Published on September 25, 2026 3:18 pm
Last Updated on September 25, 2026 3:18 pm
John R. Ferchow, 78, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at his home, with his loving wife by his side.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to HSHS Hospice Southern Illinois. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
John was born on October 30, 1947 in St. Elmo, IL, the son of Walter and Esther (Voelker) Ferchow. He married Jan Shadwell on August 4, 1973, and she survives. John served his country in the United States Army. Although he worked at many different places around Effingham, his true calling was in his workshop. He had some of his best times woodworking and tinkering in there. He enjoyed making pieces of furniture for Jan and his family, including bookshelves and nightstands. He was also a collector and would keep things he found just in case he needed it for a future project. Above all, he was a loving man and a dedicated husband. He was also a wonderful son-in-law to Jan’s parents and took very good care of her family.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jan Ferchow; sister, Gloria Cerasuolo; nephew, Jason Cerasuolo; his wife’s nephews, Stuart Campbell, Scott (Lori) Campbell, and Stephen (Carol) Campbell; and great-nephews, Lawson (Samantha) Campbell and Alex (fiancée, Callie) Campbell and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Joseph Cerasuolo; sisters-in-law, Gail Shadwell, Kay (Lee) Campbell, and Myrna Shadwell.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to HSHS Hospice for the excellent care they provided to both John and Jan.