John Laurk, age 77, of Madison, IL, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO, with his loving family by his side. John was born on June 6, 1946 in St. Louis, MO.
On December 19, 1966, John married Letitia “Tish” Ann Riggs, the love of his life in St. Louis, MO. Tish passed away on December 23, 2023, after fifty-seven years of marriage. John will be remembered as a devoted family man who loved the Lord. John retired from U.S. Ring Binder Company after many years of dedicated service. John believed in hard work and his family was the most important thing in his life. John never met a stranger and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a faithful member of Word of Life Tabernacle in Granite City, IL. John enjoyed going fishing on a sunny day, playing foosball, weight lifting and boxing in his younger years. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly. John will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife, John was preceded in death by a daughter, Letitia “Tish” Lockwood; and by his parents, Anna (Laurk) Smentkowski and Raymond Smentkowski.
John is survived by his loving daughters, Cathy Laurk of Granite City, IL and Jill (Timothy) Banta of St. Louis, MO; dear sister, Catherine Smentkowski of St. Louis, MO; proud grandfather to Alisha Lockwood, Melissa Lockwood, Lauren Lockwood, John McLaughlin, BreAnna Spink, Raymond Scott, Jarad Bailey and Natalie Banta; sixteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In celebration of his life, a memorial visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Word of Life Tabernacle, Granite City, IL. The memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, with Pastor Brian Crippen officiating.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital for their care of John.
Memorial donations may be given to Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
