John M. Vendel

John, 56, (aka "Peacock", "UpHill John", and many others - of that we are certain), completed his 5 year battle with prostate cancer on July 31, 2025.

He remained a warrior, and doing it his way, up to his final breath.

Passionate of all things music, John channeled that energy into a variety of projects. Not only formal composition, but peppering our lives with his playful spirit by impromptu quips and nods of lyric, embellished by off-the-wall riffs. Spinning vinyl, Spotify, and birdsong filled the gap between concert connections. Live music revealed a fifth dimension of this guy. A dimension so deep, multi-faceted, complex, that God alone can completely discern, identifying all the music he carried in his heart while on this earth.

We are beyond grateful for the kindness, comfort, and devoted care administered by Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL. Every doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, CNA, counselor, volunteer, and administrative support staff remained in tune with the rhythm, cadence, and beat of John and our blended family as we walked this path of transition.

John was preceded in death by his musical dad, Jim Sr., and grandparents Violet and Harold Czemske, and Cecelia and Louis Vendel.

John is survived by both given & chosen family who share in his skills, musical talents, and love of adventure:

Steadfast, vivacious partner of 21 years, Debbie.

Compassionate and wise mother, Jeanette.

Older, tech-savvy brother, Jim (+ sweet, spitfire wife, Kathy; observant niece & god daughter Lauren; intellectual nephew, Logan).

Younger, creative brother, Joseph (+ patient & calm wife, Amy; sweet nephew & godson, Grayson ; curious nephew Elliott).

Whimsical daughter, Meggan (+ pragmatic husband, Seth; grandsons: resourceful Liam, easy-going Shea; litigious Finn).

Clever son, Jake (+ delightful wife, Devin).

John loved the home he built, the property he tended, and sharing both with his family.

Countless stories and memories stem from gatherings there in the life he shared with Debbie. He had a unique and remarkable way of connecting with anyone, EVERYONE, anywhere. Each visit engaging, and often embellishing down rabbit holes of intellect, confusion, hijinx and pure love of fun. This son, brother, uncle, partner, grampa, buddy, pal, friend, and his big bear hugs, will be missed by so many.

John and Debbie supported each other through thick and thin. They enjoyed each other's company in quiet spaces TCB'n on the property, engrossed in a project and dissecting it ad nauseum, at concerts, on trips ‘engineered’ by John (often built to include the latest jobsite, which were far and wide), while capturing the sights and sounds of nature… that list is long and his walk on earth was cut short. In conversation towards the end, when things "got real", they left it to - "John, you are upward bound, doing recon in preparation for Debbie and her final travel."

That man. Silent overseer, intentional, fun, humble, genuine, kind. A walking package of "feeling".

John was a "come as you are" kinda guy with lots of "feels." Our desire is for you to feel welcome and at ease to do just that, "come as you are."

We will gather to honor "Big John" on Friday, August 8th at River’s Edge Experience in Oregon, IL.

12 - 2p Visitation, 2pm service led by Pastor Caleb (of Christ United Methodist Church, Rockford) immediately following - seasoned of course by family and music!

Cremation rites to follow.

In lieu of flowers or plants, and in honor of John's desire to spread love, education, fun and folly through music, John chose Todd Rundgren Spirit in Harmony Foundation as his way of paying it forward.

In support of his desire to let music nurture kids of all ages, and to grant access to others to live more musically expressive in a world that needs it, we kindly request donations made to the family be earmarked specifically to Todd Rundgren Spirit in Harmony Foundation.

In the meantime and beyond, as you venture forward in life's journey on earth, John would love it if you feed the birds and assist an animal in need - especially kitties, his favorite. :)

PS - please do turn it up to ELEVEN and it certainly does need a little more cowbell. Oh John, we love you so...