John M. Secl, 67, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday morning, May 16, 2017. John's wishes were to be cremated and inurned in the Czech National Cemetery Columbarium. Papich-Kuba Funeral Service, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria Secl of Cedar Rapids; two children, Janelle Newman and husband Cory of Silver Spring, MD and Matthew and wife Johanna of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Lara Secl and Jakob Secl of Cedar Rapids and Timothy John Newman of Silver Spring, MD. He is also survived by his sister, Mary (Secl) Barron of Oran, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margery (Kremenak) Secl.

John was born March 25, 1950 in Cedar Rapids. He met Gloria Dennison in 1965 and they were married on April 2, 1971.

John graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and later earned his Master's degree from the University of Iowa. He was a beloved teacher and coach at Saint Pius X School in Cedar Rapids and then, for over 30 years, in the Alburnett School District. John retired from teaching in 2015 but continued to share his passion for science and engineering through his constant presence at Metro High School in Cedar Rapids. His passion for education has touched countless lives. He was a role model for all in his character and positivity.

Most notably he spent his final years as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Among his lasting legacies are those he has passed along to his family: complete devotion, compassion, hard work and a
life-long love of learning.

Memorial contributions may be given to the John M. Secl Memorial Scholarship at Metro High School in Cedar Rapids or the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under obituaries.