Jon R. Moeller
December 04, 2013
Jon Moeller, 62, passed away December 4, 2013 after developing a dissected aorta. Jon was born April 7, 1951 to Lyle and Emma Moeller of Gladbrook, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm with his brother and two sisters and graduated from Gladbrook High School in 1969. Jon’s passion was wrestling, and he won the state championship as a senior at 112 pounds, capping an undefeated season of 29-0.
He went on to wrestle at the University of Northern Iowa under Chuck Patten. He was a North Central Conference Champion, earning All-American honors in 1971. After graduation, Jon taught and coached wrestling at West Marshall High School. In 1974, he went to Saydel High School, where he coached wrestling, taught drivers’ education, was the activities director and assistant vice principal. He got his Master’s degree in 1980 at Northeast Missouri State, now Truman State University. Jon married his wife Joanne in 1987. In 1989, Jon left education and started his own sales business.
Jon stayed active in wrestling most of his life, either coaching, refereeing, or volunteering at high school and wrestling events. Most recently Jon was an enthusiastic member of the UNI Panther Wrestling Club, where he was a board member and vice president.
While at Saydel, Jon became a member of the Moingona Hunt Club and spent many Sundays riding his great mare CC with the hunt on a fruitless quest for fox. Besides wrestling, Jon’s other great passion was polo. He had been a member of the Des Moines Polo Club for nearly 30 years, and was always on the lookout for a new polo pony to add to his string. He loved horses and spent many hours working with them (and cleaning tack).
Wherever he went, Jon made many friends, whether it was through horses, wrestling, school or otherwise. He never missed an opportunity to help others; Jon’s last selfless act was to be a tissue donor. He was patient, kind, and never complained about all the animals his wife brought home. Missing him very much are his wife, Joanne; son, Ben; mother, Emma; brother, Jay (Debbie Anne); and sisters, Jess (Mike) Putnam and Jo Arbuckle. He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle.
Many thanks to the dedicated physicians and nurses at Iowa Methodist who went to extraordinary lengths to care for Jon and his family. Visitation will be at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW in Altoona, followed by burial at Canfield Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the UNI Panthers Wrestling Club, P.O. Box 1131, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614 or Friends of Iowa Public Television.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Karen Wittenbaugh
12/07/2013
Jo: I'm so sorry to hear of your brother's passing.
Robert and Florence Pippert
12/07/2013
Joanne, Ben ,Emma, Jessica ,Jay & Jo
Our deepest condolences. Jon was one of the Class Acts of 1969. A very close and true friend. Lots of good memories. Jon will always be remembered for his smile and good nature.
Jon Urich
12/07/2013
Jon has been a good customer and great friend for over thirty years. He was the kind of man the world needs more of. I have many great memories with him and can not put into words, how much he will be missed. Joanne and Ben, you are in the Urich family's prayers and if there is anything we can do for you, just ask. Because of our belief in Jesus Christ, it is not goodbye my friend but I will see you later.
Pam & John Fleming
12/06/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family . Jon will be in our memories always.
Bob "JJ" Boeck
12/06/2013
Jon was a teammate and good friend. His continued support and hard work for UNI wrestling has helped put the Panther Train back on the fast track. His presence will be missed by many but his spirit will be felt at the West Gym.
John Bein
12/06/2013
To Joanne & Ben. I am so sorry to hear of Jon's passing! May God be with you and your family during this time.
Jon & I competed against each other in wrestilng in high school. I went to Beaman-Conrad. Jon & I ran into each other once in awhile through the years in the Des Moines area here. He was always a joy to talk to & I will always have fond memories of him.. He was a great person & Iam certain will be sorely missed.
My parents Vernon & Jeanne Bein are good friends with Marlin & Phyllis Moeller & were friends with Lyle & Emma as well.
.May God;s Peace & Comfort be with you!
John Bein
Gerald Levin
12/06/2013
Joanne and Ben:
My deepest condolences. Will always have fond memories of playing polo with Jon, and the camaraderie off the field. He was a kind and honest person, and he was taken from us far too soon.
Sharon vail
12/06/2013
Joanne and Ben
My prayers are for you both and your families. I taught with John for many years. He was a loved and respected vice principal and coach. He touched many lives.
Sharon Vail
Jim Miller
12/06/2013
Jon was a teammate at UNI. A very tough competitor... a Proud Warrior on the mat and the nicest guy off the mat.. All proud to call him friend..then and now. He will be missed... Blessings and Prayers to the Family..
Suzy Emmack
12/06/2013
Everybody loved Mr. Moeller, as he was a fabulous leader for the younger generation and athletes in the Saydel school system & quite frankly, everywhere. He will be missed dearly! My thoughts & prayers are with his family. . .
Marcia Jacobs
12/05/2013
I was so very sorry to hear of Jon's illness and passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
david hodson
12/05/2013
so sorry to hear about the coach, god bless his wife n son he was a man loved by so many
John and Renee King
12/05/2013
We are very sorry for your loss, our hearts and prayers go out to your family.
Rod Slings
12/05/2013
Joanne and Ben:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers of comfort are with you during this difficult time.
Rob & Jenny Peterson
12/05/2013
Joanne and Ben:
Rob, Phillip, Cassidy, and I are heartbroken for your loss. Please know that we are praying for you and are here for you.