John Paul Hudson, age 72, of Monroe passed away on Saturday, October 05, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born the son of Paul and Ida (Gee) Hudson in Sycamore, IL. He was a graduate of Sycamore High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Kishwaukee Community College. John was united in marriage to Kristi Ann Ferris on November 26, 1971, at Bethany Baptist Church in DeKalb – the church they attended with their families and met at through a teen group.

His personal journey with the Lord began when he started working on Jay Russie’s farm. Jay’s strong faith and values communicated to John via his words and actions encouraged John to seek his own relationship with God. This led to him later asking Jesus for forgiveness and securing his eternity with God in Heaven upon the birth of his oldest child, Nathan.

John’s faith continued to be a huge influence throughout his life. He attended Monroe Bible Church, Redemption Church, and First Baptist Church with his wife on a regular basis.  The support he received from these church families was pivotal to him and his family, particularly towards the end of his life.

John’s love of farming continued throughout his life as well. His working years were devoted to farming, including earning a National Farmers Organization award and owning an Organic Certified Dairy Farm that he and Kristi raised their kids on. John was also a pioneer with new farming techniques, having been the first in the area to start silo bagging in 1980, and additionally worked as an Organic Farm Inspector and Farm Consultant.

When John was not working on his farm, John and his wife traveled on many trips., he enjoyed watching his kids play various sports and coaching them in basketball in different capacities. John was an accomplished athlete himself, having participated in basketball, football, and track at Sycamore High School and basketball in at Kishwaukee Community College. He earned Chicago Tribune Prep Basketball All-Star Honors his senior year of high school. John and his wife traveled on many trips.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kristi; children, Nathan (Rebecca) Hudson, Elisha Hudson, and Sarah Hudson (Van Eanes); grandchildren, Dylan and Khloe Hudson; siblings, Sharon (Jay) Stuedemann, Kenneth (Deb) Hudson, Joyce (John) Murphy, Jim Hudson, and Mark Hudson; he is further survived by several nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and five children taken by the Lord prior to birth.

Visitation will be held on October 18th, 2024, from 5-8:00 PM at the Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on October 19th, 2024, at 12:00 PM at the 18 and 8th Event Center, 1802 8th St Monroe, WI 53566 with a luncheon provided by Monroe Bible Church to follow. Doors will open at 11:00 AM.

A Private Family Burial will take place at a later date in Burlington Cemetery, Burlington, IL.

The family request that donations in John’s honor be made to the following charities in lieu of flowers: Monroe Bible Church Mission Fund, Redemption Church Mission Fund, First Baptist Church Mission Fund, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Christian Farmers Outreach, and National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.