Jon I. deNeui
Jon Ian deNeui of Elkader and formerly of Cedar Rapids passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Jon was born in Decatur, Ill., to Herman and Pauline deNeui on April 15, 1939. He was first born with three siblings. Growing up in various cities, he graduated in 1957 from Roosevelt High School, Cedar Rapids. He then attended and graduated from Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls. He later attained his master’s degree in education from Iowa State University.
Jon married the love of his life, Patricia Rockwell, in August 1961, with two children to follow, Julie and Daniel.
Jon was an educator in work and recreation. Always learning and teaching, sharing his knowledge and wisdom with many. He began as a high school history teacher in Shelby and Victor. Jon worked with his father building homes, and briefly was an educator at the Anamosa reformatory. Jon finally landed long term employment at Kirkwood Community College of Cedar Rapids, developing the program and teaching rural building construction, from which he retired.
Jon loves his family very much. They were some of his favorite students, making sure they would have some technical and thinking skills to be successful in life. Jon was an avid reader, with history and science fiction being favorite topics.
He enjoyed 50-plus years of barbershop chorus, singing bass with the Cedar Rapids Harmony Hawks, Keystone Chorus in Elkader and various other choruses he would visit while on vacations.
Jon, as an authority in post and beam construction, participated in constructing a barn display at the Thresher’s Reunion at Mount Pleasant.
Jon volunteered many years with the historic restoration of Motor Mill and bridge in Clayton County, and he held the position as vice president of the Motor Mill Foundation.
Jon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia deNeui; his children, Julie (Douglas) Wolfe of Elkader and Daniel (Ronda) deNeui of Hiawatha; 13 grandchildren (including spouses) and 24 great grandchildren; brother, Leon deNeui of Arizona; sisters, Linda (William) Shoemaker of Iowa and Becki (Dennis) Lynch of Florida.
Pat and family would like to thank all for the many years Jon enjoyed sharing knowledge and wisdom or just telling stories. We will be planning a memorial and celebration of his life in the future for family and friends.
Cards and condolences may be sent to 30675 Hwy. 13, Elkader, IA 52043.
In memory of Jon, we recommend contributing to the Motor Mill Foundation or consider getting involved with your local barbershop chorus.
Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.
