John Robert Pletkovich

John Robert Pletkovich, 102, died at his home in Peoria on June 14, 2022. John was born on January 20, 1920, in Kewanee, Illinois to Steve and Stella Pletkovich. John was a graduate of Kewanee High School and Western Illinois University where he captained the golf team. He was a proud veteran of WWII; first as cadet in The Army Air Corps and later as an Ensign aboard the USS Jacob Jones. Go Navy!

John was married (later divorced) to Iris Lohrenz and they had two children, Terry (Susan) of Venice Florida and Mary of Tempe Arizona. On August 2nd, 1958, John married Shirley Hartwell in Princeville and have two children: Tim in Geneseo and Tom in Chicago.

In addition to John’s honorable military service, he served a decade as teacher and principal in Edwards, Illinois and the highlight was his 20-year distinguished career with John Deere Company. In retirement he served as Chairman of the Housing Authority for Henry County, Illinois. John was longtime member of the American Legion, VFW, Midland Country Club, and was a current member of First Federated Church in Peoria.

In addition to his four children, he is survived by four grandchildren. They are Erin (Ron) Sosa of Sarasota, Florida, Lindsay (Steve) Mason of Franklin, Tennessee, Kate (Dan) Schreiber of Barrington, Illinois, and Torie (Ian) Kessler of Carlsbad, CA. Great-grandchildren include Quinn and Leo Sosa, Claire and Charlie Mason, and Isabel and Everett Schreiber.

John was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, six sisters and a brother.

Graveside services will be private. A celebration of John’s life will be later this summer. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project and the American Red Cross.

You may view John’s obituary online at www.woolsey-wilton.com.