John Edward Shellenberg, 57, of Troy, IL, born November 7, 1958, in East St. Louis, IL, left behind the trials of this life at dawn on Sunday, the Lord's day of rest. His steadfast and unwavering faith in his salvation through Christ was a source of comfort and peace during his final days.

Always a dedicated, hard-working man, John's willingness to lend a helping hand was limited only by the number of hours in the day, and sometimes not even then. As a loyal 35-year veteran of Boilermakers Local 363, he exhibited a work ethic that served as an example for generations of aspiring tradesmen. Outside of his profession, John filled his free time mostly by giving it to others, serving on Troy's Twin Lakes Homeowners' Association board and at First Baptist Church of Maryville as a youth leader alongside his wife.

Most weekends, you would be likely to find John assisting friends and neighbors with home improvement projects, using both his considerable skill and endless supply of tools. Even into retirement, the need to create and build animated John, so much that he started his own welding and fabrication business. Once the job was done, if you were lucky, you might've even had a chance to enjoy BBQ he crafted on a hand-built smoker.

When he wasn't focused on his work and the community, John did what he loved most of all: cheer on his kids and grandchildren. He relished time working on his Harley with his son, almost as much as they enjoyed windswept days riding the country roads of southern Illinois together. Or, you might've found him pumping his fists in support of his daughter as she scored goal after goal during an illustrious soccer career. In his final years, John poured out all of his love on his doting grandchildren, memories that will remain precious forever.

Whatever John was doing, he did it with a quick laugh and encouraging, patient disposition. He will be fondly remembered not only for the countless projects that he completed, but also the faithful companionship he offered while doing them.
Above and beyond any earthly endeavor, John sought to build a home that loved and followed Christ, and indeed, he was a master architect! His mansion is now in heaven, as he prepares a place for his loved ones to follow. He is already dearly missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents' Thomas E. Shellenberg and Georgia (Bill) (nee Bertels) Kladis.

Surviving are his wife Kathy Jo (nee Pedigo) Shellenberg of Troy, IL; son, Joseph T. (Kerri) Shellenberg of Troy, IL; daughter, Jenna M. (Thomas) Busler of Denver, CO; grandchildren Joshua T. Shellenberg and Isla and August Busler; brother, Thomas Shellenberg of Belleville, IL; sister Margie Sutton of Pensacola, FL.

Memorials may be made to the family to help with medical expenses. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 at First Baptist Church Maryville, 7110 State Route 162, Maryville, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday September 1, 2016, at First Baptist Church Maryville, with Dr. Tom Hufty officiating. Interment will be private

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, IL