OBITUARIES

Sep 3, 2025

Richard L. "Rick" Pelton, age 77, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Rick was born in Joliet, Illinois on March 25, 1948. The older of two sons, he challenged his parents with his boundless energy and insatiable intellect. As a young man, he read the dictionary and his thirst for knowledge endured throughout his life.

Rick graduated from Joliet West...

Aug 30, 2025

William “Bill” E. Dow

William E. Dow passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at the age of 82.

A lifelong resident of Joliet, Bill attended St. Raymond’s School, where he met his best friend and future wife of 51 years, Ginny (nee Bussey). Bill went on to graduate from Joliet Township High School and Lewis University, eventually earning his MBA from...

Sep 3, 2025

Barbara Therese Craig passed away at home on September 3, 2025. She had been surrounded by the love of her family for the past several months as her health declined. Barbara was born on November 17, 1937 in Joliet, IL, the youngest of five children of Thomas R. (“Rod”) and Margaret (Jaksa) Chamberlin. She grew up in Ridgewood on Joliet’s...

Sep 7, 2025

Fern Henslee

Age 70, passed away Sunday September 7, 2025 at The Pearl of Joliet.

Survived by her sister Karen (Johnnie) Pena; brother Ralph McDonald; nieces Sarah (Jesse) Davis and Melissa Lopez; nephew Jacob (Rocco) Pena; great nieces Alexis (Cole) Rodriguez, Jasmine Reyes and Jayden Reyes; one great great nephew Rowan Rodriguez. Special friends Lynn and Gary Martincic.

Preceded in death by her...

Aug 28, 2025

Aug 17, 2025

Dawn Arlene French

Nee: Bowers

Age 100, passed away, Sunday August 17, 2025 at Meadowbrook Manor in Naperville.

Survived by her children Gary (Joyce) French, William (Debbie) French and Bonnie (Jim) Ramseyer;

grandchildren Michele French, Nicole (Gene) Krumonacker, Kimberly French, Brian (Heather) French, Brandon (Adriane) French, Kyle (Jenny) French, Heather Stinnett, Melissa Wilson, Brian Ramseyer and James Ramseyer; 17 great grandchildren and three great...

Aug 17, 2025

Ruth A. Bookout “Ruthie”

Nee: Remus

Age 86, passed away Sunday August 17, 2025 at Brookdale of Lisle.

Survived by her daughter Dana (Bob) Lill; grandchildren and great grandchildren Jennifer (Kevin) Muff, their children Leo and Matilda; Kevin (Sarah) Lill their children Noah and Jack; Steven (Kendall) Lill, their child McKenna; one sister Kitty (John) Moore; one brother-in-law Jim Maloney. Numerous nieces and...

Aug 16, 2025

Bryan Keith Berry, better known as Keith to his family and friends, ran into the loving arms of Jesus on August 16, 2025, surrounded by his four loving daughters. Keith was known for his easygoing personality and warm smile, his love for Jesus, his passion for music, and his unwavering loyalty to the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Louisville...

Aug 7, 2025

Phillip “Tony” Keating

Born: December 23, 1936, Morris, IL

Died: August 7, 2025, Crest Hill, IL

Age 88, longtime Joliet resident, passed away peacefully at Willow Falls Senior Living.

Tony’s life was shaped by three influences: his parents, the Christian Brothers, and his wife. Raised in a large Catholic family, his love for his faith and classical music began at an early age. When...

Aug 6, 2025

Carolyn J. Minnick

Nee: Gallagher

Age 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 6, 2025 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County.

Survived by her daughter Jayne (Scott) Worden; grandson Daniel Worden; granddaughter Emily Worden; sisters Colleen (James) Lawson and Debra (Kenneth) Dassow. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceded in death by her loving husband Richard W. Minnick; son Brian Minnick; parents...

Jul 25, 2025

Guadalupe “Lupe” Gutierrez Marquez

Born: December 11, 1923, Chicago, IL

Died: July 25, 2025, Joliet, IL

Guadalupe “Lupe” Gutierrez Marquez passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, Illinois. A gift of pure grace and love, she was in her 102nd year of a very full and loving life.

Lupe was born in Chicago to Ventura and...

Jul 24, 2025

Diane Shutts was born on May 13, 1949, in Hays, Kansas. She attended school in Hays until 1964, when her family relocated to Pratt, Kansas. Diane graduated from Pratt High School in 1967 and earned her associate’s degree from Pratt Community College in 1969.

She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Kansas in...

Jul 16, 2025

Jerine Ann Di Giulio, 86, passed away on Wednesday July 16th, 2025. 

Jeri was born on September 1st, 1938 in Joliet, IL to Palmer and Pasqua Di Giulio. She grew up in a loving Italian American family where education was highly valued. Jeri graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1956, The College of St Francis in 1960, and received a Masters...

Jul 14, 2025

Jessie Belle Drew

Age 94, passed away peacefully Monday July 14th, 2025 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County.

Survived by her loving daughter Michelle (Michael) Varman; grandchildren Nicholas and Samantha Varman; sister-in-law Jeanne Drew. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceded in death by her son Scott in infancy; parents Ross and Vera (Barr); brothers Russell (Ginny), Richard (Donna), David, Merle...

Jul 8, 2025

TERESA JOAN (CALCATERRA) EVANS, 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Willow Falls Assisted Living Memory Care Unit, in Crest Hill, Illinois. Teresa was born on January 3, 1929, in the home of her parents, George and Mary (Louisa) Calcaterra in Joliet, Illinois.

A lifelong Joliet resident, she matriculated through grade schools at McKinley Park School and...

Jul 6, 2025

Adam Mark Nelson, a cherished husband, father, son and friend, passed away unexpectedly on July 6th at the age of 39. Born on Aug 30, 1985 in Joliet, preceded in death by his daughter, Olivia (Grace) Nelson. Adam was the life of the party, sarcastic, fun, and the always the jokester. Adam's greatest joy in life was his son, Owen...

Jun 22, 2025

Gabor Kecskes

January 14 1940–June 22, 2025

Age 85, passed away unexpectedly Sunday June 22, 2025 at Edwards Hospital, Naperville.

Survived by his one daughter Becky (Gregory) Smith; grandson Matthew (Amanda) Smith; two great grandchildren Callum and Hallie Smith; one granddaughter Gabrielle (Ryan) Bright; one sister Margit Kesckes.

Preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years Marilyn Kecskes-Marchio; one son Michael Kecskes;...

Jun 16, 2025

Johnnie Lee Williams, born on July 11, 1950, in Marianna, Arkansas, became one with the ancestors on June 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and service that touched countless lives. He was affectionately known by his nickname “Hump” by family and friends. Johnnie was married to the late Linda Williams in 1981. He was the beloved son...

Jun 10, 2025

Pedro Pantoja

Age 93, passed away Tuesday June 10, 2025 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home.

Survived by six children; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. 14 brothers and sisters also survive.

Preceded in death by his parents; 2 children and 3 brothers and sisters.

Born in Mexico, living in Joliet. Pedro was a retired construction laborer.

He will be missed by all of...

Jun 9, 2025

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a truly remarkable soul, our beloved father, Michael Beebe, age 73, of Gardner, Illinois, who departed this world on June 9, 2025. Preceded in death by his parents, Anna Marie Beebe and Wayne Orson Beebe Jr., and his dear sister, Rose Ann Mersinger (Will), and best friend Brad...