John A. "Johnny" Ridder Jr.

1982 - 2017

QUINCY -- John A. "Johnny" Ridder Jr., 34, formerly of Quincy, passed away at 8:40 p.m. July 1, 2017, at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis.

Johnny was born July 4, 1982, in Quincy, a son of John Ridder and Vicki Huelsmeyer Ridder.

Johnny graduated from Quincy High School in 2000 and received his bachelor's degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. He was an athlete and played soccer on his high school and college teams. Johnny was employed as a salesperson for Quincy Honda, Shottenkirk Toyota and Gem City Ford. He had just started a sales position with PJ Printing in Louisiana, Mo. Johnny's hobbies included recreational soccer, softball, barbecues and hanging out with his friends. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

Johnny was gentle and kind. He loved openly, honestly and with everything. He was genuinely accepting of all and had a way of always making you feel welcomed, important and loved. Johnny had an infectious, bright smile that seemed to encompass everything he was. We take great comfort knowing that he is at peace and in the great arms of our loving Father.

Survivors include his mother, Vicki (Scott Herman) Ridder of Quincy; his father, John (Kathy) Ridder of Quincy; a sister, Katie (Brian Turner) Ridder of Denver; a brother, Robert (Jacki) Ridder of Noblesville, Ind.; a stepsister, Kelly Curran of Quincy; a stepbrother, Brian (Amber) Curran of Quincy; a stepsister, Katherine (Jerred Schisler) Curran of Macomb; five nephews and nieces, Avery and Riley Ridder of Noblesville, Curtis Turner of Denver, and Aurora Allison and Hailey Curran, both of Quincy; his aunts and uncles, Jan and Chuck Heitholt, Paul and Mary Ridder, Catherine and Jim Breyley, Betty Ann and Dick Fraiser, Joan and Bill Laws and Fred Cherny; and numerous cousins.

Johnny was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Betty Ridder; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Lou Huelsmeyer; an uncle, Gary Huelsmeyer; an aunt, Mary Agnes Cherny; and a niece, Henley Romine.

When it's your birthday, you usually receive gifts. This year, Johnny was the one giving the gifts. He gave the gift of life to several people by being an organ donor.

SERVICES: A private memorial service will be held to honor Johnny's life.

VISITATION: A celebration and barbecue was held honoring Johnny's life Saturday in Madison Park.

MEMORIALS: Henley Romine BEElieve Foundation, Mary Ridder Cherny Fund at the Community Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: hansenspear.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.