John Melvin Walsten, 92 of New Windsor, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the OSF St Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the New Windsor Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will directly follow at 12 p.m. Interment will be at the New Windsor (Petrie) Cemetery. Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral home in Alpha is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions can be left to the New Windsor Presbyterian Church or to Tri County Ambulance. Online condolences may be left at www.petersonwallinknox.com.
John was born on August 22, 1932, in Galesburg, the son of Eugene and Margaret Diggs Walsten. He graduated from New Windsor High School with the Class of 1950. He then proudly served his country as a member of The United States Army, where he served as a Lieutenant with the Military Police at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds. He married Nancy Humphreys on July 8, 1977, in Hannibal, Missouri.
He owned and operated Walsten Custom Builders for many years. John was a true craftsman that took pride in every project. He was known and trusted all over the area for his quality and experience. By the time he retired, John had amassed over 70 years of experience in building quality homes, buildings, and furniture.
John was a longtime member of the New Windsor Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of several community groups, including: the New Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, New Windsor American Legion, the Mercer County Planning Commission, and other city organizations. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, bee keeping, and birdwatching.
John is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy Walsten of New Windsor; four children, Chris Walsten of Galesburg, Julie (Jim) Ryan of Alpha, Jennifer (Kerry) Engels of Burleson, Texas, and Charlie (Lisa) Walsten of New Windsor; five grandchildren, Shannan, Amber, Nick, Jonathan, and Samantha; nine great-grandchildren and another lovingly expected; two sisters, Marian Schatteman of Alpha and Kathy Fortner of Peoria; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Barbara Leftwich Walsten; two granddaughters; and two brothers-in-law, Harold Schatteman and Robert Fortner.