John W. Harper

John W. Harper III, (75), of Glenwood, Illinois, passed away on May 31, 2023.

John, most fondly known as Popsy, was born to John and Mary Dorothy Harper on December 18, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois.

While in the Air Force, stationed in San Antonio, he met his wife, his "Rocky" on a blind date. Six months later, they were married and began to plan their future. They spent time in Monterey California hiking, picnicking and lounging at the beach before moving to Colorado to get a taste of mountain life. After the birth of their oldest child, they moved back to his home state of Illinois and continued to build their family. Together they had four children: Lisa, Martin, Therese and Matthew.

John worked hard his whole life to provide for his family. He was a loving father who taught his children to be respectful, have confidence in themselves and to never spit in the wind. He enjoyed spending his free time hanging out with his family, trying new restaurants with his wife, attending events for the grandchildren and being as silly as it took to get a laugh out of the kids.

He will be missed dearly for his wisecracks, his silly dances, walks to the ice cream shop, throwing stones into the water and of course the cutoff jean shorts he always used as swim trunks.  His memory will live on in the dry sense of humor his children and grandchildren have, in the songs he convinced us he was a backup vocalist, in "Don't forget we love you", and in the indent of his favorite blue chair.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rachel; his children, Lisa (Ted) Rinearson, Martin (Miranda) Harper, Therese (Louie) Cebular and Matthew Harper; his grandchildren, Connor, Nolan, Brody, Brayden, Audrey, Reese, Mila, and Louis; his brothers and sisters; Michael (Janet) Harper, Joseph (Lucy) Harper,Gregory (Cindy) Harper, Kathy (Tim) Mulcahy, Mary (Jack) Wright, Anne (John) Mancini and Therese, and many nieces, nephews and family members.  He is preceded in death by his Father, John W. Harper Jr, Mother, Mary Dorothy (Leslie) and his brother, Tommy Harper.

A memorial visitation will be held on June 8, 2023, from 2pm to 7pm at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home in Homewood, Illinois.