John M. Kidwell, 84, of Sheldon, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 28, 2024, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, Illinois.

  John was born April 20, 1940, in Hammond, Indiana to the late John H. and Marcella (Brands) Kidwell and was a 1958 graduate of Francesville High School.  

  John was a proud United States Marine and served during the Vietnam War from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1960.  

  He married Mary Nagele on December 29, 1962, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kentland. John and Mary celebrated 61 happy years together before his passing. Their marriage was marked by faith, deep love, and dedication in raising their five surviving children.

  A devout Catholic, John was an active member of St. Joseph Church. He served on the Parish Council, was a Eucharistic Minister, and taught CCD for many years.  

  John was a lifelong farmer and took great pleasure in assisting others, particularly rural youth. He served as a 4H leader, school bus driver, and held the role of Town Marshal in Sheldon & Milford. Additionally, he worked as a truck driver throughout his career.

  In his leisure time, John found joy in golfing, hunting, fishing, bowling, reading, and watching westerns. A sports enthusiast all his life, John held a special place in his heart for the Chicago Cubs.

  John had a natural talent for music and played the piano, banjo, accordion, and guitar by ear to entertain friends and family. He had an infectious sense of humor, and found joy in making those around him laugh, especially his grandchildren - which he did regularly.

  Surviving are his beloved wife, Mary, and their five children: Pamela Young of Danville, IL, Kenneth Kidwell (wife: Julie) of Crystal River, FL, Christopher Kidwell (wife: Carol) of Kankakee, IL, John Kidwell (wife: Christina) of Gilman, IL and Matthew Kidwell (wife: Dawn) of Hermitage, TN; and eight siblings, David Kidwell (wife: Mary) of Fowler, IN, Mary Barrett of Lowell, IN, Angela Curwick (husband: Walter) of Lafayette, IN, Jeanne Greives (husband: Leon) of Rossville, IN, Marcella Stineburg of Ft. Wayne, IN, Margaret Schwartz (husband: James) of Kokomo, IN, Patrice Besse (husband: James) of Fowler, IN and Joseph Kidwell (wife: Melinda) of Fowler, IN.  John loved spending time with his family, especially his 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

  Preceding him in death are his parents, John & Marcella, his three siblings, Thomas Kidwell, Theresa Kidwell and Joanne Clark; a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Stineburg; a son-in-law, Brent Young, and a grandchild, Tucker Fleming.

  Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral mass at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland; Fr. Sean Aaron will officiate with the support of Fr. Michael Powell. Interment with military rites to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery of Kentland.

Memorials may be made in his name to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland.

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  The time has come to say goodbye
Oh Dad, how I’ll miss you as I sit here and cry

  My world without you is hard to behold
You were my guiding light on this winding road

  A gaping hole I feel in my heart
How will I go on with us apart?

  I feel like a ship lost at sea
From where you are watch over me

  You can now rest in the arms of our Lord

Dad, you have earned your eternal reward

          - Kenneth Kidwell, Son