John E. Sudmeier, formerly of Stillman Valley, went home to be with his Lord on March 15, 2026.

John was born to Edward and Dorothy (Harter) Sudmeier on November 27, 1945 in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1963 and later served in the United States Air Force. He then attended Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

He married Carol (Smith) on May 27, 1972. They built their own house and settled in Stillman Valley, Illinois. They had two daughters, Tracy (Matthew) Banach of Palos Heights, Illinois and Michelle (Kenneth) Crane of Woodinville, Washington.

John worked for Sundstrand Corporation as a software engineer for over 25 years. He enjoyed volunteering at his daughters’ school sporting events including announcing the football games and running the scoreboard for volleyball games.

John was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Parish in Byron, Illinois where he served as a lector, usher, and communion minister. He would take communion to the local nursing home and along with his daughters, he delivered Meals on Wheels to the homebound.

He was an active Fourth Degree Knight of the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus. In the Knights, he served as financial secretary, several terms as Grand Knight of his council, and as District Deputy. He was honored as a Knight of the Round Table.

In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife including a wonderful trip to Europe with his brother and sister-in-law. One of his greatest joys was his model trains which filled a special room where he spent many happy hours building and running his trains. He volunteered his time teaching driving classes for AARP.

In addition to his wife and daughters, he was a cherished Papa to Audrey and Alexandra Banach. He loved using his woodworking skills to create treasured gifts for them. He is also survived by his brother, David (Joceil) Sudmeier, of Janesville, Wisconsin. John was a fond uncle of several nieces and nephews and cherished cousin to many.