John Eugene Devine

May 31, 1923 - July 2, 2019

John Eugene Devine, 96, of Sterling, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, while surrounded by family at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling. John was born on May 31, 1923 in Dixon to James and Frances (Morey) Devine. In his youth, he enjoyed playing baseball with his twin brother Jim who was a pitcher and John was a catcher. John graduated from Dixon High School in 1941 and he served in the US Army. On October 17, 1953 in Ohio, Illinois, John married his wife of 58 years, Mary Gugerty, and together they had 4 children. John worked as a carpenter for many years and also for Northwestern Steel & Wire Mill before retiring in 1985. John resided for most of his adult life in Sterling and he enjoyed watching the White Sox and attending Sunday Mass at Saint Joseph’s Chapel in Rock Falls. John was preceded in death by his wife on September 15, 2011; an infant grandson John S. Devine Jr.; 3 brothers Jim, Bob, and Rick; and his sister Francella. He is survived by his 4 children Pat Devine, John (Debbie) Devine, Joe (Beth) Devine, and Anne (Scott) Lawrence; his sister Patricia (Toots) Nusbaum; his 9 grandchildren Chris (Carolyn) Devine, Bridgette (Chad) Oester, Geoff Devine, Gregg (Hadley) Devine, Danielle (Eric) Baker, Megen Devine, Ryan (Nicole) Devine, Kristen Lawrence, and Kari (Jay Livesay) Lawrence; and his 8 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday July 6, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. Jorge Bravo, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling. Visitation will be held on Friday July 5, from 4-7 at the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon with the rosary recited at 3:30 PM. A memorial has been established to Mooseheart Child City & School Inc.