John A. Stopher

John Stopher Obituary

MOUNT PULASKI - John A. Stopher, 83, of Mt. Pulaski, died 7:25 A.M., Monday, January 16, 2006, in Danville VA Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 19, at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation was 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, January 18, at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home. Burial will be in Steenbergen Cemetery, Mt. Pulaski, where military rites will be conducted. Memorials may be made to Mt. Pulaski Christian Church or Niantic Christian Church. John was born October 18, 1922, in Cisne, IL, the son of Charles and Lois (Trago) Stopher. He married Elvira B. Drobisch on March 27, 1946 in Lincoln, Illinois. Mr. Stopher was a member of Mt. Pulaski Christian Church. He farmed south of Mt. Pulaski until his retirement in 1988. He was a WWII veteran and a pilot in the Air Corp. John was a member of the Mt. Pulaski V.F.W. Post #777. He is survived by his wife Elvira of Mt. Pulaski; son Steve Stopher and wife Kathy of Niantic; grandchildren Darrin, Tammy, and Nicholas; great grandchildren Bradley and Drake; brother Harold Stopher and wife Donna of Augusta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/LegacyHome.asp

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Published by Decatur Herald & Review from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for John Stopher

6 Entries

Bob & Dorothy Cowan

January 26, 2006

Elvira, Steve and family,

We just learned of John's passing tonight from Bob & Doris Faith. I can't begin to tell you how sorry we are that we weren't at his services. We had such a good bunch of neighbors when we first came to Lake Fork Township and you were among the best.

John always had a smile and was genuinely interested in whatever was going on in your life. We can well remember one day in the early 60's when a struggling young family (us) lost a fat steer to bloat. Our neighbor (John) heard us call the vet for help and was there within minutes to see if he could help. He and Bob hung it in the crib the "old fashioned way" and took the meat into Coogan's for processing. We couldn't have saved that very important beef were it not for John and his help.

Then there was the Birks School and the Community Club that was so much a part of it. John and Elvira were always there and contributing in so many ways. Once again, always smiling and caring about those around them.

There was never a snowstorm that John wasn't out helping neighbors clearing drives and looking after those who needed help - and always with a smile. John was the real meaning of the word "neighbor". How blessed we were to have known him. Our hearts go out to you in your loss but we all can rejoice for John and his new neighborhood-heaven has gained another saint.

Our love, Bob and Dorothy & family

Pete Purviance

January 19, 2006

I wish to express my sympathy to Steve Stopher and his family in loss of John Sincerly, Pete Purviance

Mike and Gloria Parton

January 19, 2006

To Elvira, Steve, Kathy, Nick and family,

Mike and I just wanted to express our sympathy to all of you. We loved John and considered our lives more complete by having known him. He was a good person and truly a good friend.

I know if Shane were here he would want us to let you know of his feelings for John, as a true and positive example, for a young boy and man in this world.

Elvira, if you need anything please call us--Steve has our number.

With Love and Concern, Mike and Gloria

Gerald Bellatti

January 18, 2006

When I read that we had lost John I reminisced about going to John and Elvira's home as a young boy and selling them boxes of Christmas cards. They were always so generous.

I would like to tell you about John Stopher the neighbor. I believe it was the winter of 1965 or 1966, we had a terrible snow. The roads were closed and the power was out. My Grandfather, (Fred) who live down the road from me, had went to the basement early in the morning to find some firewood for Grandmas wood stove. Grandpa fell in the basement. He was able to get backup stairs, but when he sat on the bed he heard something in his back "pop". He had broke his back. My Dad and my Uncle were trying to find a way to get my Grandpa to a Decatur Hospital. As they were looking for options John stopped by in his big grain truck to ask if anybody needed anything. My Dad and Uncle asked to go to Illiopolis and drag (pull) an ambulance back for my Grandpa. He did this for my family.

As a young man growing up in a Christian family and going to Copeland Christian Church I was impressed with John's love for God, his leadership in the church and his ability to pray. A towering man with a deep voice. I was so impressed with love for God that I named my Son after him (John Wesley Bellatti). He never knew. I hope that one day the two could meet. It would have been very awkward. John Stopher was a humble man. August 2002 I lost my Son to a rare heart condition. I would like to think that tonight John Stopher and John Bellatti are both rejoicing at the right hand of God. Thank You John Stopher.

Gerald (Bub) Bellatti

Susan Carter

January 17, 2006

Uncle John was a very special person to me and I loved him very much. I have many great memories of the "laughter" in Aunt Elvy & Uncle John's home. I have had such a great time being around them. I am going to miss him, but I know he is in heaven and very happy.

Aunt Elvy, Steve and Family...My deepest sympathy to all of you. I pray you will feel the peace of the Lord as you go through this trying time.

Love,

Harold & Donna Stopher

January 17, 2006

John was a wonderful older brother. Harold looked up to, respected and admired him so, especially when he finally told the war stories about flying that Harold had waited so long to hear.

He wasn't disappointed..John's memory came back and he told of several of his experiences during WW2. God bless you John...we know you're with the Lord now, but we'll miss you.

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