John P. Ridder, 99, of New Berlin, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Cedarhurst Assisted Living in Jacksonville, IL. A fitting tribute for a decorated WW II veteran to die on Pearl Harbor Day. John was born October 21, 1923, in Jacksonville, the son of John J. and Effie Coker Ridder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes "Ag" Taylor, on January 8, 2015, following 68 years of marriage. He is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Rainey (Bob) of Lebanon, TN; four grandchildren, Sean Saylor (Jennifer) of Harvard, Chris Saylor (Julie) of Pontiac, Cara Findlay (Jed) of Ankeny, IA, and Tricia Mattes (Graham) of Nashville, TN; nine great grandchildren, Peyton and Jase Saylor, Ben and Jack Findlay, Griffin, Owen and Brooks Mattes, and Delaney and McCoy Ridder Saylor; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Saylor (surviving husband, Mike of Virginia); four sisters, Nellie Ridder, Virgil Sperry, Rose Hartmeister, and Clara Chumley; and three brothers, George, James, and Andrew Ridder. A Jacksonville High School graduate, John served with the US Army in the Philippines from 1943-45 during WW II. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his efforts during the Battle for Luzon. John was very humble and many of his family were unaware of the accolades received during active duty. He was a life member of the American Legion. He returned to Illinois and began a long and distinguished career in construction. John was well respected as one of the best finish carpenters in the area working with several generations of the Chumley family. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, and rooting for the University of Illinois and the St. Louis Cardinals. Graveside services and military honors will be provided by the Combined Veterans Ceremonial Team, the Department of Defense Burial Detail, and the Flagmans Mission at 2:30 pm, Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Woodwreath Cemetery in rural New Berlin. The family will meet friends from 12:30 to 2:00 pm Wednesday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorial gifts are suggested to Wreaths Across America, Franklin-Waverly Military Support Group, or Flagmans Mission. Condolences may be shared online at www.buchanancody.com . . Visitation Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel Wednesday, December 14, 2022 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM 1100 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Graveside Funeral Service Woodwreath Cemetery Wednesday, December 14, 2022 2:30 PM rural New Berlin, IL