John, you were a good man. You wore a smile of friendship. Though our paths have not crossed for many years, I know that you will be missed. And I just know the Good Lord has welcomed you with open arms.
John Raphael Deere

DEERE
John Raphael Deere, 68, of Sparta, IL; born on June 11, 1952 in Goreville, IL; passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the Coulterville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
John enjoyed going to car shows and watching westerns on the television. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. You would often find John fishing in his younger days, but in the past few years you would find him at his window watching the birds on his four bird feeders.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Raphael and Sadie (Jenkins) Deere; Two brothers – Udell Deere and Alvin Deere; Two sisters – Lavonna Vinson and Mary Eggemeyer.
John is survived by his loving wife – Virginia (Finley) Deere of Sparta, IL to whom he married on March 20, 1981; three step children – Herbert “Ed” (Michelle) Heinen of Waterloo, IL, Christine Heinen of Sparta, IL and Ralph Heinen of Sparta, IL; Three step grandchildren – Rebecca, Remy and Edward Heinen; One brother – Frank (Juanita) Deere of Mattoon, IL; One sister – Kathy (Carl) Lindsey of Carbondale, IL; Other relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.
Funeral: Private services for the family will be held at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL on Monday, January 18, 2021.
Interment: Committal services will be held at Hill Prairie Cemetery in Sparta, IL.
Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements
15 Comments
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Larry McGuire on 01/16/2021 at 7:28 am
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Paul wisely on 01/17/2021 at 12:05 pm
So sorry to see this I worked with John at spc many years ago prayers and thoughts to all the family
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Denise Vuichard on 01/16/2021 at 7:38 am
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We worked together for several years at Cheater Mental Health.
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Sandy Goetting on 01/16/2021 at 9:16 am
So sad to hear this. I went to school with John and he was one of a kind. I know I am speaking for the whole Chester Class of “71” that he entertained us all. You could meet up with him at anytime and talk for hours. He always made me laugh so much. Heaven gained a good man when they got you John.
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June on 01/16/2021 at 9:24 am
So sorry to hear this. I worked with John & thought a lot of him. My condolences to the family.
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Bob Limbaugh on 01/16/2021 at 11:13 am
So sorry to hear of your passing, good man. I have many great memories of you throughout grade school and high school. Rest in the arms of Jesus, my friend.
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Rita Miner Cushman on 01/16/2021 at 12:26 pm
RIP John. We were neighbors growing up but I haven’t seen you in years. Prayers to the family.
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Debbie Cowan on 01/16/2021 at 3:15 pm
So sorry for your lost Virginia. Prayers for you and the family. Every time I made a America beauty cake I always think about John how it was his favorite cake. May God comfort you at this time and always.
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Dennis schnoeker on 01/16/2021 at 4:56 pm
So sorry to hear of your passing you will be missed by many.
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Paul on 01/16/2021 at 8:05 pm
John deere was a class mate and a friend of mine ,God bless him rip buddy
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Dave Elsea on 01/17/2021 at 1:29 pm
I worked with John at CMHC. ‘So sad to hear of his passing! RIP my friend!
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Patty & John Stewart on 01/17/2021 at 2:04 pm
Virginia, we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a good man and will be greatly missed. May God touch you and the family with his love and knowing that John is walking with God will give you peace.
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Delbert on 01/18/2021 at 12:19 pm
Rest in Peace John!
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Donna (Decker) Wetzel on 01/20/2021 at 5:31 pm
Virginia, so sorry for your loss. Although I never knew John, I am sure he was a special part of your life. I remember all the fun times we had in high school. So sorry that the years have pulled us apart. Maybe we can get together again some time. Praying that God is granting you peace and comfort
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Linda Boston on 02/05/2021 at 11:52 pm
To the family of John Deere. I’m so so sorry Virginia to hear of his passing. What a Phenomenal person he was. Always showed me so much kindness when he saw me. He was truly a kind, loving, and caring friend. They don’t come no better than John. John, I will miss you. We always had such nice and funny conversations! Virginia, you are in my prayers. Heaven gained a beautiful Life Angel! God bless your family Virginia. Love you my good friend.
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Sincerely, Linda Boston
Quincy,IL
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To the family of John Deere. I’m so so sorry Virginia to hear of his passing. What a Phenomenal person he was. Always showed me so much kindness when he saw me. He was truly a kind, loving, and caring friend. They don’t come no better than John. John, I will miss you. We always had such nice and funny conversations! Virginia, you are in my prayers. Heaven gained a beautiful Life Angel! God bless your family Virginia. Love you my good friend.
Sincerely, Linda Boston
Quincy,IL
Virginia, so sorry for your loss. Although I never knew John, I am sure he was a special part of your life. I remember all the fun times we had in high school. So sorry that the years have pulled us apart. Maybe we can get together again some time. Praying that God is granting you peace and comfort
Rest in Peace John!
Virginia, we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a good man and will be greatly missed. May God touch you and the family with his love and knowing that John is walking with God will give you peace.
I worked with John at CMHC. ‘So sad to hear of his passing! RIP my friend!
John deere was a class mate and a friend of mine ,God bless him rip buddy
So sorry to hear of your passing you will be missed by many.
So sorry for your lost Virginia. Prayers for you and the family. Every time I made a America beauty cake I always think about John how it was his favorite cake. May God comfort you at this time and always.
RIP John. We were neighbors growing up but I haven’t seen you in years. Prayers to the family.
So sorry to hear of your passing, good man. I have many great memories of you throughout grade school and high school. Rest in the arms of Jesus, my friend.
So sorry to hear this. I worked with John & thought a lot of him. My condolences to the family.
So sad to hear this. I went to school with John and he was one of a kind. I know I am speaking for the whole Chester Class of “71” that he entertained us all. You could meet up with him at anytime and talk for hours. He always made me laugh so much. Heaven gained a good man when they got you John.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We worked together for several years at Cheater Mental Health.
John, you were a good man. You wore a smile of friendship. Though our paths have not crossed for many years, I know that you will be missed. And I just know the Good Lord has welcomed you with open arms.
So sorry to see this I worked with John at spc many years ago prayers and thoughts to all the family