SPRINGFIELD, IL - John Robert Holderread, 72, of Springfield, died at 3:35 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, at Memorial Medical Center.
He was born June 3, 1943, in Springfield, to Frederick J. and Marcella Marie Seelbach Holderread.
John was a U.S. Army veteran. He proudly served in Korea and was awarded several medals and honors for his service. He was co-founder and past President of the Houston Veteran's Association and a member of Blessed Sacrament Church.
He worked as a computer programmer until he retired from the State of Illinois in 2011.
John was passionate about family, especially his grandchildren! He was an avid golfer and a dedicated Illini and Cardinal fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Cora Krumback; and two brothers, Tom and Terry.
Survivors include his fiancée, Ingrid Duff of Springfield; one sister, Donna (Bob) Rogers of Litchfield; one son, Jon (Juliet) Holderread of Kingwood, Texas; two daughters, Carrie (Fred) Stanley of Kingwood, Texas and Allison (Alex) Stringfellow of Magnolia, Texas; four children of Ingrid: Ron (Suzie) Duff, Chrissy (Stephen) Daniels, Patty (Aaron) Rude, all of Springfield, and Frank (Sheryl) Miller of Sparta; one sister-in-law, Judy Holderread of Springfield; 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorial Gathering: 9:30-11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, 2015, at Staab Funeral Home with Pastors Stephen Daniels and Sheryl Miller officiating.
Burial with military honors will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Refuge Ranch, 9350 Cascade Road, Rochester, IL 62563.
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Ronald Schwabe
John and I were life time friends, we kept in touch on a daily basis, I saw him in the hospital before his death, John fought a long and tough battle with cancer, but he remained positive and upbeat through it all. He was a good man and a great friend, he will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace old buddy.
ron schwabe
Sue Ann Shymansky (Terry)
I remember John from high school; and was glad to reconnect with him through the social group that meets the first Monday of the month at Fulgenzi's. He and I had some really good conversations there. In high school he was a really nice guy - and obviously stayed that way!! Due to prearranged medical appointments I will be unable to attend any service for him. I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere and deep regret to his family and loved ones for their loss. He was a good kid who obviously became good man.
...with condolences
Sue (Shymansky-Michael) Terry
Lawrence A. (Larry) Wieties
John was a good person and and good friend. He truly was a warrior who fought a disease that devestated his body but not his mind or personality. It was great to see so many family members and friends at the wake. It was obvious how much he was loved and appreciated. John attended our monthly lucheons at Fulgenzi's when he could and it was always nice to visit with him.
Ronald Brooks
John and I joined the US Army on the "Buddy Plan" on 10 August 1961. We completed our basic training at Fort Knox Kentucky along with our advanced training. We were sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison at Indianapolis for an additional training period and were suddenly dispatched out of the country to beautiful South Korea. We were stationed only a short distance apart in Korea and were together often. With our tour of duty in Korea over in March 1963 we returned state side as seasoned veterans, John was assigned to I believe Fort Hood Texas and I was punished by being sent to Fort Ord California, Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, San Jose, Carmel Beach, what lousy duty in the sand on the shores of the Pacific. John and I always looked after each other while serving together. He was and still is a cherished friend that I will meet again hopefully in that part of heaven where fallen soldiers go. So long my friend for now, gods speed. Ron Brooks
Beverly King (Collins)
My memory of John in high school was that he was a nice "all-around guy". Always thought he was a kind, thoughtful person. Many years later (17 years ago), I met up with him at a RE/MAX Christmas party and he was a guest of Ingrid Duff (the love of his life). When I heard he was ill, I encouraged him to come to the Fulgenzi class luncheon and he did come and he enjoyed it so much, was able to meet up with others who graduated with us and we learned so much just from him being there. I was not able to come to the luncheon when he was able to make it for the last time -- my loss. You will be missed!