Galesburg Resident John Lee Stegall Dies at 57

U.S. Army Veteran Retired as CW-4 After 24 Years of Service

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:53am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene depicting a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a vinyl record player, and cooking utensils in a warm, golden light, conceptually representing the quiet, reflective life of a retired military veteran.The passing of a longtime Galesburg resident and U.S. Army veteran reflects the community's loss of a dedicated public servant and cherished neighbor.Galesburg Today

John Lee Stegall, a 57-year-old resident of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on March 31, 2026. Stegall was a U.S. Army veteran who retired as a CW-4 after 24 years of service, and in his free time enjoyed listening to music, cooking, spending time with friends, and traveling on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Why it matters

Stegall's passing marks the loss of a longtime Galesburg community member and military veteran, highlighting the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served their country.

The details

John Lee Stegall was born on May 17, 1968, in Galesburg, the son of Charlie and Jeanne Stegall. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served for 24 years before retiring as a CW-4 in 2009. During his military career, Stegall received numerous decorations, medals, and citations, and went on multiple deployments. In his personal life, Stegall enjoyed listening to music, especially vinyl records, cooking, spending time with friends, and traveling on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

  • John Lee Stegall was born on May 17, 1968, in Galesburg.
  • Stegall joined the U.S. Army after high school and served for 24 years, retiring as a CW-4 in 2009.
  • Stegall passed away peacefully at his home in Galesburg on March 31, 2026, at the age of 57.

The players

John Lee Stegall

A 57-year-old resident of Galesburg, Illinois, who was a U.S. Army veteran, retiring as a CW-4 after 24 years of service.

Charlie and Jeanne Stegall

John Lee Stegall's parents.

Dawn (Keith) Clague

John Lee Stegall's sister.

Sandra Gillenwater

John Lee Stegall's aunt.

Kathe Patch

John Lee Stegall's close friend and companion.

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The takeaway

Stegall's life and service to his country will be remembered by his family, friends, and the Galesburg community, honoring the sacrifices and contributions of military veterans.