John Allen Zattich

The world lost an incredible spirit on August 5, 2025, at 4:20 p.m. John Allen Zattich had Springfield, Illinois, in his heart. He was born to Mildred Lorainne Ramey & John Edward Zattich on March 19th, 1944. He was a graduate of Lanphier High School. He loved cool cars and living his life with adventure.

He met the love of his life, Sharon Ann Smith, and they married at St. Aloysius Church on Springfield’s North End on April 23rd, 1966.

Sharon & John then bought a home; a place that would soon be filled with so much laughter, love, and family memories, it could fill a lake. Their first of three daughters soon followed with Lori Ann (Zubeck). Just two years later, Stephanie Lynn (Howard) arrived, and the family was off and running. Indian Hills was a great place to raise a family, and they have kept their residence there to this day.

Both John & Sharon worked in the healthcare field, with John becoming a billing office manager for SIU and later St. John’s Hospital. His cool, calm demeanor helped him in his career and carried over to his family life. It would be hard to believe anyone who met him didn’t immediately take a liking to him. A few years passed, and then came along their 3rd daughter, Megan Elizabeth (Walsh).

You might think that having three girls could get to you. But John loved his family as it grew~ to forking out the dough for 3 weddings, he embraced his new sons like they were his own (Ron Howard, Perry Zubeck, Steve Walsh).

There would be grandkids right around the corner, and that’s really where John shone. You could always guess where he was at family functions: just look for the basketball hoop or the dog crate. He was the best Papa to every one of them.

John was an avid Cubs fan, dog whisperer, and gambler (which started with Mildred), and was always the life of the party. His golf game has been documented on video with several irons meeting the water hazard through the years. But it was always with a laugh and that “Cool Hand Luke” grin.

John is survived by his wife, Sharon; three daughters and their husbands; sister, Nancy (Flynn); eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He passed away at his home with all his family surrounding him. For a man who spent most of his life taking care of others, it was time for him to rest....in eternal peace. We love you, Zeke.

A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.