John Bell

Surrounded by the love of his family, John David Bell, of Mahomet, IL, passed away on December 19, 2024, after sharing that, “Today is my day,” to go with the Lord. John passed peacefully in his sleep late that evening at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Hospital, Chicago.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Jody Bell (nèe Rendziak), and his precious children, Audra Faith Rendziak Bell (16 yrs.), Wyatt Henry Bell (14 yrs.), and Evan Eugene Bell (10 yrs.). John is also survived by his parents, Donald and Loretta Bell (nèe Long); cherished siblings Robert Bell (Michelle) and Linda (nèe Bell) Keilman (Cory); nieces Karly Keilman, Kayla Keilman, Emily Pascarella; nephews Ethan Bell, David (Alexis) Pascarella and Daniel Pascarella; sister-in-law Amy Rendziak as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

John was born on February 24, 1969, in Rochelle, IL. His devoted parents gave him a rich and loving childhood in White Rock Township, IL. As a child, John explored the countryside surrounding his family home, dreamed of cowboys and pioneers, spent time playing and working with his parents and siblings on their rural property, and thrived as a student, friend, football player, and wrestler.

John graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University. John’s love of the outdoors, agriculture, and the West led him to work on a cattle ranch in southeastern Montana after graduation. John then completed a Master of Science in Rangeland Ecology at the University of Oklahoma.

John dedicated himself as a conservationist with a highly productive and accomplished career. John followed his passion, beginning his career with the Frederick County (Virginia) Soil Conservation District. John then pursued a career he loved, as a District Conservationist with the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. John achieved a lifetime of service, always motivated by his desire to do the job to the best of his ability and his love for the land. He created and supported successful local partnerships, helped young people develop their careers, managed large federal contracts, and provided technical support to implement endless conservation on working lands. John’s incredible work ethic and passion for helping others motivated him to selflessly give countless extra hours of his time at work to accomplish more and to help others.

John had a kind, loving, humble, and modest heart. He operated without ego, pretense, or desire for personal gain, recognition, or status. He lived to quietly serve others at work and church, within his family and community. When John engaged others in conversation, he asked about them and their families, listened genuinely, regarded his friends as brothers, and never hesitated to help others. People commonly said of John that he was the “nicest guy I know.” People noted his kindness, character, and integrity; his ability to forgive; and his thoughtful, giving, and selfless nature. Friends of John described him as a strong man with a gentle heart. John was an inspiration to others.

John’s wife and children were the heart and soul of his life. On a magical day in October 2006 that John described as the day God smiled on him, John met Jody, the love of his life. Married a year later, together, John and Jody made their every dream come true— loving each other and sharing their lives with their three children. John was Jody’s hero; she admired and adored John. John showered her with unconditional love, laughter, and support for 18 years. John and Jody have an honest, loving, and devoted marriage with both striving to be better for the other. Every night, they thanked God for bringing them together.

John’s greatest joy was his children. Caring for them as babies, exploring his pasture, relishing harsh winters, and horseback riding at their first home in Lena, IL, and being fully immersed in their childhood activities in Mahomet, IL. John took his family camping several times every year, coached his boys’ sports year after year, delighted in every season and holiday, took them to church, served for 10 years as a Cub Scouts den leader for his sons, and volunteered at his daughter’s music and theatre activities. He got them off to school in the mornings with a hot breakfast, created the bedtime “Reggie stories,” based on his childhood, celebrated birthdays with “cake for breakfast,” pulled them on sleds with the tractor, comforted them, played with them, prayed for them, taught them to garden, rope cattle, make apple cider with his parents, and so much more. He shared family traditions with them, imparted his values, and prepared them for adulthood. Best of all, he shared the greatest gift with them, his faith, and his belief that God’s promises are real.

John faced his medical diagnosis the same way he handled everything else in his life: with courage, optimism, strength, and faith. The miracle is not only in the outcome; John thrived despite cancer. Together he and Jody achieved their goals to get John the best possible care, focus on what matters most, and care for and protect their children. Ten thousand angels uplifted and cared for John and his family during this illness, including family, friends, neighbors, multiple churches, and the medical professionals at Northwestern Medicine and across the country who cared for John. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude but please know we were carried by the love you gave us in the name of God.

John’s services are scheduled for Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Mattis Avenue Free Methodist Church (1913 S. Mattis Ave, Champaign). Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The funeral service will begin at 11:30 at the church, with Pastor Chadwick Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Mahomet, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Bell Children's Fund at Fisher National Bank or to the Mattis Avenue Free Methodist Church.

 

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