John M. Voorheis

John M. Voorheis, a beloved father, grandfather, and man of unwavering faith, was peacefully welcomed into glory on October 23, 2023, at the age of 94. Born on November 5, 1928, his education began on his family's farm in Hutsonville, IL, before he moved on to the corridors of Hutsonville High School. Here, John enjoyed participating in sports like basketball and track. Graduating in 1946, he went on to attend the University of Illinois from 1946-1951, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

The call of duty summoned him into the U.S. Army in 1951, and he served for two years before being honorably discharged as a corporal from the Engineer Center Regiment at Fort Belvoir, VA. Once he returned home, he began working for the Illinois Department of Transportation before accepting a position with Marathon Oil Refinery in 1955, where he worked until his retirement.

John's interests stretched beyond his professional life. He loved to travel and took his young family on vacations to destinations as grand as Niagara Falls and as bustling as New York. In his later years, he enjoyed exploring the rich beauty and rugged history of the West.

John was a member of Highland Church of Christ since 1988, where he served as a teacher, mentor, and elder, devoting time to providing witness to the glory of God and serving Him by helping others. Though the world seems dimmer without him, we know that the light of the life of John Voorheis isn't gone, just gone from our sight. We rejoice knowing that, on Monday, this extraordinary witness of Christ was met with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

He married Jacqueline J. Stifle on November 6, 1954, and they enjoyed over 48 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on May 6, 2003. He then married Lois (Noblitt) Simms on January 14, 2005, and she preceded him in death on June 5, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Roy & Mary "Pearl" (Sackrider) Voorheis, his sister, Lois M. Prather, and his grandson, John Bousquet.

He is survived by his children, Vanessa Marie & husband Les Midgett (Robinson, IL), John Stephen Voorheis (Robinson, IL), Janice Lea Bousquet (Nashville, TN), and Rebecca Jeanne Voorheis (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Paula Newman, Matt Midgett, Janna Malone, Jacque Bousquet, Jade Bousquet, and Jannel McFarland; by 15 great-grandchildren; by his step-children, Jeri Gayle Masters (Midway, UT), Joni Johnson (Saint Maries, ID), and Jeffrey Simms (Bothell, WA) and their families; by his nephews, Mark Prather (Urbana, IL) and Jim Prather (Urbana, IL), and their families; and by his niece, Dr. Dee Dee Brookhart (Robinson, IL).

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30th, at the chapel of Highland Church of Christ. Visitors will be asked to enter through the southeast door under the awning. Funeral services will be held at the chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31st, a day many in the Church celebrate as "Reformation Day". Pastor Shane Bopp will officiate, and burial will follow in the Hutsonville Cemetery.

In honor of this mission-driven man, memorials may be made to "Highland Church of Christ", and any donations will be used to support its mission partners throughout the world. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church.

The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.