John Harnacker, 95, of Wildwood died Aug. 23, 2025, at Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur. Mr. Harnacker was born in Pardan, Yugoslavia. His father was killed while serving in the military, leaving his family to fend for themselves. They eventually moved to Romania, then to Hungary and later settled in Austria. They remained in Austria for four years and there, he learned the trade of brick laying. He and his family came to the U.S. by boat and landed in New Orleans. They eventually made their way to St. Louis in 1952.
John later met and married Linda and they shared more than 44 years together. He became an instant father to Linda's children and considered them his own. He loved spending time with and caring for his family.
Because of his early German influence, Mr. Harnacker was involved in the St. Louis German Cultural Society for many years. His masonry skills were used to help build the German Society's hall located on Jefferson Ave. He was a member of the Brick Layer's Union Local 1 for more than 50 years and owned and operated Mercury Masonry for more than 30 years.
He enjoyed listening to polka music and dancing. He also loved throwing a fishing line in the lake, sitting in his chair drinking wine and talking to people that passed by. He will be remembered for his love of family, kindness and outgoing and magnetic personality. Born September 30, 1929, in Pardan, he was the son of the late Jacob and Barbara (Kutschal) Harnacker.
He is survived by his wife: Linda (Wilkerson) Harnacker; two children: Colleen (Robert) Phillips-Caton and Kenneth (Dana) Phillips; four grandchildren: Carissa (Kyle) Caton-Wagner, Ashley (Brett) Caton-Nungester, Kade Phillips and Ryn Phillips; and three great-grandchildren: Jace, Kit and Calvin.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Frank Harnacker.
Visitation is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. until a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road, in Ballwin. Entombment will follow in Bellerive Gardens Mausoleum in Creve Coeur. Memorials may be made to Pony Bird. Arrangements are under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory.