John J. Cechota, husband, father, and retired civilian from the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, died on the beautiful morning of September 26, 2016 at Burlington Care Center.
Born in Cicero, Illinois on May 15, 1934, the young “Jackie” Cechota moved with his parents to rural Illinois where he excelled at being a tree-climbing, mischievous country boy. After graduating from Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood, Illinois, he attended Eastern Illinois University, earning degrees in history and math. He taught high school for one year, then began his career as a Contract Administrator at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant. In 1972, he was transferred to the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, relocating his family near Burlington, Iowa, where he worked until his retirement in 1990. During the course of his career, he saved taxpayers millions of dollars using his astute skills in finances and frugality.
John had a sharp mind and was a great conversationalist. He remembered all the great old movies, the years they came out, and who starred in them. He could discuss anything from politics and politicians to U.S. presidents and individual retirement accounts. John was the Ace of Nicknames, much to the chagrin of his wife and kids. He is missed dearly by his wife, Jamma, and their four children: Madonna Cechota (Babak Mohajer) in Minneapolis; Cynthia Cechota (Matthew Grade) in Dubuque; John P. Cechota (Margaret) in Dallas City; and David (Teresa) Cechota and their nine children in Cedar Rapids – Ellie, Olivia, Marie, Caleb, Isaac, Chloe, Josie, Carsen, and Charlie; and his dear friends and Euchre partners Betty and Charlie Benbrooks (South Wilmington, IL) and Ron Dunne in Dubuque. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mildred Vanourek Cechota and James Cechota, his brother Clarence F. Cechota, and his brother-in-law and friend Kenny (“Kineyak”) Carlson.
John’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Lunning Chapel from 1-3 p.m. followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
