SPRINGFIELD, IL - John Stoddard Ilsley, 90, of Springfield, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015.

John was born June 12, 1925, in Springfield, the son of William and Jeanette Knobloch Ilsley. He married Deloris "Dee" Humphress on March 6, 1954, in Corinth, Miss.; she preceded him in death on July 3, 2006.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps serving during WWII. He was with the 2nd Marine Division as a stretcher bearer in the Asiatic and Pacific Area's where he participated in action against the enemy at Saipan, Tinian, and the Marianas Islands. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Gallantry in Action.

He was a 1943 graduate of Springfield High School and received his bachelor's degree in business accounting from Bradley University. He worked for Illinois National Insurance, New Hampshire Insurance Company and finally for AIG. He was a past member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, a member of Laurel United Methodist Church and the Illinois Chili Society where he medaled and judged the competition.

He was a very generous man who donated to, and was involved in, the Special Olympics, the U.S. Olympics, Doctors Without Borders and the ChildFund formerly known as the Christian Children's Fund where he funded ten young ladies up to the age of 18 for school. These are just a few examples of the charities that were close to his heart.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Philip Stoddard Ilsley; and brother, William Ilsley.

He is survived by daughter, Laura Lynn Carpenter of Kernersville, N.C.; brother, Robert Ilsley of Athens; grandchildren, Jacob Dylan (Lisa) Carpenter of Charlotte N.C., and Amy Rose (Sebastien) Carpenter Klein of Paris, France; great-granddaughters: Ella Rose, Emery Grace, Elizabeth Mae and Elaina Meredith Carpenter; great-grandson, Tristan Jean Stoddard Klein; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Sims officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Plains Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Springfield Food Bank.

Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 is in charge of arrangements. Visit our online obituary at www.ellingerkunzfuneralhome.com.