John Shean

JOHN F. SHEAN

Cedar Rapids

John F. Shean, 83, of Cedar Rapids, slipped away peacefully from the family and community he loved on Friday, April 1, 2016, in Cedar Rapids. Funeral services: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held two hours before the service. A private family graveside to follow service.

Survivors include his wife, Sally; four children, Steven (Sandra), Michael (Vicki), Brian (Rosemary) and Leslie (Sid); six grandchildren, Kate, John, Alex, Katelyn, Kaylin and Kassidy; two great-grandchildren, Brynlee and Brayden; and his brother, David.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Byron and Hazel; and sisters, Nancy Barrick and Ruth Menary.

John was born June 26, 1932, in Cedar Rapids, where he lived the bulk of his life. He attended Polk and Franklin schools, getting high marks while lettering in both track and cross-country. While attending a youth group meeting at Central Park Presbyterian Church at age 16, he met the love of his life, Sally Anne Cerny, whom he married six years later, in 1954. Sally, always the center of his world, was by his side to the end – believing the vow, "For better or worse, in sickness and health, until death do us part." They were inseparable in life and will be forever more. John graduated from Grinnell College and worked for Quaker Oats and Pioneer Litho.

John achieved countless things in his life. Chief among them, the trust and respect of those who worked for or depended upon him. Dedicated to family, community, church and his profession, he always sought opportunities to make a positive contribution.

A good husband and great father, he showed us how to persevere through life's difficulties, overcome obstacles and maintain a light heart and sense of humor along the way. He will be sorely missed by all those he touched and influenced.

If John were here, he would want to share the following: "We are all transient beings, sharing an amazing planet with all its splendid plants and creatures. Be caretakers, gardeners and conservators rather than extractors and despoilers. Feed a bird, plant a tree, cultivate diversity wherever you can. Celebrate life by living yours to the fullest, while also looking out for the little guy, the less advantaged. Cherish all those who fall within your orbit (family, friends and community), and service their needs first before your own. Always look for an opportunity to make someone smile or to lighten their load for even a brief moment. In short, pay it forward!"

Per John's wishes, in lieu of flowers, he would hope that you will carry out an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone less fortunate in his name.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.