John Franklin “Jack” Souders, 94, a World War II Navy veteran and lifelong resident of Quincy, Illinois, passed away on July 30 at Blessing Hospital. He was born August 7, 1927, in Quincy, just shy of his 95th birthday.

Jack was a role model and strong advocate for his family, a coach and mentor, small businessperson, community leader, devout Catholic, avid golfer, and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

After graduating from Quincy High School in 1945, Jack enlisted in the Navy. He trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago. After posts in Seattle and San Diego he was deployed to the Marshall Islands. He was assigned to an amphibious assault ship as a Seaman Second Class and later to the USS Fanshaw Bay. He was awarded a Victory Medal along with many returning members of the Armed Forces for his World War II active-duty service. He was interviewed in 2015, surrounded by family, as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project and was honored by the Cubs at Wrigley Field in 2019 during the Military Tribute.

After the war, Jack returned to Quincy and married Mary (Brady) Souders at St. Rose of Lima Church. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last fall. Jack and Mary are the parents of five, grandparents of eleven, and great grandparents of twelve.
Family was the priority for Jack. He coached all five of his children in sports ranging from swimming/diving to softball/baseball to basketball. He would frequently attend the games or performances of his grandchildren no matter the time or distance. Even with advancing age, he made the activities of his great grandchildren a priority.

Jack was inducted into the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Hall of Fame for his coaching and volunteer service. He also received honors for his dedication to Quincy Notre Dame High School and Quincy University athletics, serving as the president of the Mart Heinen Club and directing the Holiday Tournament at the former Quincy College. He was also the tournament director of the inaugural QND Tip-Off Tournament. He was especially proud to watch his family work as teachers, counselors, and coaches. Jack was patiently supportive of family who, against subtle discouragement, cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jack was an enthusiastic Quincyan. He was active in many community organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, Quincy Boat Club, and the Quincy Exchange Club, where he served as president. The Quincy media lost its most loyal consumer of local news with his passing. He enjoyed his participation in local Democratic politics, including a term on the Adams County Board. However, Jack enjoyed golf more than politics and forged lifelong friendships and priceless moments on the links, including a hole-in-one.

Jack was a small business owner, founding Jack Souders Insurance after a career as a salesman for General Foods and the Irwin Paper Company. He remained active in the insurance industry for more than three decades. He never considered a premium payment to be late and ensured that those who could not afford insurance had proper coverage. Several his children and grandchildren have pursued careers in the insurance field.

In addition to family, faith was an important part of Jack’s life. He was an active member of St. Peter Church beginning as a student in the 1930s and continuing until the end of his life. Jack and Mary Souders had a scheduled shift at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. He was a volunteer and coach and a good bet to be in the pew at Mass. Throughout his life, he could hear the church bells toll from St. Peter.

Jack is survived by his wife and best friend, Mary Souders and their five children, Chris (David) Wiemelt, Cindy (Jeff) Steinkamp, Susie Souders, Stacy (Mark) Kirkpatrick and Patrick (Amy) Souders. Also, eleven grandchildren, Jessica (Bryce) Beaston, Ryan (Jill) Wiemelt, Jason Wiemelt, Jenna (Rob) Lannerd, Jayme (Tyler) Stroot, Brandon (Laurie) Soebbing, Kara (Ryan) Scheets, Kaleigh Kirkpatrick, Jon Kirkpatrick, and Elle Souders. Great grandchildren include Alexa, Makayla and Olivia Beaston, Brody, Mason and Madison Wiemelt, Henry Stroot, Giuliana, Olivia and Luke Soebbing, Vivian and Violet Scheets. He was proud to include Diane Morin, Ricky Ortiz, Caroline Scheets and Paige and Brianna Lannerd as part of the family. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jonda Steinkamp, and his parents.

Jack’s father, Benjamin, passed away when he was just seven years old. He was raised by a strong, determined and kind, single parent, Stella (Duker) Souders. With her guidance he found the love of family and faith and learned perseverance.

Jack’s proudest and most lasting legacy was his family. His family will miss him, his quiet wisdom, and unfaltering support more than words can convey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter. Interment in Quincy Memorial Park with military honors. Visitation will be held on Saturday, morning 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to Church of St. Peter or a charity of the donor’s choice. Services are in care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Message may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.