Jo Stephen Major

1943 - 2026

Jo Stephen Major

April 23, 1943 - February 12, 2026

EUREKA - Jo Stephen Major, age 82, of Eureka, Ill., passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026 after a long illness, at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka.

Jo was born on April 30, 1943, in Springfield, Ill., but grew up on the family farm in Eureka. He graduated from Eureka High School and received his Bachelors Degree from Southern Illinois University and Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois. He eventually built his home on the family land so he never veered far from the land he loved.

Jo's career as a Marriage and Family Counselor spanned over 50 years. There was nothing he enjoyed more than connecting with people and doing whatever he could to help them through a difficult time. His legacy of love and support will live on through all of those he helped through the years. His life was full and he was grateful for every day.

He was the son of William and Gretchen (Trageser) Major. Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Karen (Luebker); his first wife, Shirley (Aaron); and his two children, son, Jo (Diann) and his daughter, DeEtte (Kevin) Stump. Also surviving are his four sisters, DeAnne (Dillard Irby), Judy, Gretchen (Macklin), and Kathleen (Teegarden). Jo also has five grandchildren, Rachel Major, William Major, Kelsey Kent (Stump), Regan Becker (Stump), and Derek Stump; and five great-grandchildren, John Drue, Emma, Jack, and Lyla Kent and Owen Becker.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held for family and invited guests only at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka, 610 West Cruger Avenue, Eureka, IL 61530 in honor of Jo Major. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.