John Gerald Pluemer, 77, of St. Louis, Mo, passed away after a long battle with COPD on June 6, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.
John was a devoted husband of 51 years to his wife, Ann, and a proud father to his children, Susan and Andrew. In later years, he found immense joy in being “Grandpa” to Roey, Vivi and Jake, through Six Flags trips, cooking for them and soaking up their visits. An avid reader of the Post Dispatch, he could be found every morning completing word puzzles and doing the sudoku in pencil, so Ann could erase it and do it in the evening!
Born on May 12, 1948, John graduated from Jennings High School class of 1966. He led by example the values of hard work and service to country and family early in his life. He would share stories of his time when he worked at the first McDonalds in St. Louis. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served his country with honor in Vietnam, carrying the weight of that experience with humility and courage throughout his life. John worked hard as a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters 562 for 34 years where he was respected for his work ethic.
When not working, John could be found coaching his daughter’s softball team (all the way to senior year!), attending every game or performance of his children, on fishing trips or hanging out with his extended family. Thanks to his children, John spent his later years traveling to San Francisco, Alaska or anywhere his grandchildren could convince him to go.
He will be remembered for his love of Twizzlers, dry humor, and the way he always had a cold one ready for anyone that visited. He taught us how to stand tall, work hard, love deeply, and live honestly.
John is survived by his wife Ann (Ellison); children Susan (John) Armstrong and Andrew (Monica) Pluemer; grandchildren Dorothy, Violet and Jake; brother James (Teresa) Pluemer. John is also a favorite uncle, treasured “out-law” of the Ellison family, friend and helper to many. He is preceded in death by his parents Violet (Lampert) and John W. Pluemer and his sister Karen (Conley).
His service to his country will be recognized at Jefferson Barracks cemetery on June 17, 2025 followed by a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Fisher House, www.fisherhouseinstl.org.
He served, he worked, he loved—and he will be missed.
Dear Ann, So sorry to hear of John’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers. May he rest in peace.
Bobby and I are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Our prayers and sympathy to you and all of the family. God bless