John A. Pieczka

John A. Pieczka was born in Bielsko, Poland on October 1, 1955, where he lived with his parents Jan and Helena, and his older sister Margaret. When he turned 6, the family moved to Ghana and later spent time in Zambia. He told exotic stories of his favorite beach with black sand, talking drums, and sounds of African nights. At the age of 12. his family moved again, this time to Chicago, where he attended Von Steuben High School and later the University of Illinois.

In 1976, he moved to Carbondale where he eventually met his future wife, Patty Dickson. They stayed together the rest of his life, 40 years. He worked building satellite dishes and moved on to become an electrician.

He came down with a sudden case of dementia in 2023 and put up a valiant struggle to overcome it. Patty took care of him for over a year until it became too physically demanding. She then released him to the helpful care of Haven House in Marion. In an unfortunate turn of events, they had to close after two months, and he went to Integrity in Marion where he didn't thrive. He lived one month there and died in the morning of September 23, 2025, only a few days short of his 70th birthday.

He is survived by Patty, his sister Margaret Kooi and her husband Johannes Kooi, their three children and new grandson Diego.

Memorial Service will take place at 12:00pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at the Pine Tree Pavillion in Evergreen Park in Carbondale with Pastor Bruce Payne officiating.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of John, visit www.meredithfh.com.