John Niels Svendsen

Birth date: Apr 18, 1942 Death date: Nov 19, 2016

Decatur – John Niels Svendsen, 74, of Decatur, passed away on November 19, 2016 in his home, surrounded by family. Born on April 18, 1942 in Decatur, IL, he was the son of the late Ervin E. and Sylvia M. (Kellogg) Svendsen. John g Read Obituary

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Bryan Vaughn

452w ago

I was very sad to read about Mr. Svendsen's passing. He was the first person I met after moving to Decatur and he became my favorite person to take my car's to for any maintenance or repair. I loved listening to all of his stories and appreciated his explanations of what was wrong with my car. I always knew my wife's car and the car I drive our children around in would be well taken care of thanks to John. There are dozens of places to take your car for an oil change or a tire rotation but only of them had a guy who could and would explain to you how an O2 sensor worked or tell you about repairing tanks during the Korean War. That's the guy I will miss the next time I have to get an oil change and if I feel that way then I know those close to him will miss him even more. Godspeed, Mr. John Svendsen. Thank you and God bless you and your family. Bryan Vaughn

Debby Witts

458w ago

John gave me my first full-time job, working in the office at his station on Greenswitch Road. He was a Great boss and mentor in so many ways. I never saw him yell at anyone, and there were more than a few times that some of the guys working for him deserved a good chewing out. Very patient man, caring, trusting, but also a very smart business man. He had big dreams for that Union 76 station and the surrounding land, I could see myself happily working there for him for 30 years or more. I was barely in my 20's at the time so ended up only staying for 6 years but they were a great foundation for my future career. And I have John to thank for my wonderful husband because we met when I was working at the 76 station. His semi was in the shop for repairs, he kept coming in to check and see how the repairs were coming along (so he said), finally asked me out, one thing led to another and now we have celebrated over 30 years together. Thank you John.Another thing that impressed me about John was his great love for family. Everyday about noon you knew where John was headed for lunch – his parents home. They were a close knit, loving family with a strong work ethic. I was privileged to meet John's Grandpa and Dad, and also to work with his younger brother Jim. Great people.John and Karen drove out to my home one night to bring a baby gift when I was pregnant. Very thoughtful, not too many bosses do that for their employees – John did.Most of all I am very happy to hear that John put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is in Heaven! Free from worry and pain. My own Dad passed away just 2 weeks ago, he was also a believer, and what keeps me going is the song "First Day in Heaven". Oh, it's a great, great morning your first day in heaven, when you realize your worrying days are through……….You'll be glad you were not idle, took time to read the Bible, oh it's a great, great morning for you!My deepest condolences to you Karen and your 3 daughters. I know John loved you all very much and was very proud you.Debby Witts

Mark Rade

461w ago

John gave me my first job mowing his grass at his station on Greenswitch Rd. I lived just down the road from the gas station. I was a snot nosed kid and thought it was fun to be around his truck stop. Me and a friend acted like we were auto repairman late one evening when John wasn't around. We even used dirty Union 76 shirts taken from the close hamper and would wear them around the station to impress chics. Never worked. Poor old Ed Portwood probably got his but chewed out because of us. Debbie was his office clerk and my buddy and I would always go to see her because she was cute but married. She drove an old Dodge pickup that we all liked. We also enjoyed the hot soup machine where you could get hot chicken or beef soup for 15 cents. (This was the 70's)My friend Mark Presley an I learned to drive a vehicle with a clutch by driving his tow trucks around the lot without his permission. Did anyone ever sidestep a clutch on a one ton Ford pickup? Let me explain, You safely get into the tow truck at age 14 or 15, start the big V-8 engine, push the accelerater to the floor, grind it into to second gear and quickly sidestep the clutch. Mark Pressley and I was doing figure 8's with those tow trucks three days a week until we got caught. We never did it again however; we gained lots of driving experience prior to getting caught.I don't think John was that mad at us but he did pull me aside one day and told me that if we ever drove his tow trucks or used his Union 76 shirts again to act like his employees, he would simply smash our heads to the consistency of hamburger. This left a real impression on two 15 year old kids. I known John since the early 70's and I believed he found it in heart to some how like me. I would visit him him once in a while at the service station and enjoyed his stories. He was a very knowledgeable man. I will miss him.Rest In Peace my friend until we see each other again. Mark Rade 620-9728

Terry Rhodes

461w ago

Karen, Jan, Amy, & Erin, I'm so sorry for you losing John, (Dad). I'm very, very sorry not to have been able to have made the visitation.John is in HEAVEN now watching over you!I'm going to miss our roadside chats, and when John was mowing I'd go chat with him. He was always a positive person, helped me in many ways with my needed, help me fix it problems. We always talked military stuff. Tanks, guns, munitions etc. He served and he knew of alot of stuff I collected. He had hands on experience. I'll always treasure just watching him mow on his old tractor, listening to that OLD Farmall PURRR!He was a very caring man, always told me to keep with the LORD.He was a GREAT neighbor and I'll always remember him!I'm so glad our paths have crossed!Karen if you need any help please call.I will miss seeing a true friend going home to his family.Many regards, your neighbor,Terry Rhodes

Harold W Martin

462w ago

John and I met as teenagers courtesy of Uncle Sam. John was such a good friend and good guy even back then and grew into a really good man. Certainly a privilege and pleasure to have known him for these 50 years. I am sad and will miss you my friend.God bless, keep, and strengthen, Karen, Amy, Erin, and Jan."Maranatha"Harold

Don Van Lyssel

462w ago

I was just a regular customer of John's but one who always looked forward to seeing him!We are about the same age, so we enjoyed swapping "war stories" and solving all the problems of the world.He had people who did excellent work and personally solved a few automotive problems for me that no one else could figure out.There is an old saying- "Carve your name on hearts not just marble". John indeed carved his on mine.My condolences to you- we will all miss him but are for the better as a result of having known him.Best Regards,Don Van [email protected]

George Matherly Iii

462w ago

I am so sorry for your loss. John was a mentor to me, sharing his knowledge and stories about his towing experiences as a pioneer in the towing industry in Decatur. George Matherly, III

Debby Witts

458w ago

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