John Lopeman

John Lopeman
HENRY - Andrew Jackson "John" Lopeman, 98, of Henry passed peacefully from this life the morning of Saturday, February 17, 2018, after a gradual decline in health. John was surrounded and supported by his loving wife, Jean; his children; and grandchildren.
John was born on December 22, 1919, in Sparland, IL, to Thomas Townsend and Wilma (Daniels) Lopeman. He married Wilma Jean Rickey on March 5, 1949, at the LePrairie Presbyterian Church. She was the love of his life and was happily married for 69 years.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; and four children, Tom (Cheryl) Lopeman of East Peoria, Cathy (David) Hoppingarner of Hanna City, Connie (Ken) Kelly of Henry and Janice (Dennis) Halligan of Putnam. He has twelve grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Judy and Sue of Florida; and a special brother-in-law, Jim Lucas of Chillicothe.
Preceding him in death were his parents, six brothers and six sisters.
John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
John worked at Chillicothe Carthage as a teamster for 26 years. He retired from Caterpillar after thirteen years.
As a man of Christ, he was a longtime member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Henry. He was also a 33rd degree Mason and a member of Henry American Legion Post 119.
John proudly served in the United States Army and was a World War II veteran. He landed on Normandy Beach six days after D-Day. He did reconnaissance while in Europe. He bravely fought battles from Normandy to the Elbe River.
John enjoyed woodworking and definitely had a green thumb, as he loved to garden. He blessed his family and friends with fresh vegetables from his amazing garden.
John was the most loving, giving and caring man whose family meant the world to him. He was so proud to be the husband of an equally caring woman and blessed to have a family that grew to love him as much as they were loved by him. He was a true hero to them all and respected for his integrity. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who knew him.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 20, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church in Henry. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church, with an hour prior visitation. The Rev. James E. Friedmeyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Henry Cemetery, where full military rites will be accorded by the Henry American Legion.
Memorials may be made to his church or the Henry American Legion.
Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home in Henry is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.