John McAteer Obituary

John Francis McAteer, 91, Greenville IL passed away on March 22, 2026, at Greenville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. John was born October 29,1934 in East St. Louis, IL the son of John & Margaret (Flaherty) McAteer. He lived in East St. Louis attending St. Mary's Grade School until the family moved to Belleville, IL. He then attended St. Henry Grade School and Cathedral High School. He received his Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He began his teaching career at his alma mater Cathedral High School and was instrumental in the transition to Althoff Catholic High School as the Dean of Students.



While at SIU he met the love of his life, Verna (Rees) McAteer in Morris Library and they were married June 18, 1960, she survives. In 1968, John & Verna moved to Normal, IL when John took a position supervising student teachers for Illinois State University. His career at ISU lasted 30 years and his final position was as the Director of the Office of Research Services and Grants Department in the Graduate School. Upon his retirement in 1996, John and Verna moved to Greenville, IL.



John was blessed with good family and strong faith. He had great fondness for his sister Marilyn who was 13 years older than him and her two sons John & Don Johnston who affectionately called him "Unc". He had wonderful in-laws, Ernest & Florence Rees, and taught Verna's young sister to swim at the family cabin in Southern IL. He loved spending time at the cabin "contemplating the mysteries of the universe" with family and friends alike. He especially liked his annual "Boys Week" trips with the "Same Ol' Belleville Bunch".



John was an active member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Greenville. He could always be counted on to lend a helping hand for any task that needed to be done. He served on the Parish Council, also serving as the President. He Co- Chaired the annual Fish & Chicken Dinners for many years. He was a founding member of the Greenville Knights of Columbus where he fulfilled many roles including being Past Grand Knight. John was an avid reader and life-long learner. He donated blood frequently as he had a rare blood type.



John's pride and joy were his children Daniel & Maura, both adopted as infants. Being their dad was his most cherished and significant role. He not only passed on his faith in Jesus Christ but his values, compassion and wisdom. He was a great role model to his 7 grandchildren of what a faithful servant, father and husband should look like.



John is survived by his wife of 65 years Verna (Rees) McAteer. His son Daniel (Lynn) McAteer of Rolling Meadows, IL and daughter Maura (Craig) Campbell of Greenville, IL. 7 grandchildren: Madison (Brian) Portland of Loveland, OH; Caleb (Lauren) Campbell of Poplar Bluff, MO; Sean McAteer of Chicago, IL, John (Kailee) Campbell of Madisonville, KY; William McAteer of Iowa City, IA; Elizabeth Campbell of Evansville, IN and Katrina Campbell of Williamsburg, KY. Great granddaughters Cecelia Campbell of Madisonville, KY and baby girl Campbell due in July of Poplar Bluff, MO. John is also survived by his sister-in-law Carole (Lisle Gates) Murray of Castle Rock, CO and nephews John (Rebecca) Johnston and Don (Kim) Johnston of Belleville, IL and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.



He was preceded in death by his parents John T. & Margaret (Flaherty) McAteer; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn & Joseph Johnston. Also, in-laws Ernest & Florence (Miller) Rees; brother-in-law Randall Rees, all who will meet John with open arms in heaven.



The family would like to thank all the staff at The Glenwood, Greenville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Bond County Hospice for the love and care they provided John during his end-of-life journey. As his last act of generosity, John is donating his body to St. Louis University. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 am. Friends may call, prior to the Mass, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A luncheon will be served following Mass.



The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.



Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.