John Niels Svendsen's Obituary
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 grew up working with his parents, grandparents and aunts at Svendsen Florist. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964. He was stationed in Fort Knox, KY and South Korea. He returned to Decatur and opened Svendsen Shell Station in 1967. After closing the South Shores location, he opened Svendsen’s Station before establishing Svendsen Auto Truck Repair and Soy City Towing in 1975. He was in business for 49 years.
He married Nancy B. (Brown) of Louisville, KY in 1965 and she preceded him in death in 1968. On October 14, 1977 he married Karen S. (Vogel) of Decatur, IL and they had three daughters. He was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Karen; three daughters, Jan (Cory) Ritter of Blue Mound, IL, Amy (Michael) Pitzer of Bloomington, IL, and Erin Svendsen of Springfield, IL; three grandchildren, Celia and Harper Ritter and Aria Pitzer. He is also survived by two sisters, Jayne Svendsen and Johanne (Mark) Maple of Decatur, IL; mother-in-law, Norma J. Vogel of Decatur, IL; three sisters-in-law, Terri Svendsen of O’Fallon, IL, Kathy (Steve) Hengst of Decatur, IL, and Martha Horve of Oakley, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; two brothers Ervin “Sonny” and James; father-in-law Forrest E. Vogel; and brother-in-law Michael Horve.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 22, 2016 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 2155 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur. Burial and military rites will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to Pilgrim Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.
The family of John Niels Svendsen is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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