BOONE, Iowa—Jon Henry Walczyk, 83, of 1231 Southview Court, Boone, Iowa, passed away at Boone County Hospital on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
He was born on July 13, 1940, in Auzat, France, the son of Walter and Sophia (Filipak) Walczyk. On July 6, 1963, he married Jeanette Jacobson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, South Dakota. He was a graduate of Carl Shurtz High School in Chicago, Illinois. He attended college at Dakota State College in Madison, South Dakota. He went on to South Dakota State University, where he received a master’s degree in foreign language.
Jon was born in the village of Auzat, located in southern France. He immigrated to the United States in 1955 when he was 14 years old. Despite not speaking English, Jon graduated from high school and earned a scholarship to play football at Dakota State College in Madison, South Dakota.
At college, Jon met his wife, Jeanette Jacobson. After graduation, they married and began their careers in education. Jon first taught and coached at the high school level, and after five years, began teaching foreign language and coaching football and wrestling at Dakota State College.
In 1975, they and their two children moved to Boone, Iowa, where Jon taught foreign language at Boone High School. Jon was a passionate teacher and well-respected coach, leading both wrestling and football teams during his 28 years at the school.
Jon loved to travel and shared that love with his community. He organized numerous trips to Canada, Mexico, Spain, and France for his students. After retirement, he organized adult trips, and many friends joined him on these adventures. Jon was most in his element when he was abroad, speaking his native French or Spanish and sharing a glass of wine with friends. Jon also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, golfing, and dancing. He adored his family and was happiest when with them.
He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church and Boone Daybreaker Kiwanis.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Walczyk; daughter, Nicole (Jim) Gelina of Ames, Iowa; and son, Greg (Darlene) Walczyk of Portland, Oregon. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Megan (Patrick) Diedrich, Christopher (Carmen) Gelina, Zoe Walczyk, Jon Henry Walczyk, and Gracie Lee Walczyk; and his two great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Dawson Diedrich.
Above all, Jon cherished his wife, Jeanette. Their enduring love was evident to all who knew them, and their partnership was a lifelong, beautiful dance.
Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone, with Pastor Robin Coughennower officiating. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone.
Flowers or memorial contributions to be used at the family’s discretion are equally welcome.
The Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Jon Walczyk, 83, Boone, Iowa
