John Joseph Dwinnells

John Dwinnells was the kind of man you wanted to be friends with. Humble, loyal, and devoted, John would help anyone who needed anything. He greeted people with an easy smile, a good laugh, and genuine handshake.

John was born on July 12, 1937, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Charles and Mabel (Hatheway) Dwinnells. He attended Stockton High School and later proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

On November 25, 1961, John was united in marriage to Edith Peschang at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hanover, Illinois. John and Edie made a great team, raising four children, Beth, Laura, Michael, and Susan; and celebrated 64 years of marriage.

John built a life defined by steady work and quiet reliability. He spent 38 years at Atwood’s in the maintenance department, where his skill and determination made him the person others counted on to keep things running. After retirement, John continued to serve others by helping at Law Jones Funeral Homes for nearly 25 years.

John was known for his many talents—especially woodworking and small construction projects. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his buddies, but the greatest joy of his life was his family. He loved time with his children and grandchildren, attending their events, cheering them on, and if there were cards on the table, even better—John especially loved euchre and any game that brought family and friends together.

John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth. His steady presence, generous heart, and friendship will be missed more than words can say.

John is survived by his wife, Edith Dwinnells of Woodbine; his son, Michael (Sarah) Dwinnells of Yorkville, Illinois; three daughters, Beth (Jay) Althof of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Laura (John)Duerr of Scales Mound, Illinois, and Susan Dwinnells of Woodbine, Illinois; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dolores Bogue, and two brothers, Gerald Doyle and Kenneth Dwinnells.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth, Illinois. Burial will be in the Woodbine Cemetery, following a luncheon. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials to Midwest Senior Care Center in Galena, Hospice of Dubuque and St. Mary Catholic Church in Elizabeth.