Story courtesy of the Belmond Independent
Belmond-Klemme School District’s talented and gifted teacher, Jason Englert, 38, died unexpectedly over the weekend of Nov. 7-8.
Englert was new to B-K this fall, having taught mathematics previously at Manson, Bode, Afton and Grundy Center. In addition to his TAG duties at B-K, he coached junior high volleyball, junior high girls basketball, and planned on coaching varsity girls track this spring.
Englert was a native of Royal and attended Central Clay/Everly High School. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2007 with a degree in mathematics and biology.
B-K Superintendent Dan Frazier released a statement:
“Mr. Englert took a Covid-19 test with the rest of the faculty and staff on Nov. 2. On Nov. 5 he received word that his test was positive, although he remained asymptomatic. He left school early that afternoon (Thursday).
“When Jason failed to respond to his father’s telephone calls, his father drove from Royal and asked for the assistance of the Belmond police in doing a welfare check.
“Jason was found alone in his home at mid-afternoon on Sunday. Initial indicators suggest a possible heart attack on Friday or Saturday, as he seemed to have passed quickly.
“He recently completed advanced certification allowing him to teach talented and gifted education. He was delighted to come to Belmond-Klemme and lead our TAG program. Jason had a cheerful demeanor and a positive attitude, and he had wonderful rapport with his students.”
Englert’s funeral was handled by Warner Funeral Home of Spencer. There were dozens of online comments from present and past teachers and other people who knew him.
“His amazing laugh was magical. Jason was one of the most positive and kind people I have ever known. A conversation with Jason was always a bright spot in my day.”
“Whenever I talked to Jason, he was such a happy person. He just made you feel good talking with him.”
“Jason worked over 19 years at J.C. Penney in Spencer. We could count on Jason to work when needed, make the entire team laugh, and treat every customer as his best friend.”
“Every walk across the UNI campus seeing Jason meant having a wave or a smile your way. His impact was far and wide.”
“Jason was intelligent, hard working, caring, considerate, kind, compassionate, and so many other adjectives which escape me now. We visited together, cried together, discussed the world's problems together, but most of all, we laughed together. That is what I will miss most about Jason… his infectious laughter and ‘roll with it’ attitude. He was one of the finest individuals and best friends, to cross my path.”
“We were only blessed with Jason for a few months at B-K, but he had a huge impact on me. I was always glad when he would come into my room for lunch because I knew it would be a time filled with laughter that would make the rest of the day better. I would often go home at night and regale stories of how hard we had laughed to my family. He brought such joy and enthusiasm for life and teaching to this world. He was an outstanding person, and I am thankful for the time I did get to know him. He touched many lives and will be sorely missed.”
