John Cecil Stumpf

John Cecil Stumpf, age 95, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2025.

He was born on June 27, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Cecil Lon Stumpf and Edith Cora (Harbison) Stumpf. John grew up in Beardstown, Illinois, where his father worked at the mill.

He graduated in 1948 from Beardstown High School, receiving his diploma from his father, who was then serving on the school board.

John attended St. Louis University, where, after only two years of study, he was accepted into the medical school. However, he felt called to the ministry and transferred to Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, graduating in 1952.

He then attended Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois, to become a Methodist minister. While there, he met Barbara Jane McDermand, who was attending Northwestern University.

On August 28, 1954, John and Barbara were married in Great Falls, Montana, Barbara's hometown. Together they shared 71 wonderful years of marriage.

Upon graduating from Garrett, John was accepted at the University of Utah, where he earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Many of his professors there were World War II combat veterans, which deeply influenced his passion to serve those who had worn the uniform.

While at the University of Utah, John kept on his desk a large chart for factor analysis of nursing data. During that time, a Veterans Administration director from Washington, D.C., visited the Utah hospital and remarked, "I have rooms full of data and no way to analyze them. Come to Washington, D.C., and work with me to analyze it."

Accepting the call, John and his family moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where he worked at the Bureau of Standards. There he used an enormous machine called a computer and wrote code to analyze the data, an experience that placed him at the intersection of psychology and the emerging world of computing.

In 1964, John accepted a position as a psychologist at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital in Illinois. That same year, he and Barbara bought a home in Elmhurst to be closer to their families. At Hines, he concentrated his work on groups of combat veterans from World War II-including survivors of the Bataan Death March-as well as veterans of the Korean War.

John could relate to these veterans in a personal way. He had been 11 years old when World War II began and grew up following the ships, battles, and aircraft of the war, knowledge that gave him common ground and a deep empathy for their experiences. The veterans appreciated his direct and honest approach, and many became his friends for the rest of their lives.

That Elmhurst home became their foundation, and John remained there for the rest of his life. He was diligent in maintaining and repairing their 100-year-old stucco bungalow, taking pride in its care and preservation.

After 35 years of service with the Veterans Administration, John retired in 1993 at the age of 63.

John was also a skilled hypnotist and a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He used hypnosis to help many people stop smoking, manage pain, lose weight, and recover from trauma. Those he treated were grateful for his care and the positive results they experienced.

In retirement, John and his family traveled widely, touring western national parks, monuments, and historic places with their truck, camper, and tents. These journeys created lasting memories of exploration, discovery, and time spent together outdoors. He also loved to try new hobbies, including skiing, golfing, sailing, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, and target shooting.

John had many friends, both from his long career with the Veterans Administration and from the many people he met and helped along the way. He also cherished reconnecting with his roots, faithfully attending his Beardstown High School class reunions every five years. He enjoyed inviting VA retiree friends and others he had met through the years to share pizza and cigars, and he reached out often by phone and email to connect with people and bring them together.

John and Barbara were also active members of Yorkfield Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst, where they built friendships and contributed to the life of their congregation.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara; his brother, Richard Stumpf; and his children and their spouses: Annette Stumpf and Rick Rundus, John and Susan Stumpf, David and Joan Stumpf, and Carl Stumpf and Debbie Cline. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Austin Rundus and Marissa Moore, John Stumpf III and Janie Zhang, Danielle Stumpf, Dan Stumpf, Mike Stumpf, Cece Stumpf, Grace Stumpf, and Katie Stumpf; and by his great-granddaughter, Brynn Rundus.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family, including traveling to visit his children and grandchildren throughout the country. He was a proud and loving presence at sporting events, concerts, music lessons, award ceremonies, and graduations, celebrating every achievement of his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, 60126. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, 1099 S. York Street, Elmhurst, 60126. Interment Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Elmhurst, IL.

For more information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.