John H. Hoehne

John Herman Hoehne, 79, of Germantown Hills, Ill., died unexpectedly Monday, July 27, 2015 at his home. John was born June 2, 1936 in Peoria to Herman Hoehne and Ruby (Mattingly). He was preceded in death by both of his parents and younger brother, James Hoehne, and his eldest son, David J.Hoehne. He is survived by his wife, Mary one son, Daniel Hoehne (Diana), three daughters, Julie (John) Jacobs, Susan (Tim) Koller, Cindy (John) MacLean. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Anthony Hoehne, Elizabeth Spanier, Heather MacLean, Michelle MacLean, Nicki Sykora, Kelsey Latsaw, Kyle Jacobs, Chris Koller, and Tom Koller as well as five great grandchildren, Norah, Claire, Grayson, Olive, and Ethan. Further surviving are three sisters Evelyn (Frank) Nau, Debra (Frank) Giffin and Diane (Bob) Melchin. Following High School, John enlisted in the United States Navy on April 20, 1954. He served his country in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan. His duties ranged from guarding prisoners, ensuring public health in Olangapo, Mine Sweeper maintenance in Subic Bay, and finally realizing his dream as a radioman on the USS Aludra. Overall, John participated in three WESTPAC Cruises prior to his honorable discharge from service on July 31, 1956. Following the service, John married the angel of his life, Mary Heinz, on June 22, 1957. They begin building their family of five children, a daughter followed by two sets of twins during the time John enrolled at Bradley University where he earned his Master's Degree in Education. John worked as a construction laborer for several years. John served in public education, following a passion for teaching children, for his entire professional career: Teacher - Rome Elementary School (science, math, geography, coach for all sports) Principle - Georgetown Junior High School, Principle - Columbia Grade School, Principle - Garfield Primary School. John learned his sense of adventure and love of travel while serving in the Navy. These passions carried over throughout his life in camping and traveling through most of the country as well as Canada, England, and Ireland, and cruising throughout the Caribbean. He taught his children to embrace travel, engage the world around them, and meet the world straight on. His love of science and the natural world continued throughout his life in his collecting of rocks and other natural specimens that he studied and categorized into a collection of his own. Building his own home with his wife and the help of family and friends was perhaps the most challenging adventure of his life. John was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora where he attended weekly Mass with his wife, served as a Greeter, and attended weekday services with close friends generally followed by an overwhelming breakfast. He cherished the close relationships with several neighbors and counted himself blessed to have them as friends. Together with his wife and his friends, he maintained his active participation in the Prairie Land Koi and Pond Society, woodworking, and the continual creation of the many gardens at his home. John was happiest with a tool in his hand, the ocean breeze in his face, and a challenge set before him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11am, Saturday, August 1, 2015 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora. Fr. Greg Jozefiak will officiate. Visitation will be one-hour prior to his service. Cremation rites will be accorded following his Mass with a private burial at a later date in St. Mary of Lourdes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TAPS, National Alliance on Mental Illness, or to Children's Hospital of Illinois.