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John Stegman Obituary
Born: August 3, 1939
Died: September 13, 2025
John Joseph Stegman, 86, of Ottawa, IL passed away on September 13, 2025 after a strong two year battle with cancer.
John was born on August 3, 1939 in Morris, IL to Ned and Helen (Connor) Stegman. He graduated from Minooka High School and attended Knox College. He served in the Vietnam War with Army Security Forces from 1962 - 1965. While serving in the Army, he received a Letter of Commendation as well as a Presidential Unit Citation from John F. Kennedy.
John married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lundstrom, on February 20, 1960. Together they raised three children: Johnna, Joette, and Philip. Mary passed away on May 17, 1988. John later married Jean Ursini in 1989.
John was a lifelong carpenter and custom home builder. He owned his own company, Stegman Homes, where he prided himself on building homes for families and generously helping others.
John was known for being a class act and for being down to business, but more importantly, he will be remembered for his love of family, friends, and showing what it meant to be a good neighbor. When asked to describe him, loved ones said: strong, compassionate, kind, loving, dependable, honorable, responsible, loyal, determined, caring, a visionary, and "my hero".
John is survived by his wife, Jean; his brother, Edward "Mike" Stegman; his daughter, Johnna (Curt) Shryack; his son, Philip (Tammy) Stegman; his stepson, Joe (April) Widman; his grandchildren, Sara (Joe) Strong, Sandy (Josh) Daggett, Lucas Svendsen, Lindsay Svendsen, Mariah (Chris) Hansen, Josie Stegman, Jenna Stegman, Erin (Aaron) Boe, and Wyatt Widman; and his great grandchildren, Abby, Cooper, Josey, Isabella, Max, Jax, Simon, and Lucy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ned and Helen; his first wife, Mary; his daughter, Joette, his brother, Alfred Stegman; and his sister in laws, Joyce Stegman and Lori Stegman.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, from 10:00am until 11:00am at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Earlville. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am with military honors being rendered after mass. Burial will be in St. Theresa's Cemetery in Earlville and in Angel Fire, New Mexico at a later date.
Pallbearers will be Aaron Boe, Robert Dolder, Donald McLachlan, Chris Sanford, Lucas Svendsen, and Roy Weiman.
"John, you are loved, made our lives better, and will be missed. You worked hard your entire life and now you can rest peacefully and free from pain. See you again. Let's go."
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Stegman
Sponsored by Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory.
4 Entries
Scott Horsch
September 17, 2025
Pleasant memories of John and his family while working in Earlville at the school district. Always enjoyed conversations with him. Very down to earth, kind, and supportive and a well respected carpenter. Will be missed, My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mark Caldwell
September 17, 2025
I considered John to be one of my closest friends from the area of my second home. He was already to help when I needed anything. He kept a watchful eye on our house and I appreciated that greatly. I enjoyed the knowledge and stories he shared.
Heaven gained a very good man that will be missed by many that knew him.
Larry Sebby
September 16, 2025
To the Family,
I only met John a few times, but reading all the superlatives about John, I felt like I was reading about John's brother, my good friend, Al. I was privileged to have taught at Serena HS with Al, and to have watched him as a coach through his days at Harding, until he retired from coaching. There is certainly a place in heaven for John if he was, indeed like Al., who is smiling down, ready to tell one of his jokes. I now live in the Kansas City area, so I regret not being near enough to pay my respects in person. I will be keeping your family in mind.
The Staff of Ottawa Funeral Home
September 14, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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