John “The Teacher” Uchtman, 80, of Oskaloosa, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
John Edward Utchman was born on August 12th, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Paul Francis Uchtman and Ethel Bender Uchtman. After several years in Cincinnati, the family moved to Humphrey, Nebraska, where he grew up, attended St. Francis schools, and graduated from Humphrey High School as Salutatorian in 1964. While growing up, he was active in swimming, baseball, football, basketball, and track. He played bass guitar in a rock band and loved music. For many years, his band was booked and played at ABATE, RAGBRAI, and other groups. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
On June 29th of, 1968, John married Sally Jane Hahn at the University of Nebraska Catholic Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was recruited and took a job in August of 1968 with Oskaloosa Community Schools in Oskaloosa, Iowa. John completed his Master of Arts degree at Northeast Missouri State University, now Truman State University, in 1971. During his career with Oskaloosa Schools, he taught biology, driver’s education, physical education, and health for 33 years and retired in 2001. While teaching, he also coached football and track, producing multiple Conference and All-State athletes. During his coaching career, John coached State Champions and Drake Relay Champions in track and weight events. After retiring, he also taught Driver’s Education and coached track briefly at William Penn University. John was an official scorer for the Oskaloosa basketball teams for over 50 years. He also ran the scoreboard in football after his football coaching career ended.
John’s favorite hobby was motorcycling. He was a founding member of the District 14 Abate of Iowa. Jon was an active member of that organization for over 40 years and served in multiple officer positions. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and attending many rallies across the country. John was the President of the Mahaska Humane Society and was Chairman of the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter Board when it was built in the ’80s! He loved his cats.
John is survived by his brothers: Jim (Phyllis) Uchtman of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Jeff (Lynette) Uchtman of Columbus, Nebraska; a brother-in-law, Rob (Marilyn) Hahn of Lincoln, Nebraska; and several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ethel Uchtman, and his wife, Sally, in October of 2025.
Memorial services for John will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the St. Paul Congregational United Church of Christ in Oskaloosa, with Pastor Melissa Sternhagen officiating.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with the family present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to greet relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter or the St. Paul Congregational United Church of Christ.
