John A. Halpin

Eureka- John A. Halpin, 53, of Eureka, IL passed away at 2:48 a.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2016 in Chillicothe, IL.

He was born on July 6, 1963 in Philadelphia, PA the only son of John P. and Bernadette Newshel Halpin. He married Rosalynne (Rose) Jean Palko on March 2, 1991 in Joliet, IL. She survives.

Surviving are two daughters, Christina N. (Jerimiah) Bowald of Peoria; Sophie K. Halpin of Eureka; father, John P. Halpin of Levittown, PA; grandchildren, Timothy E. Bowald; Arianna B. Bowald of Peoria; Aunt and Uncle, Tony & Ginny Newshel of Avalon, NJ; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents, Edmond & Laura Newshel.

John taught cognitive Psychology as a tenured professor at Eureka College for 15 years. He was also a department chair, academic affairs chair, and interim Dean for a short time. More recently he drove an over-the-road, long distance semi for Lucky Trucking, Ltd., Rosewood Health Care and ACM Care. He worked at the Chronicle Media, LLC in Eureka as an office manager for the last five years.

John attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

John was a member of the Great Plains Zen Center in Palatine, IL and was an ordained Zen Buddhist priest. He was a long-time member of the Eureka Lion's Club up until this year.

John loved his family dearly and loved his cat(s), all different types of music, literature, and Bath Rugby, Philadelphia Eagles, Wisconsin Badgers, and the Green Bay Packers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Eureka Christian Church. Rev. Lucy Maier and Roshi Susan Myoyu Andersen will officiate. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka and also one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka. After the committal services at the grave the family would like to invite friends and family back to the Eureka Christian Church for a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eureka Public Library or Eureka Food Pantry.
Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.argoruestmanharris.com.