John M. Kriegsman

John Martin Kriegsman passed away at Unity Point Health Methodist in Peoria, Illinois on February 3, 2019. He was born to John C. and Juanita Martin Kriegsman on October 28, 1940. They preceded him in death, as did his brother, James W. C. Kriegsman. He is survived by the love of his life of 41 years, Sharon McBain, his brother, A. Richard Kriegsman (Nancy), two nieces and nephews, Kathryn Kriegsman (Hani) Bashary, John D. (Suzanne) Kriegsman, Amy E. (Shachar) Meron and J. Scott (Katherine) Kriegsman, as well as eight grand nieces and nephews. John was a member of the PCHS class of 1958, where music, playing the trombone, became a major part of his life . . . he played under the baton of Lawrence Fogelberg. He then went to Monmouth College, joined the ATO Fraternity, where he established lifelong friends. He also played in their band. Following college, he enlisted in the army, where he continued his music focus with the 5th Army band, stationed at Ft. Sheridan, near Chicago, and Ft. Collins, Colorado. Upon completion of his military service, he came to work for Kriegsman Transfer Co./Kriegsman Moving International. In the late 60's an opportunity to open a branch of the family business arose in Hong Kong. Jim Kriegsman, having served in the army in Southeast Asia, accepted the assignment to move there, and eventually John became the U.S. liaison for the growing presence of Crown Pacific, Limited. John traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America throughout the 70's. In the 1980's his focus came back to central Illinois, where he became involved with Polar Supply Corporation, as well as serving on the Board of First Federal Savings and Loan of Pekin. His role expanded with Polar until it was sold to United Refrigeration. With the sale of that enterprise in 2014, John relocated to the KMI location in Pekin, where he continued to play a significant role in its management, eventually serving as Chairman of the Board up until the time of his passing. John had many interests music certainly being one of them. He lent his significant talent to several groups Grace Brass (Grace United Methodist Church Pekin), Pekin Municipal/Pekin Park District Band, Pekin Civic Chorus and the Senior Citizens Band of Central Illinois. He introduced his siblings to the music of Stan Kenton at an early age. He loved to play golf was a member of Pekin Country Club for many years, until his health gradually prevented him from devoting the energy and time to continue playing. He had a hole-in-one at Mt. Hawley Country Club during tournament play . . . the hole-in-one being a rarely achieved feat for any golfer much less during a tournament. Fishing was also a major interest and throughout his life he managed to live near a lake so that he and Sharon could enjoy time on the water. He also enjoyed water-skiing. The Illinois River, years ago, provided great opportunities to ski. Ten years ago, John faced a major health threat, that through the perseverance of him and Sharon, he survived. Two years ago, he faced another threat more debilitating. Again, he/they achieved a positive outcome. His most recent episode involved Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This was a battle that not even he could win, succumbing on Sunday, with several family members at his side, He was a man who was not particularly outward in his faith, but in his desk is a stamp that he would add to notes /letters with the words "In God We Trust." He did. There will be a Memorial Service on Thursday evening 7:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, at the corner of 4th and State Streets, Pekin, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions could be directed to the "Sharing God's Grace Building Fund" at the church. Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence, visit www.hendersonfuneralcare.com Cemetery Lakeside Cemetery 1917 N. 8th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Memorial service Thursday, February 7, 2019 7:00 PM Grace United Methodist Church 601 N. 4th Street Pekin,IL 61554