John "Jack" Celoni
February 5, 1931 - December 12, 2011

"It is remarkable the influence that a great teacher has on students. Mr. Celoni was one of those teachers. The man loved teaching and instilling belief in students. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Thanks for everything Mr. Celoni!"

"Our thoughts and prayers to the Celoni family from Celene and myself. When you think of Jack, he has to be Algona's version of Mr Holland's Opus. Upon first glance, one might have wondered how Mr Allen could have hired this crazy Italian until you had him for a class, in a play or spent more than a few minutes with Jackson. This man didn't want to teach you that day he had a plan to mold you into a lifetime model of what you should be. God must have had a plan for a new play, help with a speech or needed a spark for a project when he called Mr C to the heavens. Thank you, Jack, for all you have done for me and thousands of students to push a bit harder, try another method or give their heart into something in their life. I still use a few quotes of yours to this day. Scared ya that I was actually paying attention in the back of the class instead of the usual hijinks. God Bless you for touching so many young minds and making all of us just a little bit better. RWP"

"Here is a man who touched so many. He truly has changed Algona and the world one person at a time. As a Morwens Kiwanian we are in constant rememberance of Jack as it was he who came up with the name of our club - "Morwens" - Jack told us that that meanss Early Morning when talking in Old English. Thank you Jack. To Jack everyone was equal - all were given the same importance in his life. This is a trait we should all have. "

"Mr. Celoni was a believer in kids and he made you believe in yourself, anything less was unacceptable to him. The world would be a better place if every adult treated the kids around them as he did, with love and an encouraging word when it's needed most, when you're trying to find your place in the world. That's teaching at it's best, that was Jack Celoni. I thank God for Mr. Celoni. My prayers are with his family. "

"In August 1989 I arrived to Algona High School as a a foreign exchange student from Mexico. My host mother, Mrs. Christine Louscher, took me to AHS a few days before school started as a way to get to know the facilities and to be able to choose the courses I should take. Mrs. Louscher thought Mr. Celoni's Speech class was a great option for me provided that I had some English grammar yet poor speaking skills... Frankly speaking, I thought she was joking. Well then she introduced me to Mr. Celoni, whom greeted me with such affection as if he had just found a foreign son. He was the first member of AHS faculty I met, and at that moment I felt welcomed. His class and his passion for teaching had a great impact on me, it is fair to say that what I learned from him changed my life forever. I've been around the world ever since, and I owe him the self-assurance by which I am able to communicate anywhere in any situation, and in a language that is not my mother tongue. I am honored to have been able to know him, and will always thank him for helping me discover the key to express myself through the beauty and joy of the spoken word... Gracias por siempre..."

"Tiff and family, I only knew you for a few short years, but I was the blessed one. It was when you both came to Lucia Wallace to read with the students. It was a true joy for me as well as the students. May God be with your family and know that He will guide you through these tough days. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "

"What a privilege it was to be his student. Mr. Celoni looked at us each as individuals. What a surprise it was to me when the phone rang and Mr. Celoni was on the other end to congratulate me on graduating from nursing school. That is something I'll never forget. Memories of his kindness, intelligence, and spirit will live on forever. My condolences to Mrs. Celoni and the rest of the Celoni family."

"I always wondered how Jack got through a school day without collapsing from exhaustion. He poured more energy and passion into teaching than any teacher I've ever had."

"My deepest sympathies to the Celoni family. I enjoyed having Mr. Celoni as a teacher very much. He did not teach down to us, he reached out to us, and got us motivated to learn. My passion for the written word was greatly enhanced by Mr. Celoni, as he gave me the solid foundation of a superb grammar education. I owe a lot to that man for getting me through my college education in English literature/creative writing. He was an amazing teacher, and l am blessed to have had him. May the Celoni family find peace in this very difficult time."

"Mr. C touched so many lives and will be remembered by countless former students like myself. He taught me lessons in that speech class that I looked back on now and realize were life lessons. His legacy will live on in our hearts and minds. My sympathies to Tiff and the family. "

"I had the privilege of having Mr. Celoni as my teacher in English a couple of times in high school. He stood out because of his passion to teach, to push us beyond just writing words on paper, and his willingness to help individuals be better in the craft of English than before. No, I never did great in his class, but the impact of what he did and shared goes far beyond my years from high school. Mr. Celoni, may you rest in peace."

"Jack Celoni. the man that always referred to me as "nancy with the smiling face". He gave me the confidence to move into the theater beyond the local stage, to shake the audience with my feelings and who I what part I was playing at the time. He taught me how to become the character. "Yours Anne" was an incredible and emotional show for all of us that performed. Jack. You will always be a song in my heart whenever I perform in song or in theater. God's peace to the family. Know he was great. And always will be."

"Mr Celoni was an excellent English teacher, but oh, so much more. He was a calming, steady fatherly hand for me, teaching life lessons of love of family and God, reaching out for more of life, even when it's hard, and finding joy. There is no way I can measure the impact he had on my life. To Tiff and his family, I send my deepest sympathies. May it give you comfort to think of the celebration there was in Heaven at his arrival. "

"Dear Celoni Family, My heart is sad today as I reflect on great memories of Mr. Celoni. He was the best English and Speech teacher I have ever had. He made learning fun and was very entertaining in class. We often got in trouble for laughing or giggling in class. He inspired me to become an English major and literature, reading, and writing is my life long passion. Thank you Mr. Celoni for everything you taught me and for all you have done for AHS."

"My sympathy to the Celoni family! Mr. C. was such a great and inspiring teacher. His passion for teaching was always evident, he was always able to inspire his students, and to this day I can visualize being in his classroom. To watch him direct the dramatic productions was a amazing experience, his dedication and talent was always his trademark. What a accomplished life he led! His memory lives on. Rob Watson "

"I feel so fortunate to have had Jack been a part of my educational life. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Please find peace knowing how many lives Jack has touched. "

"All the skills that Mr. Celoni so passionately taught us fall short when we try to convey in words just how much he meant to us. There's an irony there that I'm certain has that familiar boisterous laugh of his echoing throughout the great beyond. He taught us to write and speak with skill and eloquence...but far more importantly, he taught us to think, to have courage, and to believe in ourselves. The lessons that he taught us--as difficult as they were sometimes--laid cornerstones that helped many of us build successful lives. I am grateful to have had this master teacher in my life. I still remember sitting in his classroom one final time as he coached me through my graduation speech. The treasured autographed copy of his grammar book that sits on my shelf will be used by my sons....your legacy lives on, Jack! My heartfelt condolences to the Celoni family--know that he was deeply loved by many for his dedication to his students, his humor and his humanity. "

"He inspired, encouraged, pushed, prodded, cajoled, and demanded that every student give his or her best in the classroom, on the stage, in debate or at speech contest, even when he and Ray Justice put a junior actor in the spotlights atop 20 mattresses for a musical production! Jack Celoni - a second dad to many of us - never worked at any job by halves. He was fully and passionately devoted to every task and taught every person with whom he worked the same passion. The world is brighter because we are all his legacy as educators, nurses, doctors, lawyers, parents and responsible adults. Jack and Tiffany did that by their example. My love and sympathies to all the Celonis. Much love to you all,"

"Mr. Celoni was a captivating teacher who made the classroom come alive. He made grammar both interesting and challenging and helped prepare me for foreign language classes later in college. But as important as the "academics" was his inspiration as a man who lived his days with such passion and caring and was a role model to those who lives he touched as a teacher. Catherine McNeill, '86 grad"

"Dearest Jack and the Celoni Family, So many ripples in the pond were left by this man. I imagine one for each of the lives that he touched. Rarely in a lifetime could one person reach out and inspire a generation of excellence, and yet, I know that he has. I've known in my lifetime very few men with such passion, conviction, pursuit of perfection, heart, and love for his fellow man. Jack was a force of nature, driven by a moral compass to be admired by all. I have always admired men like my father who walked the walk, and I recall many times when he and Jack walked side by side plowing the row with their shining examples of how to live life and love with all their giant hearts. I have always thought of Jack not only as my teacher and my mentor, but as a father figure. Had I not been blessed with the father I had, I would have been proud to call him Dad. I imagine a fantastic heavenly celebration in honor of Mr. C. There is a handsome Italian man with an unforgettable smile standing next to his beautiful daughter as they wait to greet his great friend and paisano. They shake hands, they hug, and then turn and walk side by side, as they had so many times in their lives. They walk with purpose toward new challanges and new horizons. As it is with all great men, they have work to do, and their jobs are never done. The master builders have been called home and scheduled and expansion. In my Father's house I know that there's at least another mansion. Until we meet again, my friend, rest in the blessed peace of our beloved Christ. Rodger M. Battani, O.D."

"The fire and light in his eyes spoke volumes about his zest for life! I'm so glad that I stopped in to see him this last summer! He still had the same fire in his eyes 30+ years later? "

"I am so devistated to hear that Mr. C has went to the Father. Certainly not expected. Mr. C was a great inspirer to all of his students and a wonderful teacher. Mr. C stood on top of his desk to teach us kids in speech something that was important that we needed to know. Nothing was out of reach for him or his students in his eyes. Well the LORD has another angel with him in heaven, and have no doubt that he is watching down on us all!!! Blessings to the family and friends!!"

"I had the privilege of having Mr. Celoni as a teacher, and the honor of knowing Jack as a co-worker and friend. My deepest condolences go to Tiff and his whole family. He may have only had five children, but he also left behind legions of ?Kids? who will never forget the impact he had on their lives. His legacy will last for many generations."

"Such an amazing individual that has touched the lives of so many people. Mr. Celoni is a person that touched each of us like no other has in our lives and for that I am grateful to say I knew him. He will be missed by many and my deepest condolences go out to the family."

"Jack was a great man, and friend. I worked with him on many musicals, while I was the band director at AHS, and he always demanded the best from the students. He had real passion, and was emotional about his work. We will always remember the good times we shared....Bill Castle "

"What I remember most about Mr. Celoni was the passion he had for the teaching profession. Whether it was helping students prepare for a speech or add appropriate emotion to a line in a play, Mr. C didn't hold anything back. "

"My life and education were better because you were involved. But most importantly, this world is a better place because of the people you touched with your spirit. I would not be the same person had I not known you. A gentler person has never walked the planet. I miss you. Everyone misses you."

"Jack Celoni taught me passion, self-confidence, and a life-long love of learning. I last spoke with him in 2008, in an Algona parking lot and walked away amazed, yet again, at his incredible memory and spark. Those intelligent, always interested eyes are what will remain with me. Almost 40 years later he could remember me by name and never failed to invite me to visit any time I was in town. In one of our last conversations he vehemently spoke of his displeasure with an error in the signage in front of OB Laing. I will make it a point now to see if the sign was ever corrected. Goodbye, Mr. C. God will surely bless you as you have blessed others. "

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Celoni family at this time. I had the great honor of having Mr. Celoni as my speech teacher. He once told me that I would have a job that required me to give speeches/presentations on a regular basis. I laughed and said "NO WAY!", but Mr. Celoni was right. I have had the opportunity to give many speeches since then and every time I do, I think of Mr. Celoni and his words of wisdom. "

"Once, in class after I had given my speech, one in which I pretended to be Rembrandt's wife in order to critique his painting, Mr. Celoni called me to the desk where he was sitting at the back of the room. He asked me if I had written the speech. The question so surprised me that I jerked up from where I was bending down to hear his words. He thought I was angry, but I wasn't. I was ecstatic. He taught me that I could write well enough that my writing could be mistaken for that of a professional. It was a powerful lesson. "

"Mr. Celoni was one of the greatest influences of my life. I remember bringing musicals back to AHS in 1989 after a long hiatus. We did "Babes in Arms" that summer and I will always remember the hours of rehearsal and long nights of set building. One of my most vivid memories of learning to respect your elders the hard way: I called him at home and addressed him by his first name, rather than as Mr. Celoni. Well he told me what was what! Mr. Celoni was a vociferous advocate that everyone needed to develop the ability to stand in front of an audience and speak publicly...no matter there vocation or career. That resonated so much with me. Today I do a great deal of public speaking - with the intention of exciting others for projects on which I am very passionate. Not only did he teach me the importance of this ability, he showed me what it meant to live, breath and pass on an intense passion for all that is beautiful in the world to anyone and everyone who will listen! For this I will be eternally grateful! "

"I remember one night coming home from a debate tournament [ in Iowa City I think] in a raging blizzard sitting on the hump in the middle of the front seat handing Mr. Celoni cup after cup of coffee and talking to him while everyone else slept. His determination to get each and everyone of us back to our respective homes none the worse for the wear was absolutely tangible and let everyone else in the care sleep without worry. Only one small example of the way he lived his life. Ginny Roethler"

"Rarely does a high school teacher have such a profound and lasting impact on students as Mr. Celoni did for those lucky enough to have had him for an instructor at Algona High School. Mr. Celoni demanded respect, excellence, and learning in his classroom. I will be forever grateful for his teaching, his passion, and his friendship. My deepest sympathy to Tiff and the family. Mr. C. will be missed by us all - but will always share a special place in our hearts. "

"Celoni family you all have my sympathy. Jack was such a special man. As I have read in many of these tributes, he was so good at remembering everyone's names, even the children of his former students. He always had a nice smile and kind words for you when you would meet him on the street or in a store. He will truly be missed!"

"Mr. C was the hardest teacher I ever had, but that was a great thing. It showed me what I could do, and I took his lessons to my children, and taught them what he taught me. Thanks Mr. C"

"Mr Celoni, was one of the greatest men I ever meet. He would go out of this way to make sure in English that if you did not understand something, he would make sure you did. I will miss him very much. Robert Lee Bachmann, Jr"

"Mr. Celoni, a man and a teacher who not only taught, but inspired young people to rise a bit higher and shine a little brighter. Those he taught, still to this day have a positive memory of him. There is now a new star in the sky. Rest In Peace Mr. Celoni."

"Mr. C, What an impact you made on my life. Thank you for treating your teaching profession as an opportunity to touch the lives of so many children. You are truly an example of what every teacher should strive for. I was always amazed after teaching so many children 10, 20, etc. years later you still remembered my name. You will be missed. Kim (Boyken) Weaver"

"Tiff and Family, So sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. As evident by the numerous former students, Jack was a legend. May you cherish the memories. Again, with deepest sympathy."

"Mr. Celoni. What is this phrase that my parents would come back from parent/teacher conferences saying, Louise doesn't apply herself? You are the one that turned that all around and made it all click, thank you, thank you. You have touched so many lives, and we are all so grateful."

"Our sympathy to the family. Jack will be missed. He left lots of good memories at the Algona High School, with both staff & students. It was a pleasure working with him. Even though his quality of life has been slipping through the years, he kept his sense of humor. Remember all the "good times" & look forward to a happy reunion someday in Heaven. Chuck & Shirley Kline "

"Mr. Celoni epitomizes what so many educators and people strive for in their lives. As his student, he pushed me to go beyond (what I thought) were barriers and be the best I could be.....and accepted no excuses for anything less. He did this while still instilling dignity and pride in each of his students. He made us ALL feel special. I would have never made it through writing a masters thesis had it not been for the lessons learned from Mr. Celoni. I can only hope to leave some of my students with all Mr. Celoni left his. God Bless. "

"You have my deepest sympathy. Mr. Celoni certainly had high expectations, and had a profound impact on my education in school and life from the day I entered his classroom. Mr. Celoni was one of my Aunt Lynn's favorites, as well, and many people through the years have called me Lynn, only to have me correct them quickly. I can say with confidence that the only two people I never corrected are my own grandfather and Mr. C. The lessons he taught have endured, and continue to be spread far and wide by those of us who were lucky enough to learn them. He will be missed!"

"Our deepest sympathies to the family Of Jack. What a card he was!! I love running into him at Kmart. He always took my hand and said, 'how you doing honey, how's your old man, good seeing you.' Hopefully it's a comfort knowing how many people thought Jack was such a great guy!! He truly was! He will be missed! Bless you all. Paul and Gina Jorgenson"

"To the family of Jack....my deapest sympathies to you at this time. It was a rare opportunity in the world to meet a man like him and a bigger privelage to have been taught by him. His laughter and smile was infectious he never forgot who I was...no matter the years. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with us all."

"Mr. C was a truly amazing teacher and person. He taught so many students to be better spellers, writers, and speakers. While his methods were a little unique he truly cared about every student that crossed his path. He was definitely one-of-a-kind and will be missed by many as eveidenced by the many messages onthis site. My sympathies to the entire Celoni famliy."

"You have our deepest sympathy. Mr. Celoni was a great teacher, and touched so many lives. He will be missed!"

"Absolutely an amazing man who will never be forgotten. I had the great pleasure of having speech class with Mr. Celoni during his last year of teaching at Algona High--he really knew how to make (and leave) an impression. My deepest sympathy to the family...he will be missed, but most importantly he will not be forgotten. We love you Mr. Celoni "

"Although I graduated from Algona High in 1992 I can still remember poems we went over and speeches we did...I love Mr. Celoni...I hope he knows how much he has touched each and everyone of his students lives! What an amazing man!!! You will not find another like him...Rest in peace!!!"

"Tiff, Joyce, Chris, Jackie, John and Julie: My heartfelt sympathies to you at this time. Jack was a special person in my life. With the exception of my father, I never admired a man more. The memories I have of the time I spent with your family as a young man have always been with me. I regret that I lost touch these past fews years, but I never forgot what you all meant to me. May God give you comfort and peace as you grieve and reflect on the wonderful man you called husband and father. As always, Steve Kemna"

"I met Jack during the last months of his life. We met through Hospice of the Heartland. Jack and Tiff welcomed me into their lives with open arms. Everyone in Algona seems to have a "Jack story." He touched so many people. He and Tiff had a wonderful love story and it was a joy to be around them. I will miss Jack so much. My prayers and sympathies go out to Tiff and the family. May you be comforted in the knowledge that Jack is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless you all."

"Our deepest sympathy to the Celoni family."

"Oh Mr. C! I still have that little brown book we used in Freshman English class. You taught me so much. Remember those spelling tests everyone? Your stories...how funny. What a good neighbor you were to my parents and Potter Hill residents. My prayers to the Celoni family. "

"Even though he's been my friend for more years than he ever was my teacher, I still can't bring myself to call him Jack. Because of the love and respect I have for him, he's always been and always will be MISTER Celoni to me. No other teacher I know of has ever imprinted the lives of his students quite like he has. Thousands of students' fondest high school memories are made up of times spent with Mr. Celoni, whether it was in the classroom, in speech or in the theater - memories we still share with each other whenever we all get together. He was a one-of-a-kind teacher, friend and mentor, and totally unforgettable to those of us who loved him and were inspired by him. The stage light will forever stay on because of you, Mr. Celoni. "

"Mr. Celoni inspired confidence in me when I needed it most...he was aware of the students in such a unique way. He held us to a high standard and expected a lot from each and every one of us. I truly appreciate his influence in my life! I offer my condolences to his family at this difficult time."

"Mr. Celoni was such a kind person. He was such a blessing each time he called me and spoke of how much he loved the Lord. Well, this Christmas he will be with the one he loved so much! Please pray for all of us! May God bless his family and my prayers are with you!"

"Mr. Celoni was such a wonderful teacher and a true inspiration. I believe he did what great teachers do. He believed in all his students. He provided challenges and held us to the highest expectations. I have so many wonderful memories of him directing "South Pacific". How many lives must he have touched in all his years in the classroom and "around town"? God Bless You! Andrea Cubit Andersen"

"Mr. Celoni was one of those teachers that made such an impression on your life that you never forgot him. But even more impressive, he never forgot you. I don't know how many times I had seen him after I graduated and he knew who I was and always had the biggest smile. Even though I was terrified to speak in front of others, he made it not so terrifying. All you had to do was look in the back of the classroom and he put you at ease. Thank you for everything you taught us.........we'll miss you, Jack."

"Mr. C as we all knew him by. What a "GREAT" teacher he was and still is. He will be dearly missed. In looking back and remembering him a smile always comes to my face. My condolences to his family, take comfort in knowing that he was loved by all and that his memory will go on in all of us. Angie Coan Thilges"

"Mr. Celoni taught us to challenge ourselves and to give no excuses as to why we "can't." I can only hope that as a teacher, I instill a small portion of what he gave to us into each of my students. You will rarely find anyone more hard-working, intelligent, or big-hearted than Mr. Celoni. He was an incredible teacher and an even better person. Kristy (Merrill) Allison, Class of '92"

"Jack came to town when I was at the old high school and we soon learned he was special. While many of our teachers loved their students, Jack loved them fiercely . . . even when they disappointed him (as I know I did when I did not continue with debate -- he told me I should and he was right). His energy was unflagging, and his commitment to the students unending, no matter what. He will be missed. I hope Tiff and family take comfort in knowing he was loved by many and that he inspired so many."

"A great man and a wonderful teacher. I will miss him. My sympathy to the Celoni family. RIP my friend."

"I never had the pleasure of being taught by Jack but after spending a quarter of a century in the algona area it's obvious how many people's live's he has touched. I was introduced to Jack quite some time ago and everytime I had the chance whether it be a school function or maybe in th hy-vee store, it was always a pleasure to just say hi. It is one of those times that you know as a person that there are geniunely good people out here and Jack was one of them. Good luck on your journey and say hi for me....."

"Thank you for sharing your many years of wisdom with all of the students of Algona High School and the community. A true inspiration to many and will never be forgotten. God Bless you Mr. Celoni."

"Mr. Celoni was a VERY special teacher,, what a loss. Always a smile,a word of wisdom,and a had a interest in everyone, never forgot a student.. Lost an awesome person, condolences to the entire family.It was a pleasure to have known him."

"My deepest condolences to the Celoni family. "

" I had the pleasure of having Mr C for an English teacher; he was a great teacher! Mr C, you will be missed by so many. With deepest sympathy to all the Celoni family! God Bless.... "

"Tiff, I am so sorry for your loss. I was blessed to know Jack as a student and a friend. He always called me"Sassy" I guess he knew me well...... There were many life lessons taught in our " Speech and Grammar" classes that went way beyond our High School years. Thank you Mr. Celoni for touching so many of us in so many ways!!!"

"Mr. Celoni was the best English teacher. What I learned from him I still remember. My deepest sympathy to his family. Wish I could be there to help celebrate his life. "

"Mr. Celoni was one of my toughest teachers but to this day I remember the lessons that he taught the most. I will always be endebted to him, Thanhyou Mr. Celoni"

"Mr. Celoni was one of my favorite teachers. I learned a lot about grammar and a lot of life lessons in his class. Some things I didn't even know I was learning until years after I had graduated. I guess that's the sign of a great teacher! My thoughts and prayers are with the Celoni family. Jack was truly one of the best!"

"Mr. Celoni was a fantastic teacher. I remember that he would go out of his way and stay late if a student needed his help. Many things that he had said has remained with me over the years and I hold those close and dear to my heart. I feel so blessed to be one of his students. My deepest sympathies to his family for their loss."

"Not only did I have the pleasure of having Jack as a teacher, but I was able to care for him at intervals over the years. Even when he was ill, he had a smile on his face and a hug to share. You will be greatly missed Jack. "

"Such a wonderful teacher. You deserve every bit of the respect you are being shown here in these tributes. So glad I was one of your students. God Bless. To his family- I send my deepest respect and sympathy. You have lost an amazing man."

"I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Celoni directing Carousel. He expected a lot from us and I remember how much fun working on that production was! He really was a wonderful teacher who truly cared about his students!"

"I remember working with Mr. Celoni extensively with my "Voice of Democracry" speech for which I won an award. He pushed me to write and speak better and gave me the confidence needed to give my speech in front of a room packed with veterans of foreign wars. It was an awesome experience. As we recorded the speech for districts....we sat at the microphone for what seemed like hours as he taught me how not to pop my P's. He definitely inspired me as I have gone on to write news articles and screenplays and was elected as mayor of my small north Iowa town. "

"Mr. Celoni was the most influential teacher I had in all my years at AHS. I gained a wealth of knowledge in logic, ethics, and morals from him through Debate and Speech, "The Red Mill", and later on in "The Egg and I". He was a wonderful mentor and friend. "

"No matter where or when, it always seemed like Mr. Celoni had a smile on his face. He always took the time to say "hi", and ask how you were doing? He would always put his hand on my shoulder, and start a warm conversation on how I was, how were the kids, and so on. He was a a very kind man, and I am glad that I had him as a teacher, and that I could count him as a friend. May you find comfort Tiff and family, knowing that Jack was loved by many, and that he will be greatly missed! "

"I met Jack when I was taking care of his mother... I am a little jealous of all of you who had him for a teacher... what a nice, nice man. The sparkle in his eyes and the quick smile that always graced his face. I feel fortunate of call him a friend... You will be missed my friend. "

"Jack Celoni was one of the best teachers I've ever been blessed to have. He not only helped me learn to speak effectively,; more importantly, he taught me how to listen. He was one of the great people in my life, and I'm grateful to have known him. My sympathies to you, Tiff and family - Jack was loved, and will be missed by many people."

"Jack was one of those teachers that you weren't too fond of in high school - he pushed every student he had to be their best - It wasn't until after you graduated and moved on in life that you realized what an amazing man he was. The times I worked with him for Speech Contests are some of my best memories of high school. We have all lost a great teacher, inspiration, and wonderful man. My deepest sympathies to his family."

"Mr. Celoni's impact on my life is impossible to quantify. His teaching and passion inspired my love of the written word, which has led to careers in journalism and the law. I always enjoyed talking with him and loved that he would call me every so often just to see how my life was progressing. If God hasn't yet learned how to diagram a sentence, He better sit down and be quiet. Mr. C will map it all out for him. We'll miss you, Jack. My love and sympathies to the Celoni family."

"In high school or in life really, you never know where things are going to go. I never would have imagined back then when I was sitting in his classroom, that I would have an opportunity to be there for somebody so special, but I did. I was blessed to have the opportunity to help make these last few weeks as good as we could for Jack. I was truly honored to be able to help care for Jack at the care center, and I know my staff feel the same way. Even in these last few weeks of his life, he brought smiles and laughter and blessings to so many. Tif and family, you are in my prayers, and will forever be a part of the care center family, and I Thank You for the opportunity to have been able to be there."

"Mr. Celoni had two major impacts on my life. He gave me a High School Graduation card with the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling. I framed that poem. It is the only item that has been on my desk at every job through my life. Read the poem and you will hear him talk to you. The second was at my father's funeral. I did not want to cry in public. I wanted to be strong. However, as I walked my dad out for the last time, I saw Jack. He was at the back of the church. He gave me some words from the heart. The tears rolled. God Bless You."

"I thank God for the blessing of my last visit with you and Tiff and share how much you meant to me. I love you Jack. You will be missed but we rejoice you are off to your heavenly reward. "

"After reading the many tributes already written, I found myself agreeing with many and with a smile on my face. I realized that is how it always was after visiting with Mr. C---- a smile on my face. My sympathies to you Tiff and kids. I know you will miss him. "

"Dear Tiff and Family, My deepest sympathies to you as you grieve the loss of your husband/father/grandfather. It is a sad day for anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Jack. I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher at AHS and loved every minute I spent in his classroom. I still have my "Plain English Handbook", refer to it often, and remember him with a smile every time I do. I also had the pleasure of spending time in your home as a guest of Julie's when we were in high school and always felt so welcomed. He always referred to me as "Little One" every time he saw me, even years after I graduated from Algona High. I will remember him always and consider myself blessed for having known him. Thinking of you all and sending prayers of comfort to you. Sincerely, Jolene Brandow Trickle AHS class of 1982"

"Mr. Celoni was the greatest, he always called me Henderson and was always telling me to quit talking, he also always made sure he gave me a piece of gum each class, he probably thought that would shut me up. He will be missed!"

"Jack you will be GREATLY missed! What a wise person you were!!! Loved how happy you were to always see me. Prayers to your family--- Such an awesome person!!! :)"

"Even though I wasn't the best student by any means, he always made you feel great and WANT to learn. He was one of those rare teachers that left a great impression on you for life. You will be greatly missed. Thanks for all you did for me!"

"I will never forget what a great teacher he was and how friendly he was everytime you see him. He always had a smile on his face. Tiff you and your family have my sympathy."

"Ah, Jack - you were my hero. When you directed "Big Rock at Candy's Mountain" for the Community Theatre, you made being in it such a fun - and learning - experience! Ever since then, Bing and I have loved having you and Tiff in our lives. You both are so special. We love you both. Molly and Bing MacDonald "

"Mr. Celoni was an AMAZING teacher. Those of us who had him weretruly blessed. He will be greatly missed. "

"My Favorite Memory.... there were many but, everytime i was graced with his presence he was always glad to see you and always asked by name how my children are, some times he knew more than I did. I could always depend on Mr. Celoni to put a smile on my face and to warm my heart. My thoughts are with your family and I know You'll be up there rock'in that podium as you did so well in class! Godspeed Lori l. Lappin, Remy Hanchett"

"Mr. Celoni, you were such a treasure to have as my teacher. I will always remember you as a young, vibrant, passionate man who always wanted to bring out the best in your students. I can see you standing in the classroom saying, "You got talent, kid." Rest in Peace."

"I had Mr Celoni as my English Teacher at AHS . I was so fortunate to have had him, you never realize it until it is too late, but I can truly say that Mr Celoni was truly an amazing person. He always told me"You never know how you are going to infect someone's life, be yourself, smile and listen, because that is why people are drawn to you." Mr.Celoni will always and forever hold a very special place in my heart. He is now in the "Real" Hall Of Fame ! "

"I will miss seeing Mr. Celoni at Fareway, sitting by the door waiting for Tiffany. Every time he would see me, he would look up and say, "How ya doing, kid?" "

"Jack- Thanks for your great smile, go get 'um attitude, and love for life. You will forever be a great family friend...see ya on the other side... Wendi Rutledge"

"Mr. Celoni was one-of-a-kind. I never knew someone could have such passion for the English language, and while I found his class difficult and frustrating, I realize now how fortunate I am to have been his student. I only wish that my children had the opportunity to learn from him. Gary F. Merrill, AHS Class of 1989"