Staffenbeal, John E.
83 of New Port Richey passed away on May 19, 2020. John was a teacher and school administrator in the Des Moines area for almost 40 years. John also served his country in the U.S.Army. John is survived by his loving wife Marilyn Staffenbeal of New Port Richey, daughter Terri Staffenbeal – Rosenbalm and her husband Brian of Ankeny, Iowa, son Michael John Staffenbeal of Elkhorn, Nebraska. John avidly loved hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling, and watching his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Above all, John enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family.
Dr. Larry & Betty Martindale (Friend and colleague )
May 23, 2020, 12:00 am
Dear Marilyn, Terri, Brian, and Michael:
Betty and I were so saddened to hear of the recent passing of our good friend John. Some of the best years of our lives were spent at May Goodrell Middle School and working with a good friend and fellow educator John Staffenbeal. John was a very colorful and unique individual with a big personality who worked very effectively with students, parents, and staff, and especially the difficult and challenging ones. John knew all the students and their parents by name, and often had a beer with willing parents in the evening at JT lounge on Euclid, following a difficult conference. During the Iowa State Fair, John arranged an excellent parking spot from a grateful parent for our car directly across the street from the south end of the fairground property. He was loved and respected by everyone that knew him as he was always so positive, upbeat, and could find the humor in the most difficult of situations. He truly loved May Goodrell Middle School and believed it was truly “The Pride of Des Moinesâ€. Our educational trips together, especially the conference in New Orleans, was very educational and enjoyable.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with each of you in the days and months that lie ahead. One thing for certain, John is no longer suffering and is looking down and smiling upon us all. We were all truly blessed for having John in our lives and for loving him dearly.
With our most sincere condolences,
Larry & Betty Martindale
Principal, May Goodrell 92-94
[email protected]
515-240-7362