Mr. John Paul Sepich, 72, of Gilson, Illinois died peacefully at 8:08 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2020 at his home.
He was born September 12, 1947 in Galesburg, Illinois to Louis Paul and Emily Adeline (Chitty) Sepich. He married Margaret Trone December 21, 1968 in Galesburg.
Surviving are two daughters, Stephanie Renee (and Jeff) Wilcoxen of Noblesville, Indiana and Michelle Lynn Sepich of Knoxville, Illinois, a sister, JoAnn Gaylord of Galesburg, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
John attended Galesburg High School. He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 during Vietnam. He was a sheet metal worker and laborer working for several different companies in the Galesburg area. His favorite job and what he loved the most was owning and operating the Poor Boy Saloon in Galesburg in the 1980’s. He later worked in the HVAC profession until his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion and the NRA. John loved Camel cigarettes, Miller High Life, Evan Williams Whiskey, beagles, guns, fishing, hunting, partying, spending time with his friends and everything that went with it. As a child he spent the majority of his time at Trone Garage in “monkey town” learning anything he could from Virgil. This led to his great knowledge of automobiles which also included working on drag cars. People who knew him would say there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do or fix. His three favorite places and where he could be found the most were in his party room, his bar Poor Boy Saloon and being on the Mississippi River in Oquawka.
Cremation will be accorded. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Gilson Cemetery in Gilson with the Celebration of Life at The Roadhouse Sports Bar in Knoxville following. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW/American Legion Honor Guard. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
His daughter is requesting that Memorials be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in lieu of flowers. Checks can be made out to: Wounded Warriors Project
Please notate “In memory of John Sepich” on the memo line and mailed to:
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Home
1070 W. Fremont Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
