John E. Mcclellan

John E. McClellan 90, of Freeport IL passed away on Tuesday, January 16th after a brief illness. John was born on August 14th, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio to Paul and Marion McClellan. John graduated from Greenwich(CT) High School in 1947. After high school, John enlisted and proudly served in the United States Navy Submarine Service during the Korean War for four years. After the Navy, John furthered his education, attending Columbia University, The University of Iowa, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, and Northern Illinois University, earning his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education. John’s professional life included teaching in Iowa for four years, serving as the Dean of Students at Highland Community College in Freeport, IL for fifteen years, and finishing his career with nineteen years in Freeport Public Schools before officially retiring in 1998.

On July 7th, 1955, John married his lifelong love, Rita Joyce Holt and together they built a family filled with love and laughter. John and Rita were blessed with four children: Susan Arnold, Linda Wright, Randy McClellan ,and Scott (Jill) McClellan. John was a devoted husband and father, and his family was the cornerstone of his life.

An avid reader of spy novels, John also found pleasure in the simple joys of life: Playing golf with his sons, sitting on the patio with his wife on warm sunny days watching all the birds and squirrels that would frequent their feeders around the yard. John also loved watching sports and was a diehard fan of the New York Rangers and LA Dodgers.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his wife, children, his four grandchildren: Emily (Joe) Miller, Bailee (Andre Halle) McClellan, John McClellan, Courtney (Mike Flynn) McClellan. His four Great Grand Children Ellie and Olivia Miller and Piper and Callie McClellan-Halle, and a niece Michelle May.

John was predeceased by his Parents Paul and Marion McClellan, his Sister Joyce May, His Son-in-Law(s) Kenny Wright and David Arnold , and his Daughter-in-Law Jacki McClellan.

John chose to help further generations by improving scientific research and education with a gift of body donation to the medical service at The University of Iowa. In lieu of gifts and flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.