John Francis Dower, age 91, passed away on Saturday October 10, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family at WinnPrairie Assisted Living Facility in Freeport, Illinois.

John was born at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport, Illinois on January 28, 1935, to Lawrence and Alice (Hoy) Dower. He spent his childhood in very humble beginnings growing up on farms near Warren, Illinois where he learned the value of hard work, grit, and responsibility at an early age – driving a tractor by the time he was just nine years old. These early lessons laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to providing for his family and taking pride in everything he did.

After graduating from Warren High School in 1953, John began working at Kraft Foods in Stockton, Illinois. In 1955, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he served in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, managing essential logistical and supply operations to support his fellow servicemen.

It was during his military service in Okinawa that John met the love of his life, Mieko, who was working as a medical assistant at the Army Hospital. Introduced through mutual friends, their connection was instant. Despite objections and cultural barriers from both families, John and Mieko followed their hearts. What began with a blind date blossomed into a deep, enduring love story and a remarkable 69 years of marriage.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge, John returned to Illinois with Mieko to resume his career at Kraft Foods. Together, they settled on a farm south of Stockton, where they raised corn and livestock while John balanced the demands of working full-time at Kraft. Managing both the farm and his job was a testament to his tireless devotion to his wife and growing family.

Eventually, John and Mieko moved into town, where they bought a home and raised their four children. Their house quickly became the heart of the neighborhood - a gathering place where the doors were unlocked, there was always plenty of food and drink, and friends and family knew they were always welcome and at home. It was a running tradition among everyone in town to simply say, "Let's go to Dower's."

Determined to advance his career, John continued his education at Highland Community College. In 1978, his dedication paid off when he was promoted into Kraft's corporate management team. Over the following years, John's career led him and Mieko to relocate to Kraft facilities in Minnesota, Missouri, and Tennessee. John retired from Kraft after an outstanding 40+ year career, returned to his roots in Northern Illinois, and then was employed by the Stephenson County Nursing Home as a maintenance supervisor for ten years. John and Mieko built a beautiful retirement home in Freeport and then enjoyed spending their winters relaxing at their condominium in sunny Arizona.

Once a farmer, always a farmer, John looked forward to planting a garden every year and keeping the love of the land alive throughout his life. John enjoyed visiting the casinos, but nothing compared to attending every sporting event his children or grandchildren played as he has said, “They all make me so proud.” Throughout his life, he engaged in several organizations, including the Elks, VFW, Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

John is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Mieko (Tomori) Dower and their four children - Mary Dower of Tempe, AZ, James (Deb) Dower of Brea, CA, Jeff (Doreen) Dower of Middleton, WI, and Tim (Ronda) of Stockton, IL; ten grandchildren - Cassandra Dower, Jenna (Alex) Navarro, Tara (Kevin) Norton, Jamie (Nathan) Palmer, Nicole (Jon) Bie, Marissa Dower, Payton Dower, Christina Dower, Maddie (Jerek) Pontius, step-grandson, Brandon (Kaydra) Heller; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Alice (Hoy) Dower; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Alice and John Balles; sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Charles Baker; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Ann and Robert Christensen; grandson, Daniel Santistevan; granddaughter Karli (Dower) Weltzin; great-nephew Cory Baker; and infant son Lawrence John Dower.

Though our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing his journey on this earth has ended peacefully. Our dad leaves behind a legacy of family, friendships and cherished memories that will continue to live through the generations who loved him. He will forever be missed and forever loved. The comment I hear so often is “I knew your dad and he was a good man!” Yes, he was!

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 – 11:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 223 E Front Avenue, Stockton, IL with the funeral mass at 11:00am with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Stockton, IL

Contributions may be made in memory of John Francis Dower to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter at 2200 Cabot Drive, Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532 or at Alzheimer's Association .