John "Jack" Michael Oderwald

John M. “Jack” Oderwald, 77, of Metamora, IL, formerly of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 3:42 pm, Saturday, May 8, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

On January 9, 1944, he was born in Rock Island, IL, to Katherine Hartz and adopted by Howard H. and Eileen M. (Collins) Oderwald. He married Debbie A. Bertrand on January 17, 1970, in Kankakee, IL, and she passed away on January 23, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister Mary Jane Schumacher.

Surviving are his children Steven Oderwald of Livermore, CA, Crystal (Rod) Goodall of Cornelius, NC, Jason (Tenille) Oderwald of Germantown Hills, IL, and Jackie (Jonathan) Morgan of Mooresville, NC; and eight grandchildren, Alyssa, Brooke, Gabriella, Mikayla, Jacob, Jarod, Jenna, and Colbie. Further surviving is his twin sister Judy Janssen of Ashkum, IL.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam Conflict. He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 25 years retiring in 2004. After his retirement, he spent time between Illinois and Pine Island, Florida with his longtime companion Lu Westermeyer.

Jack was a loving husband, companion, father, papa, brother, son, and friend to many. Jack enjoyed spending his time with family and friends and instilling his love for boating. He was a compassionate and strong man. Jack always had a way to make people laugh. Jack was the kind of man that had the knack to fix anything and willing to give you the shirt off his back. He will be deeply missed by his family, and all that knew him. In Jack's words… "And the beat goes on."

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora. Fr. Greg Jozefiak will celebrate. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home in Metamora. Cremation rites will follow his mass. A private burial of his remains will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to OSF Cancer Center. Mason Funeral Homes in Metamora is assisting with arrangements, and notes of condolences may be sent using www.masonfuneralhomes.com

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