John Frederick Weese, 78, of Galesburg, passed away on November 25, 2020 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, from complications of COVID-19.
John was born December 5, 1941 in Canton, the son of Merritt and Lola (Zeeck) Weese. John graduated from WIU with a Bachelor of Science in education. He then went to Bradley University and received a Master of Arts in education administration. He worked as a teacher in the Hanna City/Farmington area until becoming the Superintendent at Williamsfield CUSD 210. He went on to work as an Inspector for the Illinois State Board of Education. John also owned and operated Appliances Unlimited in Galesburg for many years.
John married Shirley Smith on June 22, 1964 in Macomb. Together they had four children; two daughters, Shelley R. (Daniel) O’Connell of Peoria and Sheila A. Perez of Galesburg; and two sons, John E. of Peoria, and Jason P. (Sara) of Naperville. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jaeden, Hannah, Olivia, Megan, Erin, Merritt, Milo, and Kaitlyn; nine great grandchildren; one brother Jack (Kim) Weese of Aledo; and a sister-in-law, Jeannie Weese of Lexington, SC. John was predeceased by his parents and one brother, James.
John was a lifelong Democrat and member of the Knox County Democratic Party. He was an avid pilot and loved to fly. John enjoyed country music, as well as watching horse racing, especially the Kentucky Derby. John also was a strong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He will be long remembered for his generous heart, often to a fault. He helped many people.
Visitation will be 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks, social distancing, and limited occupancy will be enforced. No funeral service is planned. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring/Summer (when COVID is under control), in Galesburg.
