Justin "JR" Suess

Justin “JR” Suess, 32, of Edwardsville, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, with his family by his side.

JR was born April 2, 1993, to Kevin and Lori (nee Kampwerth) Suess, in Maryville, IL.

He was a heavy equipment operator for the IUOE Local 520 out of Granite City, IL. JR started at the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department on March 23, 2015, loving his time there and working his way up to Captain.

JR was a loving and caring soul whose presence made the world brighter. He was polite to everyone he met and truly never met a stranger. Whether it was a lifelong friend or someone he had just encountered, JR had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and at ease. His smile could light up any room he walked into, and his personality left a lasting impression on all who knew him. With an unmatched sense of humor and a natural gift for making others laugh, JR brought warmth and joy wherever he went and was deeply loved by many. He will forever be remembered, deeply missed, and always cherished.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jerome Kampwerth and Irma Kampwerth; paternal grandparents, Alfred Suess and Marie Suess; uncles, Larry Kampwerth and Danny Kampwerth.

JR is survived by his parents, Kevin and Lori Suess, Edwardsville, IL; siblings, Danielle Suess, Edwardsville, IL, and Tyler Suess, El Paso, TX; nieces, Peyton Marie and Lainey Nicole; aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

Memorials may be made to the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department.

Celebration of Life service will be scheduled at a later date.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL