John Edward Mattern

John Edward Mattern, 62, of Washington, passed away at 3:43 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2014 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born July 15, 1951 in Peoria to John Albert and Helen (Peterson) Mattern. He is survived by his wife Marsha Dodd who he married June 22, 1985 in Peoria. Also surviving are 7 children, Michelle (Hector) Magana, Marcy (Micah) Emmons, Justin (Nichoal) Myers, Johnathan Mattern, Jason Myers, Jennifer (Joshua) Hoffman, Ryan Mattern; 8 grandchildren, Corey Magana, Kobie Magana, Carl Mattern, Sophia Emmons, Ayda Emmons, Summer Myers, Justin Myers Jr., Mariah Myers; and sister, Nancy (Larry) Potter. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bonnie Landrus. John graduated from Peoria High where he played football and the drums in a band. At age 21, he became a deputy for the Peoria County Sheriff Department for 3 years. He then became a Peoria Police Officer and served for 34 years, retiring in 2010. During his career, he served as a training officer in patrol and was awarded the police valor medal as well as the distinguished service award. John was a wonderful husband and father. He loved his family very much. He was also a great friend to others. John was a warm, friendly man who collected friendships throughout his life. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan. From 1985 on, he swore that they were going to win the superbowl every year without fail. He was a St. Louis Cardinal fan as well. John learned to love boating with his father and owned several boats throughout his lifetime. He was an accomplished water skier and bowler. John was famous for being quick witted and telling hilarious stories. Most of all, John was generous and in his last unselfish act he was an organ donor. He will be remembered by many for the light he shined whenever he came into a room and his ability to make everyone smile.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2014 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 11 at the funeral Home with burial at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peoria Police and Fire Kirk Edwards Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.woolsey-wilton.com.