John Bernard Platz (77) of Mattoon

John Bernard Platz, 77, of Mattoon, Illinois passed away peacefully at home Friday, July 5, 2019 surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a..m., Tuesday, July 9 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon. A graveside burial will be held immediately thereafter in Neoga Cemetery in Neoga. Military rites will be conducted by the Mattoon VFW Post 4325. Visitation will be held Monday, July 8 from 4-7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. Memorials can be made in John’s memory to the Buildings and Grounds Fund of Immaculate Conception Parish 320 N 21st St, Mattoon, IL 61938 or Carle Home Hospice 611 W. Park Street Urbana, IL 61801. Visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

John was born January 31, 1942 in Sigel. John served in the Army National Guard from 1963-1971. His career as a semi-truck driver spanned 34 years with Meadow Gold Dairy in Champaign until the plant closed in 1996. His second career as a stock associate at Lorenz Supply in Mattoon lasted until his retirement in 2017.

John’s true passion and hobby was being a service specialist. Regardless of the project, he was your go-to man. Skilled in construction, plumbing, small engine maintenance, and all things lawn and yard related, John was the first person his family and friends called for help. Having honed his skills growing up on the Platz Dairy Farm in Sigel, there was nothing John couldn’t repair, nor tool he couldn’t use to his advantage. Weeds didn’t stand a chance in his manicured lawn or vegetable garden. A man of few words, John’s wisdom showed through his quality work and laser-level-accurate advice, “measure twice, cut once.”

John spent many years as volunteer for Immaculate Conception Parish in Mattoon, working as a grounds and maintenance “Apostle.” He was an active member of Council 1057 of the Knights of Columbus. Faith, family and friends ordered John’s life and even after heart surgery, hip replacement and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, John made sure to fulfill his role as a faithful Catholic, husband, father, grandfather and dedicated friend until the end. His legacy is one of hard work, integrity and commitment to whatever job or challenge he faced, while making sure his family was cared for. He will be dearly missed.

He was husband for 54 years to Gloria (Peters) Platz, married in Neoga October 24, 1964; beloved father of Todd (Mary) Beals of Zephyrhills, FL, Tony (Peggy) Platz of Cincinnati, OH, Amy (Dan) Laurent of Waterloo, Tim of Mattoon and cherished grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of six.

He is also survived by brothers Joe (Karen), Charlie (Pat), Bernie (Glenda, deceased), Gene, sisters Barbara (Jerry Bierman, deceased) and Carol (Phil Hartke), several dozen nieces and nephews, and life-long friends too numerous to count. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Margaret and his sister Mary of Norco, CA.