John R. Egli

John R. Egli, 79, of Metamora, IL, formerly of Washington, IL passed away at 5:04 pm on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Unity Point Health-Methodist in Peoria. He was born on December 29, 1937 in Pattonsburg, IL to Reuben A. and Matilda (Eigisti) Egli. He married Della M. Dennis on March 15, 1986 in Henry, IL. She survives. Also surviving are his children Lucinda (Merle) Guy of Washburn, IL, Deborah (Dave) Roan of Washington, Diane (Robert) Hamilton and Joan (Matt) Hamilton both of Varna, IL, Cheryl (Aaron) Luning of Wenona, IL, and John (Mariza) Egli of Schiller Park, IL; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Ben (Shirley) Egli of Metamora; and sister Jeanette (Marvin) Viets of Minonk, IL. He was preceded in death by two sons, two sisters, and three brothers. John was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving two years in the Army Medical Corps in Alaska. He worked various jobs at Caterpillar for 29 years running different machines in East Peoria, assembly jobs in Mossville and then as an engine inspector at the time of his retirement in February, 1997. John had worked various jobs such as Althaus Bros. in LaRose and Bartlet Grain Co. managing the Washburn Grain Elevator prior to hiring on at Caterpillar. He was a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Metamora. He had received a double lung transplant at Barnes Jewish Hospital in 2001 so he tried to give back by volunteering with Donate Life Illinois. He loved going to high schools and telling the students about getting his lung transplant. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the American Legion. He was the Director of the Washington JFL football program for four years. He enjoyed the outdoors and liked shooting with his friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Metamora with Reverend Dan Leman officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery in Roanoke. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Lung Transplant Patient Care Fund, 4590 Children's Place, Suite 5300, St. Louis, MO 63110 or to Faith Evangelical Free Church, 1337 Lourdes Road, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.