"Cheese"

Age 52 of Joliet, Illinois, died Friday, November 28, 2025 at Franciscan Health in Crown Point, Indiana.

Born September 20, 1973 in Joliet, John was a son of Sandra and John Sowa, and Ronald Bockstahler. He was raised and educated in Joliet and attended Joliet Junior College. John worked as a welder for several years, and later worked for TTX Railroad. In later years, he worked for several other companies, expanding his horizons, to build his skill set and utilize his talents to restore homes.

He was a member of the East Side Association Motorcycle Club and was proud to be one of the "Dirty Birds". Motorcycle riding was one of John's favorite past times. Anything with an engine drew his attention, and he took great pleasure in working on and restoring cars. John loved listening to any rock music he could get his hands on, never missing an opportunity to catch a show or jam out in his garage with his friends.

He loved watching his three girls compete in travel softball, ensuring that they could get the most out of every opportunity. John loved his grandsons and cherished being known as their Pop Pop. Though his health began to fade, John was always there for his friends to lend a hand when they needed it. He will be loved by many and will affectionately be remembered as "Cheese".

Survivors include his three daughters: Samantha (Travis) Saltzman, Courtney Sowa (fiancé: Austin Brown), and Kiley (Thomas) Montefour; six grandsons: Rhyett, Waylon, Asher, Henry, Radley, and Chandler, with one granddaughter expected in January; five half siblings: Sue Talbot, Evelyn "Lyn" Dragatsis, Ronald "Kurt" Bockstahler, Lisa Neu, and Raymond Bockstahler; several nieces and nephews, including Madonna (Jerry) Black and Tina Howard; his step-mother, Judy Wunderlich-Bockstahler, and his friend and mother of his children: Wendy Sowa.

John was preceded in death by his parents: Sandra and John Sowa, and Ron Bockstahler.

Per John's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded, and a Celebration of Life is being planned for the Spring of 2026.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs, and share John’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)