Jonathan C. "Jon" Pope, 42, of 17046 310th St. in Mason City, died Saturday afternoon (Feb. 11, 2006) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City following a valiant battle with cancer. Jon's life will be celebrated at10:30 a.m. Wednesday at The Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave. in Mason City with the Rev. Jon M. Seda officiating. Burial will be in the Lincoln Township Cemetery, north of Clear Lake.
Visitation for Jon will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City and will continue one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.
Those wishing to offer a memorial or expression of sympathy may wish to direct them to the Jonathan C. "Jon" Pope Memorial Fund.
Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to the family on the www.fullertonfh.com Web site.
Jonathan Charles Pope was born on Dec. 21, 1963, in Mason City to Roger Charles and Myrna Jane (Ascher) Pope. He was the first-born child of three children born to his parents and attended Mason City schools. Jon was baptized at the United Church of Christ in Nashua.
In 1982, Jonathan graduated with honors from Mason City High School and furthered his education at Iowa State University in Ames graduating with a B.S. degree in 1987.
"Jon," as he was fondly known by his family and friends, had a keen sense of humor and wit.
During his youth on the farm, Jon treasured time that he spent tinkering on vehicles with his Dad, especially antique cars, eating Mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies and Maid-Rites, target pistol shooting, playing Frisbee with his companion dog, Cookie, and playing pinball machines.
Throughout Jon's life, he has enjoyed attending antique tractor and steam engine shows and cooking unique, homemade meals. Jon had a great knowledge of computers and a fascination for antique pencil etchings. All who knew Jon well claim he was thoughtful, intelligent and loving.
Jon met his future wife, Crystal Renaee Riha, at a dance in Mason City and the couple was united in marriage at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City on Sept. 14, 1996.
Together, they continued to enjoy dancing, especially line dancing and country music. Crystal describes her husband as her soul mate and best friend. They loved spending time with one another and became the proud parents of a son, Christopher J. Pope.
Jon was employed at Winnebago Industries of Forest City as an environmental engineer until ill health made it necessary for a medical leave.
He was a former member of the River City Rifle and Pistol Club and a County Trustee in Lime Creek Township.
Jon's five-year old son, Christopher, was the bright light and driving force in his life! When asked, Chris quickly stated that he had lots of fun having pillow fights with his Dad, swimming at the pool with him, tenting with his parents, riding the lawn mower or tractors and going for special rides in Jon's silver 1500 Ram pickup. These two buddies were often found gazing upward to the sky as they searched for stars and constellations. They dreamed of starting a band someday, possibly asking George Thorogood to join them and already naming the band, "The Fighting Kryptonites."
Jon will be sadly and dearly missed by all who have shared in his life.
He is survived by his loving wife and son, Crystal and Christopher Pope, of Mason City; his parents, Roger and Myrna Pope, of Mason City; his sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Craig Fingalsen and daughter, Keely, of Rock Falls; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Mona Pope and their children, Marissa, Aaron and Tricia, of Mason City; his mother-in-law, Claretta Riha of Mason City; his step father-in-law, Leonard Mayer of Mason City and numerous other relatives and friends.
Preceding Jon in death are his grandparents, Frank and Myrna Pope and John and Martha Ascher; his uncles, Lloyd Pope and Delivan Knowles and his father-in-law, Leonard Riha.
Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (641) 423-8676. www.fullertonfh.com.

Published in the Globe Gazette from 2/12/2006 - 2/14/2006.