John Wesley Risius

He was born on October 16, 1945 in Peoria to John C. and Lottie Marjorie (Woost) Risius. John married Ruth Ann Lindahl on March 17, 1964 in Lincoln. She survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Christina (Brian) Risius-Krantz of Lopez Island, Washington; his son, John (Brenda Whitlow) Risius, Jr. of Creve Coeur; and his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Joseph) Krantz-Hogue, Jaden Eaton, and Serenity Mae Krantz.

John co-owned Poly-Generics Company with his son, and worked as a tow motor operator at Keystone Steel and Wire Company. He was a commercial flight instructor, loved to fly, and took an adventurous trip to Kodiak Island in Alaska with his son and friends.

He was a member of Creve Coeur Christian Church and an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. John was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather who worked hard and sacrificed his time for others. He gave gifts to his grandchildren with words of wisdom, music, conversation, playfulness, humor, honor, strength, pride, self-reliance and commitment to family. Most of all, John was a foundation of deep and abiding love. This will live on in his grandchildren and through future generations. He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2025 at the family home. Private services for family members will be held at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur, with cremation rites following services.

Memorial contributions in honor of John may be directed to Lopez Island Christian Academy, PO Box 850, Lopez Island, WA 98261.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com