John V. Stires

Visitation for John V. Stires, 82, of Palatine, Illinois, will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy, Palatine. Family and friends will meet directly at First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine on Friday, October 23, 2026, where the Visitation will continue from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place in Algona, Iowa on Monday, October 26, 2026.

John passed away peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2026. He was born on August 17, 1944, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Emma and Manning Stires and moved to Palatine at the age of five where he resided until his passing.

John lived a life filled with service, many hobbies, and lots of adventure. As a Sergeant in the United States Air Force, John served his country and was a proud patriot. During that time he became an avid bowler, frequently scoring a 200 even into his 80’s. After his service, John attended Northern Illinois University and was a computer science and microbiology double major. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Palatine and was passionate about serving his church community as Head Usher at the United Methodist Church in Palatine for over 40 years. His collection of Christmas ties was always a treat to see when the holiday season rolled around. Above all, John was a life-long woodworker.

Later in life, John became a black belt in tae-kwon-do and spent his time running, and going on long bike rides with his wife, Nancy. As empty nesters, John and Nancy took their adventures overseas traveling through much of Europe, Australia, Israel, and Africa where John saw a baby white rhino; a story he was always eager to share.

John was a devoted and loving husband of 52 years to Nancy Runchey Stires; beloved father to Courtney, David, and EmmaLea (Carrie); and grandfather to Emma, Abby, Jack, and Henry.

He was preceded in death by parents, Emma and Manning Stires and half-brothers, Homer and Wilford Stires.