John W. Buell

John W. Buell passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 89, with his family at his side. Born in Waukegan, Ill., on Feb. 5, 1935, to Carlos and Sara (Warner) Buell. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Bonnie (Rudland) Buell, two brothers Monte and Phillip (in infancy), daughter Cathleen Killacky, stepdaughters Debra Haberkorn and Lori Mussario and stepson Jeff Bettenhausen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Janet; children, Karen Buell, John M. (Adrienne) Buell, Lori Macaluso, Thomas (Michelle) and Steven (Eryn) Buell; sister Eve (Edmund) Pellettiere; and brother Michael (Judith) Buell.

He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Kelly (Ramon) Montoya, Erin Cullison, Anthony (Jennifer) Macaluso, Samantha Buell, Nicholas Buell, Kyle Haberkorn, Emma Buell, Holly Macaluso, Morgen Buell, Adam Buell, Thomas Buell, Joseph Buell and John Buell; five great-grandchildren, Carlos and Madelyn Montoya, Avanna Macaluso, Laikyn Novak and Michael Macaluso. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

John graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1952 and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956.  He retired from Illinois Bell in 1993, following 37 years of service. He was a 60-year member of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, heavily involved with all aspects of church life, where he served on the council and as an usher.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing and attending all his grandchildren’s athletic, music and dance events. In later years, his summers were spent in Longville, Minn., at his log cabin on Mule Lake.

Visitation for John will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Blackburn- Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Lenox.  He will lie in state from 10:00 to 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his seven grandsons and great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in John’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church or Lightways Hospice.