| John R. Segriff |
|
|
White Funeral Home CEDAR RAPIDS - Never one to stay at an event very long, John Segriff left this party way too early on May 2, 2025, in his home from cardiac arrest, at age 71. Though the circle of people in his life was small, the love was vast. He was happiest in the company of his wife of 36 years, Mary Piazzon Segriff and daughters, Santana and Zoey Segriff, and a rotating cast of poorly behaved dogs. His fault, because when he told them “no”, he really meant “in a minute.” Dealing with anxiety from childhood and a less-than-nurturing home life, John discovered his outlet in bodybuilding during junior high. After seeing a muscle-bound magazine cover, he thought, ‘No one can hurt them,’ and from then on, he found a second home in any gym he stepped in. Though his appearance could be somewhat imposing, with his size and Ray-Ban terminator sunglasses, he was a marshmallow inside, easily moved to tears (which he liked to blame on being concussed playing high school football). After graduating from Coe College, John’s work was more about pragmatism than passion, not much more than a paycheck and some particularly good friends. But while rehabilitating from shoulder surgery, he learned he had a talent for sculpting and spent the next several decades modeling and casting—mostly the human form for which he had a keen eye after years of training body builders. The birth of his children gave John his purpose. He became a stay-at-home dad at the age of 40 and thrived just as much as the girls did. Ever patient, even with a colicky baby who never slept, he created the childhood home he never had. By far, the best time in his life. John’s likes in no particular order: the Iowa Hawkeyes, black holes, all animals—especially dogs (especially his own), jump scares, political cartoons, a great cheeseburger, TV, astronomy, pot, comedians, badass women (especially his own), conversations with toddlers, art, the Pittsburg Steelers, laughing till the back of his head hurt, horror movies, politics, a well written sitcom, history, and he always thought farts were funny. He was a feminist, an ally and a relentless defender of the underdog. He loved and raised strong women. He despised intolerance, bullying, and the mistreatment of animals and the vulnerable. Chronic back pain prevented John from engaging in many activities in the last few years, and because he was a boy, he could’ve done a better job of staying in touch with the important people in his life. Though, if he knew and loved you, you were often on his mind (and if you were our Facebook friend, chances are you got a like when we showed him your post—he figured you’d realize it was from him. You knew that, right?) John made his wishes clear: organ donation, no service and no obituary. We almost respected all three. The best way to honor John is to donate to an animal rescue and to vote.
“I like you a lot!”
For historical preservation, we’ve listed pertinent facts below: John Raymond Segriff born January 10, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, IA Died May 2, 2025 Married: Mary Piazzon on October 17, 1988, Paradise Island, Bahamas Children: Santana Segriff born December 10, 1994, Zoey Segriff born November 6,1998 High School: Kennedy Cedar Rapids, IA 1972 College: BA Education Coe College Cedar Rapids, IA 1978
Online condolences may be posted at www.White-MtHope.com. White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA, is in charge of arrangements. |
