Published on May 25, 2025 7:15 pm
Last Updated on May 25, 2025 7:15 pm
John P. Mettendorf, 74, of O’Fallon, MO, formerly of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis, MO.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Effingham, IL with military rites. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Purple Heart Homes charity in honor of John Mettendorf. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
John was born on July 6, 1950 in Effingham, IL, the son of Louis and Agnes (Will) Mettendorf. He married Karen Miller on September 25, 1971. John served his country in the United States Army, entering service in September of 1969. He spent time in Germany before being shipped to Vietnam, where he served with the 1st Cavalry, 23rd Infantry Division. John was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation medal, Good Conduct medal, and the Vietnam Campaign medal. John retired from the printing industry after 40 years, the majority of that at World Color Press. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. Whether he was giving them a ride on his lawnmower, playing games, or teaching them to fish, John cherished the time he was able to spend with them. Additionally, John was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, and gardening. When he wasn’t outside, he was in his workshop building a multitude of projects requested by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was famously known for his homemade ice cream, movie night popcorn, and burgers on the grill.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Mettendorf of O’Fallon, MO; children, Jennifer (Mark) Sitar of St. Charles, IL; Jill Mettendorf of St. Louis, MO; and Christopher (Carrie) Mettendorf of O’Fallon, MO; grandchildren Matthew, Carley, and Jack Sitar; Anthony and Isabella Mangogna; Benjamin, Emma, and Sawyer Mettendorf; siblings, Ron (Lillian) Mettendorf and Kathy Hollinshead.
He was preceded in death by his parents.