Degree in Golf Management in December of 2025.

Justin earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo in high school and loved instructing martial arts throughout his life. He competed at the highest level in competitions, winning 9 state championships and 4 national titles and competed and coached in international competitions for the USA. His lifelong dream of owning his own martial arts studio became a reality in 2014 when he opened Faiferlick Martial Arts. He earned his 7th degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and was involved in many other martial arts.

Justin loved to golf, especially with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His children were fortunate to have him as their permanent golf coach. His coaching experience spans 40 years for a variety of sports including martial arts, football, wrestling, and golf, impacting and mentoring thousands of athletes. Community involvement was important to Justin as he served on many local and national boards.

Here is Justin's life mission in his own words: "I hope others can clearly see that family and friends hold a special place in my heart, and my desire to be remembered as a near perfect son, father, grandparent, and friend reflects on my commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships. My passion is to leave a legacy of grace as a beautiful aspiration, emphasizing the importance of kindness, forgiveness, empathy, compassion, understanding, and love in my interactions with others. Leading by example in all aspects of my life in my relationships, work, and community involvement. I know my actions can inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positivity and goodwill. Living my life characterized by my lasting legacy of grace that positively impacts the lives of others and contributes to a more compassionate and caring world for future generations. Cherishing my time with loved ones and embodying the values I hold dear can help me achieve my goal of leaving a legacy of grace."

His family firmly believes he accomplished his mission.

Justin is survived by his wife, Deann; children, Kelsey Felch and Zac; Michael Faiferlick and Ashley; beloved grandchildren Grace, Aria, and Elaine; Lucas and Cooper; parents Mark Sr. (Maria) Faiferlick of Fort Dodge; Carla (Mike) Montgomery of Otho; Bonnie (Monte) Hefty of Renwick; siblings, Mark Faiferlick Jr. of Lehigh; Doug (Gabby) Hepperle of Pomeroy; Jim Hepperle of Fort Dodge; Scott (Kristin) Faiferlick of San Diego, CA; Robert (Cari) Hepperle of Otho; Jason (Megan) Faiferlick of Tucson, AZ; Lee (Jennifer) Hefty of Corwith; Sara (Jeff) Cibert of Fort Dodge; brothers-in-law, Richard (Mary Ann) Christensen of DePere, WI; Ed (Carolyn) Maschino of Badger; sister-in-law, Dawn Wesley of Fort Dodge; and several nieces and nephews.

Justin was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Sharon Maschino.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.