The Centralia Area has lost a truly genuine man, John Wesley Stuehmeier. John passed away, at home, peacefully with his loving wife and family by his side, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the age of 74.
Born on May 4, 1951, in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Wesley Louis Stuehmeier and Maxine (Scott) Stuehmeier. John married Cathy (Poninski) on December 20, 1986, and they were blessed to live the Greatest Love Story for 38 years.
Surrounded by those he loved, John is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy Stuehmeier; his two step-sons, Aaron and Andrew Wilson; and his beloved grandchildren: Blake Thomas Wilson, Joshua Joseph Wilson (fiance’ Jacey), Cameron Charles Wilson, Stephen Andrew Wilson, Mikayla Erin Wilson, and Brighton Mark Wilson. He also leaves behind two cherished great-grandchildren, Ruston Charles Wilson and Blaire Leigh Wilson. Niece Jennifer Simms and husband Kenny and great niece Fraya.
John shared a close bond with his brother, Mike Sutherland, and sister-in-law, Judy, along with his two God children, Amanda (Sutherland) Ponyi and John Paul Sutherland. He will be remembered fondly by his sisters-in-law Marsha DePew (husband Mark), Toni Gray, Connie Poninski, and Terry Forth, as well as his brother-in-law Paul Allen Poninski,(wife Linda), numerous nieces and nephews, and life-long friend, Bud Davis, and special friends Cris Cawthon and daughter Paisley, (who called him Papa John), and Cynthia Sera Wilson. His loving connections extended to family friends: Jennifer Hirst and husband Ron, of Fenton, MO, along with their children, Lauren, and Rachel. John also leaves behind his Shoppers Weekly Family: Peggy Johnson, Scott Pinkowski, Cindy Goodnight, Ray Albert, Judy Schaefer, Stephanie Daniels, Samuel Mince, Sharon Whipple, Cris Cawthon, Jay Borum, Cliff and Cyndi Sanders. A special thank you to Marsha DePew for your tireless care and to Residential Hospice for your care and compassion shown to our beloved John.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Maxine Stuehmeier, sister, Linda (Stuehmeier) Francisco, brother-in-law Tom Gray, and mother-in-law Laverne Poninski.
He was proud to be an alumnus of Centralia Township High School Class of 1969 and the University of Illinois. After attending the U of I, John helped his father at Raines Furniture. Later, John started working side by side with Cathy at the WILY/WRXX Radio Station. In September of 1988, John and Cathy started the Shoppers Weekly in Centralia and it became the largest weekly paper in Southern Illinois for 36 years. John’s dedication to his community was evident through his exemplary service on the Centralia City Council from 1999 to 2003 and as the Mayor of Centralia from 2003 to 2007. Over the years he contributed significantly to various committees and projects including the Historic Preservation Committee, Downtown Redevelopment Committee, Centralia Area Housing Task Force, and the Locust Street Fair, among others. Known for his passion for the Centralia Balloon Fest, he created the High Fly Annual Award and Tip of the Hat Award to honor outstanding community contributions. John lived a life rich in love, public service, and community involvement, and was also a founding member of Band Aide. He was an animal activist alongside his wife, Cathy. John championed numerous causes with an open heart, demonstrating his boundless capacity for love and compassion towards all living beings. His passion extended to being an esteemed member of the Save Murray Coalition and one of the founding members of the Centralia Area Historical Museum. He was known as Mr. Centralia. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and in the community he tirelessly served and loved.
A Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in John’s honor to Band Aide and will be graciously accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to John’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
