John Richard Stoudt

John R. "Shiek" Stoudt, 75, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at Ottawa Pavilion. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Rev. Jules Adator officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday at the Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 4:00 p.m. with the Knights of Columbus in attendance. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with Military Services. John was born October 2, 1937 in Ottawa, Illinois, to Lawrence and Frances (Siolz) Stoudt. He worked at L.O.F. for 40 years. He was a Soldier in the US Army and served 28 years in the Field Artillery. He was promoted to Sergeant Major where he served with the 4th/75tth F.A. He was a life long member of the American Legion, where he served on the Honor Guard and loved to volunteer for Bingo. He was also a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Knights of Columbus. The SGM loved to spend time with his grandchildren Noah and Charli. He loved to swim laps at the YMCA and played City League Hoops and Softball for many years. He attended Marquette High School and played football on the team that had an undefeated season. If he wasn't volunteering you could find him at the ball diamonds watching the games or at Pine Hills playing golf. And if you were lucky, you got to hear him sing Karaoke at the American Legion on Friday nights. He also enjoyed playing poker with his buddies. John is survived by two sons, Richard "Rock" Stoudt of Ottawa and Jeffrey (Samantha) Stoudt of Mission Township; three sisters, Virginia Johnson, Margaret (Donald) Donnelly, and Lorraine Gayan, all of Ottawa; and two grandchildren, Noah and Charli Stoudt. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lawrence Stoudt. Pallbearers will Larry and Leo Johnson, Don Donnelly, Jr., Randy Gayan, Jerry Sexton, Brad Sholders, Dean Nodland, and Mike Hanley. Memorials may be directed to the family.