John Smull

John William Smull, 87, died peacefully on September 28, 2025 at Southeastern Iowa Hospice House, surrounded by family. He was born January 31, 1938 in rural Moscow, Iowa, the son of Willard and Dorothy "Gretchen" (Birkhofer) Smull. He spent his early childhood years in Muscatine,Iowa. The family moved to Arizona and John attended Tuscon High School. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart Edna Marie Sherman. After graduation they married on June 8, 1957 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Muscatine. They were married 68 years. John earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, where he played collegiate football. He completed his master's and specialist degree's in secondary administration at the University of Iowa. John began his career as a teacher at Burlington High School. He taught history and coached football and wrestling. He transitioned into administration and became the vice principal at Apollo, later transferring to James Madison Middle School. He retired after working 30 years with the Burlington Community School District. John had a special talent working with middle school students. He was very involved with developing them to their full potential. He taught through example, how to live with honor and how to work hard. He strived to be a positive role model to every child he coached or taught. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, the Eagles Club, the University of Iowa Alumni Association and University of Arizona Alumni Association. John also served on the Foster Care review board. He was very proud to serve in this capacity making a difference in children's lives. When John retired he pursued his passion for golfing, playing cards, and meeting the guys for breakfast. John valued his friendships and enjoyed spending time with his buddies. He always put his family and friendships first. He took great pride in his children and his grandchildren's activities and accomplishments. He was a great husband, father, friend and son. John's loving spirit will forever be missed and remembered. Survivors include his wife, Edna; three sons, Scott (Deb), Kevin (Amy), and Sean; three grandchildren, Samantha, Christopher, Madeline; three step-grandchildren, Stephanie, Ashley, Aiden; niece; Janice (Mike) Shuger; sister in-law, Audrey Burke; brother in-law, Walter (Mary) Sherman; sister-in-law, Sondra Smull; and many nieces and nephews. John was proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Delores Ziegenhorn; brother,Willard Jr.; nephew, Christopher Smull; and brother in-law, William Burke. The memorial service for John will be 10:30 AM on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church, 623 N 5th Street, Burlington, with Father Carl Mann officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are established for Southeastern Iowa Hospice House, Burlington High School Athletic Association, PEO Chapter NH Women's Scholarships. Please continue to keep John's family in your thoughts during this difficult time. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.