John J. "Junior" Bollenbacher, 89, Willshire, died on Sept. 25, 2014, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.

He was born Feb. 7, 1925, on the family farm in Mercer County to Theodore F. and Minnie L. Brehm Bollenbacher. He had resided in Willshire for the past 58 years. His wife, Janice, survives.

Also surviving are a son, Ted (Sandee) Bollenbacher, Rockford; a daughter, Karen Casey, Columbus; two grandsons, Adam (Julie) Bollenbacher, Coldwater, and Aaron Bollenbacher, Van Wert; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Abigail Bollenbacher.

Also deceased are a sister, Leola Doner; a brother, Edgar Bollenbacher; and a son-in-law, John Casey.

He graduated from Rockford High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Navy. He served during World War II on the USS Alaska in the South Pacific.

After the war, he returned home and farmed with his Dad and brother. He eventually left farming and worked for many years as a farm implement mechanic at Parr Implement, Berne, Ind. He also worked many years at the Willshire and Parkway schools.

He was the chief of the Willshire Volunteer Fire Department for many years and also served the community as a little league coach and Boy Scout leader. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford, and also a member of the Willshire American Legion Post 207.

Services are 11 a.m. Monday, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford, the Rev. Catherine Costello officiating. Burial with military honors by the Willshire American Legion will follow at the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, and 10-11 a.m. Monday at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ or to the Willshire Fire Department.

Condolences may be expressed at www.ketchamripley.com.