John Neal Scheffel, Jr.

JOHN SCHEFFEL JR.

KANE – John Neal Scheffel, Jr., 81, died at 9:50 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2024 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Born on August 4, 1943, in Carrollton, Illinois, John was the son of the late John Neal and Loretta Louise (Gillingham) Scheffel, Sr. He graduated with the Carrollton High School Class of 1962 and proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard.

On August 8, 1964, John married the love of his life, Linda Ellis, in Jerseyville, Illinois. Together, they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a testament to a lifetime of love, laughter, and devotion.

John had an infectious personality and a knack for making others laugh. Socializing brought him immense joy, and he could light up any room with his humor and storytelling. He enjoyed the outdoors, often camping, fishing, mushroom hunting, and traveling with Linda by his side. John also had a passion for attending auctions, always eager to find a unique treasure or simply enjoy the experience.

He was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, most especially his grandchildren – he absolutely adored them, and the relationship they shared was truly something special. After many years working as a truck driver for ConAgra, John embarked on a new chapter in his life by establishing Diversified Energy, where he sold and installing heating and air conditioning systems.

A many of many talents, John was especially known for his unique gift of dousing wells, helping countless farmers locate water sources on their properties. He was also a lifelong learner who pursued various certifications and licenses, including welding, water operations and auctioneering.

John was a proud member of the Kane Masonic Lodge and cherished the connections and traditions it brought into his life.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Scheffel of Kane; daughters, Lisa Davenport of Carlinville, Heidi McDonald of Dow, Karen (Stanley) Wismer of Alsey and an estranged daughter, Erin Settles; grandchildren, Kayla (Nicholas) Summer, Shaun Davenport, Lydia (Dyllon Penzotti) Davenport, Jesse (Lily Knight) Wismer, Holly (Alex) Massey, Samantha (Doug) Hay and Cory (Bella Harris) McDonald; great grandchildren, Aubree Davenport, Elliott Summer, Ayden Penzotti, Adam Penzotti, Zeke Thomas, Peyton Wismer, Ivy Wismer and June Andrus; two sisters, Susan (Kim) Postelwait of Carrollton and Barb Anderson of Springfield; a brother in-law and sister in-law, Mark (Yvette) Ellis; a special aunt, Darlene Carmean; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Ed Davenport and Brian McDonald; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dean and Doris Ellis; a brother-in-law, Charles Anderson Sr.; a nephew, Charles Anderson, Jr.; as well as a special grandmother, Lora Gillingham.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of the funeral home.

John will be remembered for his kind heart, his humor, and his endless dedication to his family and community. His legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com

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