SPRINGFIELD, IL - John Stoddard Ilsley, 90, of Springfield, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015.
John was born June 12, 1925, in Springfield, the son of William and Jeanette Knobloch Ilsley. He married Deloris "Dee" Humphress on March 6, 1954, in Corinth, Miss.; she preceded him in death on July 3, 2006.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps serving during WWII. He was with the 2nd Marine Division as a stretcher bearer in the Asiatic and Pacific Area's where he participated in action against the enemy at Saipan, Tinian, and the Marianas Islands. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Gallantry in Action.
He was a 1943 graduate of Springfield High School and received his bachelor's degree in business accounting from Bradley University. He worked for Illinois National Insurance, New Hampshire Insurance Company and finally for AIG. He was a past member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, a member of Laurel United Methodist Church and the Illinois Chili Society where he medaled and judged the competition.
He was a very generous man who donated to, and was involved in, the Special Olympics, the U.S. Olympics, Doctors Without Borders and the ChildFund formerly known as the Christian Children's Fund where he funded ten young ladies up to the age of 18 for school. These are just a few examples of the charities that were close to his heart.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Philip Stoddard Ilsley; and brother, William Ilsley.
He is survived by daughter, Laura Lynn Carpenter of Kernersville, N.C.; brother, Robert Ilsley of Athens; grandchildren, Jacob Dylan (Lisa) Carpenter of Charlotte N.C., and Amy Rose (Sebastien) Carpenter Klein of Paris, France; great-granddaughters: Ella Rose, Emery Grace, Elizabeth Mae and Elaina Meredith Carpenter; great-grandson, Tristan Jean Stoddard Klein; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Sims officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Plains Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Springfield Food Bank.
Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 is in charge of arrangements. Visit our online obituary at www.ellingerkunzfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ellinger-Kunz Funeral Home & Springfield Crematory.
Shasta Byerly
September 29, 2015
Dear Laura and Family,
My family and I send our deepest condolences. Praying for continued strength, comfort and peace, today and in the days ahead.
September 29, 2015
I first met John as a relative of my husband-to-be when I was only a teenager. He seemed a bit opinionated, and maybe even grouchy to my young eyes. Later, I came to know the kind and caring person he was under the guise of a curmudgeon. He became a good friend to both my husband and myself. When he came to my home, he always brought a gift: a small flashlight to carry in my purse "because a woman should always have a light with her, "wineglasses "because he thought a wineglass should hold a generous pour"...just a couple of examples of his thoughtfulness. He was a good man. See you later, Pal.
Mike Dahlkamp
September 29, 2015
Rest in Peace Marine...you have served your country well.. now it the time for you to stand with your Brothers and guard the streets on Heaven's scenes...
Mike Dahlkamp
CWO-4 USMC(Retired)
Susan Dalby
September 28, 2015
I had the pleasure to work with Mr Ilsley for many years at AIG/New Hampshire Ins and am sorry to hear of his death.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Audra Howard
September 28, 2015
I knew Mr. Ilsley for many, many years as a co-employee at the Illinois National Ins. Co, and AIG. I remember his generosity when it came time for the ladies to furnish food for potlucks - he always joined in with a dish of his own. He was a great cook. There are few of us left now. I am sorry for your loss.
Fred & Lisa Williams
September 28, 2015
John has been a wonderful neighbor for over 15 years. We spent much time together over the past nine years. He had an impeccable memory and so many interesting stories to share. We will miss his friendship the most and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.
September 28, 2015
John was an amazing man with so much faith and compassion in his heart for so many. He changed the lives and touched the hearts of all knew him. I will forever miss our talks and jokes. Rest in peace pal.
September 28, 2015
Rest in Peace Marine. Semper Fi.
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