John J. Mercer

John J. Mercer (Papa John), 64, was born in Kewanee, the son of John and Minnie (Huffman) Mercer. John passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Rockford. John married his lovely wife, Sandra “Sandi” Lepianka on October 10, 1991, in Kewanee; she survives.

John was the brother of three sisters, two of whom he was preceded in death by Sheryl Mercer and Janet Leverette; his surviving sister is Jane (Curt) Ainley.  He had three children, Nicholas (Bonnie) Mercer, James (Elysa) Mercer, and Jessica Mercer. John’s most important role in life was being a great papa to his eight grandchildren, Talyn (Nick) Mercer, Reigan Mercer, Nolan Mercer, Jasper Hepner, Noah Jones, Axel Jones, Winter (James) Strand, and Oakley (Jessica) Croegaert.

John loved spending his days with his dogs, Gracie and Annie. You could also find him watching all the old western movies, looking at cars, and spending time with his close friends and family. John was a stubborn man but was able to find joy and excitement in the small things. He will be greatly missed but will continue to live on with great memories. We love you, Papa John.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Henry County Humane Society. Please leave an online condolence for John’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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