John Stowell, age 94, of Morrison, IL, passed from this life on Monday, September 21, 2015, at Resthave Home, Morrison.
He was born on July 25, 1921, to Charles and Bertha (Foster) Stowell in Nashua, NH. He was the second of three children. Both his older brother, Carroll (Smokey) Stowell, and younger sister, Elizabeth Hills, are deceased.
John attended primary and secondary schools in Merrimack, NH, and graduated from McGaw Normal Institute in 1939. He then completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 1943.
While at the University of New Hampshire, he enlisted in the Army ROTC. On graduation he was initially assigned to the Army Air Corps, but subsequently transferred to the Chemical Mortar Battalion. He completed a tour of duty in Europe following World War II, ending up in occupied Germany following VE Day. Following an honorable discharge from the Army in 1946, John began a 39-year career with the General Electric Company. His first job was with the steam gas turbine division in Lynn, MA. In 1952 the division was moved to Morrison. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to a new unit in timers, eventually becoming an application engineer and factory contact. He developed a timer used on GE appliances that was patented by GE. He retired from GE’s Morrison plant in 1985.
John enjoyed golf, bowling, and flying his private airplane. After retiring from GE, he volunteered at the Morrison Food Bank. His extraordinary gentle spirit made him a much-beloved uncle with his nieces and nephews. He is fondly remembered by his family for his a graciousness, concern for nature, and his New England values of frugality and simplicity.
John is survived by six nieces and nephews, Jane Bland (Denton, TX), David Stowell (Chino, CA), Nancy Hinrichsen (Fairfax, VA), Robert Stowell (Scotia, NY), Martha Ruth Hills (Burwood, Australia), and Becky Peck (Haymarket, VA), and numerous grand-nieces and -nephews.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date, with burial on the family plot in Merrimack, NH.
Arrangements are through the McDonald Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Falls, IL.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the exceptional care provided by the staff of Resthave Home and to longtime friends, Al and Betty Vos. Your kindness will always be remembered.