John E. Stirewalt, 84, Belle, passed away Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 at the Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City.
He was born May 23, 1937, a son to the late Eugene and Isabell (Kirkup) Stirewalt in Springfield.
He was a 1954 graduate of Willard High School and was a member of the F.F.A. John worked as an Insulation Supervisor for Carpenters Local 662 in Southwest Illinois for many years.
On May 20, 1988, he was united in marriage to Rita Busk in St. Louis. The couple moved to the Belle area in 2005 from Willard where they had a small farm. John was a big animal lover and had many different pets through the years. Rita, his surviving wife, resides in their home in Belle.
John was a model railroading enthusiast. He spent many hours in his train room creating and building a diorama.. He was easy going, kindhearted, and gentle. John had a silly sense of humor and could always make people laugh. He was very social and never met a stranger. John was a mentor to his grandchildren and his greatest joy was time spent with his family. He will be missed greatly by his family and those that knew him.
He was preceded in death by parents Eugene and Isabell; brother James Stirewalt; and recently his dog Sissy who crossed over the rainbow bridge.
He is survived by wife Rita of 33 years; children, John E. Stirewalt, Jr. and wife Angela of Palm Coast, Fla, Rhonda Rowan of Rogersville, Derek Stirewalt and wife Cherie of Belleville, Ill., Erick Stirewalt of Churchton, Md., Cynthia Brinkman and husband Steven of Hillsboro, Ill., Daun Brandt and husband Richard of O’Fallon, and Kimberly Payne and husband Daniel of Warrington; brothers Jerry Stirewalt and wife Beverly of Tulsa, Okla., and Mike Stirewalt of Humansville; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He will be greatly missed by his two dogs Jade and Chloe.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
