John K. Boyd

Dakota – John K. Boyd, 92 of Dakota passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan M. Schadewaldt Boyd on October 22, 2015; his older sister, Carolyn Eastwood of Glen Ellen, IL; younger brother, Phil of Hamilton, OH; and only son, Geoffrey; Captain US Air Force, (C-130 military airplane crash, May 13, 1995).

On June 18, 1955, he married the love of his life, Joan Schadewaldt of rural Dakota, IL. Together, they raised Geoff, Laura Sanders of Evergreen, CO and Cathy Boyd of Davenport, FL. and there are 3 grandchildren: Sarah of Dallaz, TX; Zach of rural CO and Olivia of CO. John is remembered for his devotion and love of all his family. He is also recalled for the many moves the family made around the country mostly because of his employment and military transfers. They owned 10 homes in as many states.

John served in the US Army for 3 years during the Korean conflict as a USA Special Agent in the Counter-Intelligence Corps. His adult employment was with only one company, Sears Roebuck and CO for 35 years. He began as a trainee in Hamilton, OH and finished his career as a National Sales Manager, and Home Fashions traveling the entire country.

John and Joan were licensed pilots who flew for 42 years. John’s flying hours added up to over one-half million miles with a perfect safety record. Although he flew to Canada, Mexico, and most of the US states, his favorite trips were to Dakota, IL for special family events. After retirement, he and Joan made 22 educational trips overseas, visiting 7 continents and over 30 countries.

There will be a visitation on Friday, February 27, 2026 beginning at 11am at Dakota United Methodist Church in Dakota, Illinois. A service will immediately follow at 12 pm also at the church. His final resting place will be at Dakota Cemetery next to his wife, Joan.

A memorial has been designated in his name for Dakota United Methodist Church and the All Veterans Memorial Park of Freeport, Illinois. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.walkermortuary.com.  The family was assisted by Daughenbaugh Funeral Home and Cremation Services.