John Peter Damm
John Peter Damm, age 87, of Quincy, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at Illinois Veterans’ Home. He was born on December 8, 1932 in Chillicothe, MO, the son of Edward and Rose (Bauer) Damm. He married Pat Ellerman on November 28, 1963 in St. Rose Church in Quincy. She survives.
John graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Chillicothe, MO. At 17 years of age, he enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War (1951-1954).
John earned a Bachelor’s Degree in science from Quincy College. He received a Master’s Degree in Biology and Elementary Education from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota. He taught Biology at Christian Brother’s High School, fifth grade at St. Francis Elementary School and social studies in Kankakee Elementary School. For the majority of his career John taught science at Payson Elementary School.
He belonged to various organizations including; Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he enjoyed participating in the funeral choir and serving as an usher. John was a member Catholic War Veterans of USA, Ducks Unlimited, Knights of Columbus, and the Watercolor Club.
Hunting geese and ducks was his favorite hobby. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, golfing, swimming, painting, photography, wood carving, coin collecting, stamp collecting and playing guitar. Around the home, he used his many talents to repair and improve his home. John loved his family and he was always available for them.
Surviving to mourn his passing is his wife of 56 years, Pat; his three sons: Robert (Laura) Damm, David (Christine) Damm, and Steve (Shannon) Damm; four daughters: Kathy (Mike) Carter, Teresa (Tom) Darnell, Julie (Wayne) Tuley and Susie (Abe) Gray. Also surviving are twenty-four grandchildren: Dorothy (Kade) Clowers, Mary (Jonathon) Grace, Emily (Jacob) Damm; Evan, Elana, Caleb, Clara and Emma Carter; Amanda (Matt) Wand, Jacob (Megan) Darnell, Jason (Amanda) Darnell; Alex, Abby and Sam Tuley; Ella, Lisa, John, and Andy Damm; Peter, Jacob, and Joseph Damm; Isaac, David and Abraham Gray; several great-grandchildren: Colt and Case Clowers; Abram and Luke Wand, Raelyn Darnell and Tate Lomax; two brothers-in-law, Deacon Mike (Jeanie) Ellerman and Deacon Terry (Regina) Ellerman, a special niece, Annette Snyder and numerous other nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Rose Damm, five siblings: Edward (Mary Catherine) Damm; Sister Rose Damm, Frances (Bob) Posch; Rose Ellen (Bernard) Haas and Stella Marie Damm.
The family extends a special thanks to the Illinois Veterans’ Home and their amazing and wonderful staff.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 27, 2019 at 9:15 a.m. at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #37 and the U.S. Air Force Funeral Honors Detail. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Duker & Haugh. Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Parish or to the Illinois Veteran’s Home Activities Fund.
I am so sorry for your loss of your husband, dad, and grandfather. I first knew Mr. Damm as my fifth grade science teacher. Later I was a teacher in the same building at Payson Grade School. I always enjoyed John’s sense of humor, but mostly his kindness to students and those around him. Although it is so sad to see him leave this earth you can rejoice in knowing he is with Jesus. That is our blessed hope of eternal life…and until we meet again!
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. We were privileged to witness the strong family ties that John exemplified. He shared his love of music with his children and they, in turn, pursued music that continues to enrich their lives. We send love and condolences and know you will find comfort in many rich memories.
Please accept our Condolences.
Tom & Janet Scobee
We are sitting together this evening telling stories of our friends The Damms! Duck hunting, Suzies birth, David & Danielle , Julie & the clarinet , Bob & Cheri and Mom working with Cathy at the Vets Home….And of course Mr Damm in the garage. Many memories intertwined with your great family. Raising a toast to Mr Damm and each of you tonight.
My most sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and dad. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. John was a friendly man always saying hi and talking when walking with Pat in the neighborhood. You all have a new Angel watching over you. May he rest in peace!
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad Kathy and your Grandpa Emma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Mrs Damm and family I am so sorry for your loss
Kathy and everyone, so sorry for your loss! Your dad was a sweet heart and I know he will be missed! You are all in my prayers?
My condolences to the entire Damm family. I will never forget growing up with my great friend Susie and spending many days and nights at the Damm house. I will forever remember Mr. Damm as a quiet and gentle man who I rarely saw angry. He would tinker away in the garage for hours and he and I would always talk about duck hunting as I sat at the kitchen table eating pickles. May you always keep his memory alive through stories and may he Rest In Peace. Love you Susie.
Pat and Family,
I’m so sorry to here of your loss. Prayers for peace with your memories.
To Pat & Damm Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Johns passing. I did not realize that he was that age. As a student of mine in watercolors I found him to be gentle person willing to learn a new way of painting and being able to apply it in his own style. I really enjoyed having him as a student. My condolences at a difficult time during Christmas. My best to all!
Bob
thoughts are with all of you during this diificult time.
We are so sorry for your loss ! Steve and Tina Moore
Teresa & entire Damm family, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Susie, I am so sorry for your loss. Karen Bernard
Our sympathy to Pat and family. Mr. Damm was a great teacher and friend. Rest In Peace Mr. Damm and thanks for your friendship.
We’re former Paysonites- we remember John well. Sympathies to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Condolences on your loss.
To the Damm Family,
Joe and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a gentle man with a very kind heart. Our orayers and
thoughts are with all of you during this diificult time.
So sad to hear this. My condolences to Pat and the family. It was great being a fellow teacher with John at Payson. He always had a story to tell, especially hunting stories with Mr. Meyer! A funny and gentle man who loved his family. RIP, John.
We are so very sorry. You will all be in our prayers.
Sending our sympathy and condolences to all you. So sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.❤
We are so sorry to hear of John`s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Damm, my 5th Grade Teacher at St. Francis who was very kind to me. May he Rest in Peace.
Our hearts go out to all of you; we are so very sorry. Mr Damm was the greatest Keeping you close in prayer during this devastating time. Hold tight to the memories.
John and the whole family are in our hearts. We’re so sorry for your loss.
Angie, Scott, Bee and Frankie Calabrese-Barton