John Foder

HERRIN -- John R. Foder, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at his home after a four-and-a-half year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. John was under the care of his wife, Linda, stepson, Scott, and Hospice of Southern Illinois.

John enlisted in the armed services at the age of 17. He attended boot camp in San Antonio, Texas, and radar school at Kessler, Miss. He was first assigned to a radar station in New York followed by an assignment to Otis Air Force Base in North Truro, Mass. John also served in combat in Korea. He was stationed at Chunchon K-47 from October 1952 to August 1953. John had assignments at Chanute Air Base in Rantoul, Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, Etain France and Hill Air Force Base in Utah. In John's later years in the USAF he served as three star General Earl C. Hedlund's personal aide. John was very proud of his service in the USAF. He was awarded numerous medals and commendations for his honorable service.

In May 1975, John established Fopal Inc. in West Frankfort. John and his wife, Linda, owned and operated Fopal Inc. in addition to two wallpaper stores in Marion and Carbondale until 1997.

From 1998 until 2004, John and Linda owned and operated two stores in Mission, Texas, which manufactured and sold unfinished furniture and wallpaper.

John and Linda also built many homes in Southern Illinois and Texas. John and Linda retired to Herrin in 2004. After retirement, John enjoyed woodworking in his shop.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Mary Catherine Foder; sisters, Ann Guill, Frances Wukovich and Mary Foder; brother, Anthony (Tony) Foder, Sr.; son-in-law, Joe Matyskiela; stepson, Michael Lampley; and stepgreat-grandson, Matthew Lampley.

John is survived by his wife, Linda Elloitt Foder; sister, Helen Kure of Seattle.; daughters, Patty Matyskiela of Arlington, Va., Jill Todd and husband, Bill Todd, of Augustine, Fla.; sister-in-law, Sharon Kimberley and husband, Richard, of Tampa, Fla.; brother-in-law, Stan Pulliam of West Frankfort; stepson, Scott Lampley and wife, Myoung Sook Lampley, of Merrill, Wis.; stepdaughter, Lisa Winn of Springfield, Mo.; granddaughter, Jessica; grandsons, Mark and Matt; stepgrandsons, Mike, Jason, Tyson and Travis; stepgranddaughters, Trista, Tara and Haley; and stepgreat-grandsons, Jevon, Carter, Dylan, Jason, Delaney and Damien.

The surviving family members would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Oestmann, Dr. Cuartas and staff, and Hospice of Southern Illinois for everything they did for John.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, with Father Ken Schaeffer officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 1961 of Orient, Zeigler Post 177, VFW Post 5764 of West Frankfort and Marion National Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home.

On line condolences of sympathy may be made at www.unionfh.com.