John Charles Hamstreet

John Charles Hamstreet, 79, of Arcola, IL, formerly of Ottumwa, IA and Vernon, IA, passed away at 6:15 AM on Monday, October 19, 2026 at his residence.

A Celebration of Life and fellowship meal for family and friends will be held at 12:00 PM, (Noon), on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the Walnut Grove Christian Church. Burial will be at a later date in Van Buren County, Iowa. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

John was born on November 10, 1946 in Peoria, IL. He was a son of Kenneth John and Roberta Mae (Rekus) Hamstreet.

He is survived by three children, Julie Bliss (Bradley Little) of Tuscola, IL, Wes Hamstreet (Kate Ralston) of Iowa City, IA, and Ken Hamstreet of Ottumwa, IA, six grandchildren, Amanda Hamstreet, Tiffany Arnett (Lucas), Jaque Bliss (Cody Brooks), Jillian Bliss (Kenny Guerrero), Jack Hamstreet and Zoe Hamstreet (Hannah Rice), and a great grandson, Wyatt Arnett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, John Charles Hamstreet II, and one sister, Margaret Ann Leedall.

John grew up in Ottumwa, IA and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1966. He went on to build a long and steady career at John Deere in Ottumwa, where he worked for 30 years before retiring. After taking early retirement, he moved to Vernon, IA, where he built his dream home and made his home for more than 20 years.

In his younger years he was an avid bicyclist, he participated in the Ragbrai, the world oldest and longest recreational multi day bicycle ride across Iowa for several years. He especially enjoyed celebrating the local hospitality and community spirit shown along the way.

John made friends wherever he went and found a true friend in Martin Bumpus after moving to Illinois. The two of them enjoyed shooting BB guns and going to lunch at the local restaurants on Thursdays, especially the Log Cabin.

John enjoyed providing opportunities for disabled people of all ages and veterans, through Outdoors Without Limits and Serve Outdoors, helping others enjoy hunting and fishing in Van Buren County, IA. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking, and he truly loved being outside. He took several hunting and fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada with friends, making memories through the years doing what he loved most.

He loved spending time with family and friends. Especially the Rekus family reunions and Kayaking adventures up and down the Des Moines River. His faith was a central part of his life, and he always looked forward to pointing people to Christ. He was a member of Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA, and after moving to Illinois in 2021, he most recently became a member of Walnut Grove Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to Serve Outdoors. Please make checks payable to Julie Bliss, and in the memo section please include "Serve Outdoors"