John Damian Kayser, 67 of Ballwin, MO, formerly of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on October 2, 1957, in Highland, IL to James and Gladys (nee Loebel) Kayser.
John grew up in Highland and attended St. Paul High School, graduating in 1975. He attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 1975-1976.
John had a vast, proud, and loyal work record in the construction and management industry. A leader by nature, and with a gift for conversation and ability-to-charm, John easily grew into his self-assigned role as large-scale project management, “the bigger-the-project-the-better”. John was a well-known name in the Midwest construction industry, particularly expert as a commercial property specialist, having been involved in building construction for Target, Macy’s, Von Maur, Lowe’s, and Kohl’s stores, as well as for college and hospital buildings, and industrial warehouses.
John was a past member of the Carpenters Union.
His career started at The Korte Company in Highland in 1976.
4 years later he joined Melvin Price Lock & Dam # 26, Alton, IL, one of the largest locks on the Mississippi River.
His longest length of work of 32 years was conducted at St. Louis-headquartered construction company
S.M. Wilson & Company, from 1982 – 2014. It was here that John was drawn to the supervisory and management side of the construction industry.
From there he joined Brinkmann Constructors, Denver, CO, working for 2 years as a Senior Superintendent.
His most recent work was Senior Superintendent at Opus Design Build LLC, in Clayton, MO, John worked here for 5 years from 2016 until 2021.
At Opus, John contributed greatly to an award-winning project to build the headquarters for BUNGE, North America in Chesterfield, MO. This large-scale 15 acre, 149,000 square foot structure and campus was one of his most proudest projects.
Besides working in building construction, John was devoted to keeping in touch with his friends. He built enough friendships to cover the USA. His big heart often opened to giving money to a stranger in need.
John was most happy being with his beloved daughter and son, and gathering with his large family spending time laughing and telling stories.
John was an all-around athlete in his youth which segued into being a spectacularly dedicated sports fan in his later years. He organized legendary croquet tournaments strategically scheduled when his parents were away, and hosted impressive Superbowl parties. Besides rooting for his favorite Saint Louis Cardinals, he would rather be fishing than almost anything else in the world. His treasured fishing spots were in Florida; Sanibel and Captiva, but he also loved fishing locally with his dear cousins, family and friends. John treasured many big trips to the Caribbean as well as Hawaii, Tahiti, and Moorea in the South Pacific, but he was equally happy with small float trips in nearby rivers. He greatly enjoyed both playing golf and the post-game clubhouse atmosphere.
John stressed the importance of making his bed every morning and no matter the day’s activity, he insisted on wearing a sharp, fashionable outfit, and always wore designer cologne.
Upon retirement he attended to landscaping projects and his well-manicured yard filled with abundant annuals and perennial plants. He watched over and dutifully fed his many fine-feathered friends, especially the other local-favorite red bird cardinals. John was masterful at building a fire and adored sitting by his fireplace. He would remark that all he needs is “family, friends, fishing, and a fire in the fireplace.”
John is survived by his daughter Erica Racquel Kayser, Highland, IL, and son Jack Anthony Kayser, Ballwin, MO.
He is also survived by:
Brother- James W. Jr., Glen Carbon, IL
Brother- Jeffrey S. (Tammy) Kayser, Wentzville, MO
Brother- Joseph E. Kayser, Glen Carbon, IL
Sister- Kristine M. Kayser-Bermudez (Juan David Bermudez, M.D.), Wall Township, NJ
Sister- Carrie A. (Michael) Hindes, Collinsville, IL
Sister- Elizabeth J. Kayser, Honolulu, HI
Sister- Camille S. Steward, (James) O’Fallon, MO
Sister- Patricia L. Russo, Saint Louis, MO
Additional survivors include 10 nephews, 4 nieces, 8 great-nephews, and 3 great-nieces
John was predeceased by his parents James and Gladys (Babe) Kayser.
He was also predeceased by brother-in-law Ross Russo in 2023.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, November 22, 2024, and 8:00 am to 9:45 am on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Fr. Pat G. Jakel, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, and the Saint Paul School Educational Foundation.
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