In loving memory of

Jon A Fasanelli-Cawelti
August 31, 1953 - March 30, 2021

I Could Give All To Time

- A Poem by Robert Frost

To Time it never seems that he is brave
To set himself against the peaks of snow
To lay them level with the running wave,
Nor is he overjoyed when they lie low,
But only grave, contemplative and grave.

What now is inland shall be ocean isle,
Then eddies playing round a sunken reef
Like the curl at the corner of a smile;
And I could share Time's lack of joy or grief
At such a planetary change of style.

I could give all to Time except - except
What I myself have held. But why declare
The things forbidden that while the Customs slept
I have crossed to Safety with? For I am There,
And what I would not part with I have kept.


JON A. FASANELLI-CAWELTI
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Jon A. Fasanelli-Cawelti, 67, passed away peacefully at this home on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, due to complications from ALS.

There will be no services. Cremation will be handled by the Ralph J. Wittich Riley-Freers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers/plants, memorials may be made to the family in care of, Diane Calzaretta. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

Jon was born August 31, 1953, in Iowa City, and spent most of his childhood in Chicago. He is the son of the late Elizabeth Cawelti and James Fasanelli. Jon married Diane Calzaretta on August 4, 1982, and together they raised two daughters, Marina and Michaella.

Jon received his BA, MA, and MFA from the University of Iowa School of Art. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, son, and dear friend to many. Jon lived life to the fullest and shared his passion for history, music, and printmaking with others. Given Jon's free spirit and keen sense of life, he was able to nourish friendships that will last beyond our lifetime.

Jon is survived by his wife, Diane; two daughters, Michaella Calzaretta (Chad DeMaris) and Marina Calzaretta; his father-in-law, Michael F. Calzaretta; his sisters, Andrea Cawelti and Antonia Fasanelli (Joe Gorman); his honorary mother, Florence Fasanelli; and his stepfather, John G. Cawelti.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Cawelti; his father, James Fasanelli; his brother Brent Cawelti; and mother-in-law, Patricia Calzaretta.


Tributes

Laura W. Safford (wife of Craig) wrote on Jun 13, 2021:

"This is Laura Safford. Jon and my husband, Craig were good friends at Ripon College. We had the privilege of hosting Jon and the girls, many years ago at our home in Md. Our home is graced with his beautiful prints. I was wondering about him sitting here looking at one of them. So sad to learn of his passing. Sorry we never had a chance to meet Diane as well. Peace to you, Laura "

Joe and Kris Barrash wrote on Apr 2, 2021:

"I'm very sad to think of my world not having Jon in it, at least not his physical presence. I've been lucky to know Jon since high school days in Hyde Park, and I am blessed to have been able to also enjoy his infectious joy of life and unique ability to savor the moment for many more years in Iowa. He is the nicest guy I've ever known, and I miss him greatly already. As beautifully expressed by Steve, those conspiratorial smiles will be treasured -- even if I wasn't sure of what was going through his mind, it was awesome to have him sharing it with me. To this day, not a month can go by without Kris or I exclaiming to the other, "BEAUTIFUL!" because it best expresses a moment. Diane, Michaela and Marina -- Kris and my thoughts are with you guys, and we hope all the wonderful memories are a strong balance with the sadness. "

Joe and Kris Barrash wrote on Apr 2, 2021:

"I'm very sad to think of my world not having Jon in it, at least not his physical presence. I've been lucky to know Jon since high school days in Hyde Park, and I am blessed to have been able to also enjoy his infectious joy of life and unique ability to savor the moment for many more years in Iowa. He is the nicest guy I've ever known, and I miss him greatly already. As beautifully expressed by Steve, those conspiratorial smiles will be treasured -- even if I wasn't sure of what was going through his mind, it was awesome to have him sharing it with me. To this day, not a month can go by without Kris or I exclaiming to the other, "BEAUTIFUL!" because it best expresses a moment. Diane, Michaela and Marina -- Kris and my thoughts are with you guys, and we hope all the wonderful memories are a strong balance with the sadness. "

John McCarthy wrote on Apr 2, 2021:

"Deepest condolences Diane, Michaella, Marina and families. Jon was and remains a great inspiration to us all. A great friend, artist and human being. After each visit with him, he would leave me with a wonderfully new perspective on the world. We will sure miss Jon."

Susan Zajichek, formerly Kemp wrote on Apr 1, 2021:

"I can hear Jon's voice saying, "That's remarkable" or something similiar. Always a delight to be around with his eternal optimisim and contentment. Jon could just inspire you to be happy. It was always so satisfying watching Jon with his love for Diane. I never really got a chance to watch him raising Michaella and Marina, but it makes me smile to think what a dad he must of been. Diane and girls, I sure wish for your memories to lift you up from the passing of your husband and father. There's another angel to talk to at night. "

Kathy Rosato wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"A dear friend, amazing artist. So thankful for all the years of friendship I shared with you, Diane and the girls. So many great memories. "

Steve Anderson wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"Jon had a great way of giving a little conspiratorial smile ? like we were sharing a good secret. Sometimes I was pretty sure I knew what he was referring to, like a half-baked plan for our next rush down the ice in pond hockey, or maybe a treat we were going to enjoy when we could extricate ourselves from some unfortunate situation. Other times I had no idea what he was thinking, because nobody?s mind worked quite like Jon?s. I loved talking with Jon. We usually started out trying to solve the world?s problems, and probably because we were not too good at that we would transition to trading stories, maybe recycling a few. Jon?s were always better than mine. I will miss you old friend. But more importantly, I will carry you with me always. You taught me a ton about how to live. Steve "

Bryan Fessler wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"Diane and family, My condolences on your loss. I fondly remember time spent at Washington School with all of your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "

Tim Stammeyer wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"Uncle Jon became such an inspiration to me over these past few years. I remember when we would play trumpet together over the holidays. He was always so encouraging to me, even though my fifth grade trumpet skills were lacking. He taught me these past few years that being sick doesn?t mean you have to stop living. That, despite the circumstances, you can make art and meaning out of the hardest things. His life will live through his art, but more importantly in the fabric of our family. We sure will miss you, Uncle Jon. Here?s to you!"

Kurt Kemp wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"Dearest Jon, Forever a dear and trusted Friend and an unbelievable Printmaker!"

Twyla Burch wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"Diane and girls I am so sorry for your loss. I know things will be different but all the good memories are there. May God be with you and guide you through this time A friend Twyla Burch"

Nathan Benn wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"He's forever "etched in time". I'll always cherish him letting me into his world doing a video project in college. Many blessings, Nathan Benn"

Larry and Marcy Clausen wrote on Mar 31, 2021:

"Dear Diane and family, We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We send you our sincere condolences. Blessings to all of you."