Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Sowinski Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - John A. Sowinski, 78, of Springfield died on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at St. John's Hospital.
John was born March 30, 1930, the son of Louis and Julia Hycz Sowinski.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Sowinski of Springfield; his children, Carrie (husband, Peter) Beard, Kristen Sowinski, and Joseph (wife, Amy) Bonansinga, all of Springfield and Jay Sowinski of Nashville, TN; and his eight grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Coach John A. Sowinski Memorial Scholarship Fund, Sacred Heart Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62704.
The family of John A. Sowinski is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sowinski
Sally Field
March 23, 2009
daughters Susie and Vicki, your dad will be a lasting memory for me. I remember all too well when you lost your mom and visiting her in the hospital. My prayers are with you as daughters in remembering your dad.
James O'Neill
March 14, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the Sowinski family. I was saddened to hear of John's passing, and will miss him very much. It was truly an honor to know him.
Barb Wolfson
March 12, 2009
Susie, I just want to join the many others who hope you find comfort in knowing that you're in our thoughts.
Bill Brune #8
March 12, 2009
Coach Sowinski taught me how to tackle, but more importantly how to respect others as well as myself. I received a great education at SHG between the hours of 8-3, but learned how to survive and flourish between the hours of 4-6 during practice. I remember coach said," if you are going to take the time to do something, you might as well do it better than everyone else"- I apply this too everything I do, everyday. Thank you Coach, you will never be forgotten.
Brian and Shelly Burnett
March 11, 2009
Vicki Sowinski Karras
Brian and I were sorry to hear about your father. We hope you find comfort and strength in the memories you shared. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We hope it helps to know others care.
Love,
Brian and Shelly
Beverly & Hubie Collins
March 11, 2009
Susie & Family, please accept our condolences. John was a wonderful person. My contact with him was attending seminars he conducted at SRS. He was the best and made everything so easy to understand.
He will be missed.
Sherry Osborne/Kepperling
March 11, 2009
Vicki Sowinski Karras
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As you know, John was Kraig's coach at SHS and we were often all together at school functions. We share many wonderful memories....God Bless
Nancy Penk
March 10, 2009
Vicki Sowinski Karras,
You are in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. Remember hope and faith will see you through. We are always here for you as well as your many firends and family. We all love you! Love, Nancy, David, Abbi and Annika Penk
Barb Moore
March 10, 2009
Susie and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. He truly touched the lives of our and many other families. I know Jason learned so much from him on and off the field. I will miss my kiss from John before every game as he entered the field. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Goby Oxtoby
March 10, 2009
My condolences to your family.
Mr. Sowinski will live on in the hearts and characters of all those students he taught and coached over the last several decades, myself being one of them. I remember his history classes at SHS 1971-1973 and his awarding me my only A+, ever, on a report card. I fell in love with history because he made me a believer in my power to achieve personal excellence…that was the John Sowinski I will always remember.
Dulany and Pat (Saladino) Sriner
March 10, 2009
Susie and family,
We were sorry to hear of John's passing. I had him as my homeroom teacher at SHS, and he coached my brother along with so many other young men through the years. John Sowinski will long be remembered in the hearts of students from both SHS and SHG. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during your bereavement.
SHS Class of '64
Sincere sympathy and love,
Michael Metnick
March 9, 2009
Sue,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You often told me about the wonderful things John brought to your life.
Michael Metnick
thomas mottershaw
March 9, 2009
John was a inspirational coach, a community leader of impeccable character, and a good friend. I really enjoyed the years I was honored to officiate with him and Tom England. My prayers go out to his family.
Dr. Thomas Mottershaw
The Frechette Family
March 9, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lorie,Eric,Luke and Lizzie Bleyer
March 9, 2009
To our friend Vicki Karras (nee Sowinski) and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Shannon & Larry Johnson
March 9, 2009
The Johnson family sends our thoughs and prayers to the family of John Sowinski. Sean had the honor of playing for Coach Sowinski.
Mary Queen of Victory pray for him.
Shannon, Larry, Sean, Ryan, Sarah and Kim
Yetta Marantz
March 9, 2009
Dear Susie and Family,
Please accept my condolences on the death of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May his memory be a blessing.
Gil Corrington
March 9, 2009
John was my coach at SHS from 1974-1977. I really enjoyed still watching him coach. He left a lasting impression on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
B. J.
March 9, 2009
...78 years that changed the world
Patsy Moore, SHS '64
March 9, 2009
Susie & family,
I am so sorry to hear of John Sowinski's passing. He was a wonderful teacher, coach, and friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Ruff
March 9, 2009
I will always remember with a smile the many memories I have of John. I always got a laugh whether coaching, teaching or just playing golf. We will miss this coach!
Roland & Connie (Case) Burke
March 9, 2009
What a great teacher and coach. He will be sadly missed by grads and athletes alike at SHS and Griffin from the early 60's on. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Marti Gilbert
March 9, 2009
Dear Susie - I was saddened to hear of John's passing. How nice that you both found each other the 2nd half of your lives. You are blessed to have your children and grandchildren living so close by, especially at difficult times like these.
In sympathy,
Gia Ozyurt
March 9, 2009
Susie & Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Beverly Geiser
Gia Geiser Ozyurt
Alexa (Prillaman) Tharp
March 9, 2009
I was so surprised and saddened to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Cindy and Jim Fulgenzi
March 9, 2009
We are so sorry. You are all in our prayers. I will miss seeing him at the Fit Club.
David Burgett
March 9, 2009
Susie ,our thoughts and prayers for you and your family .He was a great man and friend both on and off the field.He will truly be missed.
David Burgett SHS Football coach
Rob Ankenbrandt
March 9, 2009
Mr. Sowinski was one of my favorite teachers at SHS. He had patience, laid back and good sense of humor. I graduated in 1981. He will be sadley missed.....my prayers and total condolences.
Rosemary Leistner
March 9, 2009
Dear Susie and Family,
We were so saddened to learn of John's passing. He did so much for our football athletes for many years in Springfield. Please know how much our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Fondly, Bob and Rosemary Leistner
William Lynch
March 9, 2009
Susie, we are saddened by the news of John's passing and our prayers are with you and your family. John was a true champion for hundreds of boys he helped shape into strong moral adults.
Ginni & Bill Lynch
JOHN & JUDY STAAB
March 9, 2009
Sowinski Family: So sorry to read about the passing of John Although I did not know him personnaly we watch him for many years coaching at SHG. We will remember him in our prayers.
JOHN & JUDY STAAB
March 9, 2009
Sowinski Family: So sorry to read about the passing of John Although I did not know him personnaly we watched him for many years coaching at SHG. We will remember him in our prayers.
Gary and Michele Wilson, Gary II and Greg Wilson
March 9, 2009
Susan and family, the boys were so fond of Coach. His memory will live on with them for the rest of their lives. He was truly a blessing to all and will be deeply missed.
Thinking of you all at this time and sending prayers of comfort to you.
Mike O'Connell
March 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I have very fond memories of John as a teacher and coach. He had a tremendously positive impact on all of the students that were lucky enough to have him as a teacher or coach. He will truly be missed.
Leroy and Johnetta Jordan
March 9, 2009
The Jordan family send our prayers and sincere sympathy to you. John touched many lives over the years. We appreciate the influence he had on the many SHG and SHS football players, especially our grandson. Thank you for sharing John with us.
Greg/Nikki Bernet
March 9, 2009
My family sends our deepest sympathies to the entire Sowinski family during this difficult time.
Thoughts and Prayers
Joe Stannard
March 9, 2009
Susie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. John's legacy will live forever through the many young men in this community that had the good fortune to have played for him.
Our Deepest Sympathies,
Joe and Sandy Stannard
Scott Norris
March 9, 2009
To the Sowinski Family -
Our deepest sympathy to the Sowinski family from the Norris family.
John will forever be the ideal meaning of the word “Coach” to me and all his peers. Thank you Coach Sowinski for all you did for me.
Cindy and Terry Schaaf
March 9, 2009
The Schaaf family sends their sincerest condolences to the Sowinski family. He certainly had an impact on our son, Jake through SHG. We are honored to have known him. God Bless
Marsha Edmonds
March 9, 2009
I was saddened to learn of Coach Sowinski's passing. He was a great teacher, coach, and mentor to many of us. He inspired me to become a history major in college. My condolences to his family.
Michale Dahlkamp
March 9, 2009
To the Sowinski Family: my sincere condolences are with you all. I first met John when I was a Sophmore in high school at Springfield High when football season was starting. I had the pleasure of playing for John in my Junior/Sophmore years when we were Co-City/Big 12 Champions.......he was an outstanding individual, coach, mentor and friend.
John: Semper Fi
Michael Dahlkamp
CWO-4 USMC (Retired)
Joseph & Jill Hardy
March 9, 2009
The Hardy Family was deeply saddened by your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Wells
March 9, 2009
The Wells Family sends our prayers and best wishes to the Sowinski Family. We were saddened to hear of his passing. My wife and I appreciate the influence Coach Sowinski had on our sons lives.
Jan Sables
March 9, 2009
Dear Susie and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you !
John touched so many lives in his
wonderful career working with
young athletes! He will always be remembered.
Jan and Roger
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
Make a Donation
in John Sowinski's name
Memorial Events
for John Sowinski
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Sowinski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
