John W. Meredith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John William Meredith on October 19th, 2024, at the age of 68. John was born on January 26th, 1956 in Springfield, IL, to Roger O. “Scotty” and Anne L. (Southard) Meredith.

John married his beloved wife, Mary Ann Szerletich, of 38 years, in 1986. John was known for his strong will, quick wit, sense of adventure and love and support for his family and community. Along with his wife, he was a devout member of Forest City Community Church in Forest City, IL.

John earned his Bachelor of Horticulture from Michigan State in Floriculture Production. He worked as a Forest Ranger at Sand Ridge State Forest in Illinois, after which he became the Site Superintendent, altogether working 36 years for the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Preceded in joining the Lord: Mother Anne L. “Annie” (Southard) Meredith & Father Roger O. “Scotty” Meredith.

Survived by: beloved wife Mary Ann (Szerletich) Meredith, daughter Ruth Anne (Meredith) and son-in-law David Orzechowski, granddaughters June Elizabeth and Eleanor May Orzechowski, grandsons Prescott August, Averett March, and Bennett July Orzechowski, and son Novice Owen Charles Meredith, O.S.B.

In leiu of flowers, please plant trees in memory of John, who very much enjoyed planting any seed he could find.

Funeral services are under the direction of Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, Manito, IL. Wake service will be held at Maas-Hurley Funeral Home on Friday, October 25th, 2024, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Funeral Service will be held at Forest City Community Church in Forest City, IL on Saturday, October 26th, 2024 at 10:00am. The family requests a private burial for John at Forest City Cemetery, Forest City, IL.