John Platter
Bethalto | Save
John R. Platter, 83, of Bethalto, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital under the care of BJC Hospice.
John was born on February 12, 1943, in Alton, the son of Wesley R. and Velda (Costello) Platter. On September 3, 1982, he married Sandra P. Niehaus, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellisville, MO. Together, John and Sandy shared more than 44 wonderful years of marriage. She survives and will forever hold him in her heart as her forever partner and the love of her life.
John proudly served his country as a United States Marine Veteran from 1961 to 1964. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career as a security guard at Granite City Steel, where he faithfully worked for 35 years before retiring on September 30, 2005. John was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree.
John found joy in the simple things in life. He enjoyed reading, traveling to Branson, Missouri, and spending time with his friends and family. Above all, his children and grandchildren were the center of his world. The love he had for them was like no other, and he treasured every moment they shared. He was especially excited about the arrival of his three soon-to-be great-grandchildren, a joy he held close to his heart. John and Sandy shared a special love for their greyhounds and cats, John absolutely adored his beloved animals. His love for his family, his devotion to Sandy, his love of animals, and the memories he created throughout his life will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Along with his wife Sandy, he is survived by his children, Rob (Vicki) Sontag of Washington, MO, and Tom (Rachel) Sontag of Bethalto; siblings, JoAnn (Mike) Hand of Florida, Susan Hurley of California, and Maria Robdelo (Steve's significant other) of Arizona; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Brown of Jerseyville; three grandchildren, Lizzy (Drew) Drummond, Hayden (Ashley) Sontag, and Hannah (John) Hubbard; three soon-to-be great-grandchildren on the way; and neighbors who are like family, Bobby Weeks, and John and Linda Allen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Steve Platter.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. A Knights of Columbus Chalice service will take place at 6:30 pm.
Mass will be on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10 am, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Celebrant will be Father Tom Liebler.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens, with Alton VFW Post 1308 performing military honors.
Memorials may be made to a local food pantry, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, or, in John’s memory, by simply being thoughtful and kind to others and paying if forward.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
