John R. Dampf

Dampf, John Raymond, age 80, passed peacefully into the Lord's care on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He was the beloved son of the late Raymond and Betty Dampf, and the devoted husband of the late Sharon K. Dampf (Hawkins). John was a loving father to John Dampf and Rebecca "Becky" (Shawn) Stellhorn, and a proud papa to Nicholas (Kimmy), Brandon, Erin, Bryce (Trichelle), and Jacob and Hunter Stellhorn. He was a cherished great-papa to Asher, Ophilia, Bailey, Isabella, Roman, and Krisofferson Dampf. John was also a dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John's life journey was defined by dedication, hard work, and a deep love for his family. He earned a Bachelor of Business degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where he also met the love of his life and future wife, with whom he shared 57 cherished years of marriage. Shortly after their wedding, John was drafted into the U.S. Army and was inducted on September 25, 1968.

He began his military service with basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in central Missouri, where he developed the discipline and resilience that would guide him throughout his life. Following basic training, he completed additional specialized training at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York. John was then stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana, serving as a Chaplain Assistant-a role in which he provided guidance, support, and comfort to fellow soldiers, helping to lift spirits and offer encouragement during challenging times.

John's time in the Army reflected his commitment to service, his sense of responsibility, and his care for others. Even after leaving the military, the lessons of loyalty, compassion, and perseverance stayed with him, shaping the husband, father, and grandfather he would become.

John devoted more than 40 years of service to Schnucks, becoming one of the company's longest-tenured employees, a testament to his loyalty and strong work ethic. In addition to his long career at Schnucks, John worked as a Primerica associate, where he found great fulfillment in helping others plan for their financial futures and retirement, always taking pride in offering guidance and support.

For more than five decades, John faithfully dedicated his time and talents to Victory Baptist Church, a church which he deeply loved. Throughout the years, he served in numerous roles, including trustee, deacon, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher, each position reflecting his strong commitment to Jesus Christ. On many Sundays his voice could be heard as he sang in the church choir. One of John's greatest passions was sharing his faith with others. He especially loved knocking on doors, building relationships, and spreading the gospel, always eager to share the hope and love he found in his faith. His unwavering devotion to the church and its mission left a lasting impact on the congregation and all whose lives he touched.

For many years, John faithfully set up a table once a week at St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley, offering Christian literature and conversation. His consistent presence on campus gave him countless opportunities to connect with students, faculty, and staff, engage in thoughtful and meaningful discussions, and openly share the hope and message of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

John found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He especially cherished spending time outdoors on his deck, where he could relax with a book by his favorite author, John Grisham, while watching the playful squirrels and birds that frequented his yard. His heart was particularly captivated by Woody, the owl who made his home in the nearby white pine tree, a sight that brought him both comfort and delight. Indoors, John enjoyed unwinding with a good mystery on television, and his favorite show was Murder, She Wrote, which he never tired of watching. These quiet moments of reflection and enjoyment brought him peace and happiness and were among the many ways he found contentment in everyday life.

Those who knew John well knew of his deep love for collecting duck decoys of all kind. Over the years, he assembled an impressive collection of hundreds, proudly displaying the collection throughout his home, each piece reflecting his appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition. John was also an avid admirer of lighthouses, making a point to visit them whenever his travels allowed, drawn to their beauty, history, and symbolism. His home also featured an impressive collection of lighthouse figurines, thoughtfully placed throughout the house. John was fascinated by all things nautical, finding joy and inspiration in the sights, stories, and timeless charm of maritime life. In a touch of endearing irony, although John was fascinated by the maritime world, he preferred to admire it from solid ground, as motion sickness made boating less enjoyable for him.

John and his beloved wife, Sharon, held their annual trips to Door County, Wisconsin close to their hearts. Each year, they looked forward to retreating to a cozy cabin along the water, a place where they could slow down and simply enjoy being together. They delighted in taking in the scenic views, browsing through local shops, and sharing meals at quaint, welcoming restaurants. Both John and Sharon found great peace in the natural beauty that surrounded them-the gentle rhythm of the water, boats gliding quietly across the horizon, and the distant calls of seagulls echoing through the air. These treasured getaways were filled with companionship, reflection, and joy, creating memories that remained dear to them throughout their lives.

He will be missed by many!