John Cuvar

John Cuvar Jr., 90, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Alton Nursing and Rehabilitation in Alton. He was born on July 7, 1935, in Granite City, a son of the late John and Margaret (Oros) Cuvar Sr.

On January 18, 1957, John married the love of his life, Thelma (Heaton) Cuvar, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Granite City. Together they shared a devoted marriage until her passing on November 15, 2016. John retired from Granite City Steel after 40 years of dedicated service as an electrician, a career marked by loyalty, skill, and pride in his work.

John cherished the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending his days fishing and always enjoyed trips to the casino. Along with his wife, he proudly owned and operated the K.O.A. Campground in Granite City, where they especially enjoyed visiting with campers and forming lasting friendships. He was also a longtime supporter of Special Olympics, a cause close to his heart.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Michael Cuvar; his daughter, Kathleen Sands; two brothers, Steve Cuvar and Philip Cuvar; and his sister, Joan McCracken.

He is survived by his sister, Jeanette Pinkston of Granite City; daughter-in-law, Schelly (Lawrence) Ehrhart of St. Louis; son-in-law, Johnny Sands of Granite City; four grandchildren, Shannon Cuvar, Amanda (Kenneth) Hedge, Benjamin Cuvar, and Daniel Sands; two great-grandsons, Michael Hedge and Dennis Hedge; as well as other extended family members and many friends.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.

Memorials may be made to Special Olympics of Illinois.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home