John Albert James Walstrom

CHARLESTON, IL – Dr. John A.J. Walstrom, age 82 of Charleston and formerly of Ramsey, Illinois, entered his Heavenly Home on Saturday, February 22, 2020 while in the loving and comforting presence of family.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Home Church, 2350 Madison Avenue in Charleston.  The Funeral Service, honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Dr. Kent Walstrom and Pastor Whit Lauwers officiating.  His final resting place will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery located in Fayette County near Ramsey, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of the donor’s preference.  Gifts may be left at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

John Albert James Walstrom was born April 25, 1937 in Ramsey, Illinois, a son of the late Gusta and Mary Louise (Dobbs) Walstrom.  He was a graduate of Ramsey High School, and it was there that he met his high school sweetheart.  John and Phyllis Peabody were married on December 21, 1958 in Ramsey.

John graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1960 with a Bachelors of Science in Education and in 1963 with a Master’s of Science in Education. He attained his PhD in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska in 1976. He began his professional career in 1959 as the Creator and Director of the Computer Center at Eastern Illinois University.   He left EIU in 1969 to accept a position at Western Illinois University, and returned to his Alma Mater in 1984, where he served as a Professor until his retirement in 1995.  Throughout his academic career Dr. Walstrom was a member of many professional organizations including Sigma Iota Epsilon, Upsilon Pi Epsilon and Beta Sigma Gamma.   He was also the recipient of numerous honors, awards and accolades such as a Teaching Fellowship at North Texas State University and the DPMA Individual Performance Award for meritorious service.  He also authored many publications including the textbook titled Advanced Structured COBOL from which many of his classes were taught. 

John’s faith in God served as a foundation and a guide for the way in which he lived his life and his treatment of others.  He led by example, serving as an Elder and Sunday school teacher for many years.  He was happiest when spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren as they were the greatest joys of his life.

John is survived by Phyllis, his loving and devoted wife of 61 years; three sons, Kent (Sharla) of Bloomington, Illinois, Scott (Linda) of Dekalb, Illinois, Brian (Sherri) of Indianapolis, Indiana; six grandchildren, Kaila (Jason) Mercer, Clarissa, Chloe, Cassidy, Kathleen and Carly; a sister, Cheryl England of Ramsey; his brother-in-law, Don (Judy) Peabody of Terre Haute, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy; a brother-in-law, Mike England; and a grandson, Brock.

FUNERAL SERVICE
The Funeral Service celebrating the life of John A.J. Walstrom was held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Dr. Kent Walstrom and Pastor Whit Lauwers officiating.  The eulogy was delivered by Brian Walstrom.  John 's sister, Cheryl England provided piano prelude and postlude selections which included "How Great Thou Art" and "I Can Only Imagine".  Burial followed at Mount Carmel Cemetery located in Ramsey, Illlinois.  Pallbearers were: Don Peabody, David Peabody, Tim Engalnd, Jeremy England, Zach England and Jason Mercer.   

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