All Obituaries

William C. Erickson, age 88, of Grant Park, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at the Citadel of Kankakee.  He was born on August 5, 1932 in Steger, IL, the son of Arthur and Ruth (Peterson) Erickson.  He married Elsie Meyer on September 10, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Richton Park, IL.  William was a lifelong cabinet maker and also worked at Governors State University in University Park, IL for 19 years retiring in 1994.  He was a member of Immanuel...

Stephen Roger Bastic was born on May 28, 1931 and died on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.  He was a proud Marine Corp veteran.  He worked at Commonwealth Edison for 35 years and was retired for 34 years.  He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking.  He is survived by his loving life partner, Rebecca Mungove; one son, Steve (Carol) Bastic of Buckley; one daughter, Melissa Robinson of Watseka; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great...

J. Carol Ponton, age 85, of Tuscola, IL, formerly of Peotone, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at the Tuscola Health Care Center. She was born on December 25, 1935, the daughter of Edward and Justine (Dole) Gall.  She married Laurence E. Ponton on May 5, 1956 in Peotone.  He passed away on September 9, 2004.  Carol worked as a waitress at many local Peotone restaurants over the years.  She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Peotone.  She...

              Cheryl L. Younker, age 73, of Peotone, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at her home.             She was born on July 21, 1947 in Joliet, IL, the daughter of Harold and Fern (Reutz) Barten.  Cheryl married Lee W. Younker on November 15, 1975 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Peotone.  She was retired from the Village of Peotone where she...

            Bonnie J. Carstens, age 90, of Normal, IL; formerly of Peotone; passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.             Bonnie was born on August 27, 1930 in Peotone, IL, the daughter of Harry and Clara (Klemme) Schroeder.  She married Lyle M. Carstens on March 18, 1951 at Salem United Church of Christ in New Orleans, LA.  He passed away on...

        Jeff Johnston, age 58, of Oak Forest, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 15, 2021 at his home. He was born June 9, 1962 in West Point, NY.  Jeff was a graduate of Thornwood High School and worked for over 30 years for the State of Illinois Tourism Bureau.         Jeff is survived by his father and step-mother, Wayne (Linda) Johnston of Peotone; his siblings, Christy Goodwine, Rob Robinson, Nicole (Greg) Anderson,...

            Sean L. McGrath Jr., age 18, of Peotone, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 13, 2021.             Sean was born on April 8, 2002 in Naperville, IL.  He was a member of the 2020 graduating class at Peotone High School where he as a member of the marching band playing the flute and drums.  He enjoyed board and video gaming.  Sean also enjoyed the outdoors, especially...

Rena M. Rhodes, age 92, of rural Monee, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago, IL. She was born on January 22, 1929 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Harry and Geraldine (Ledyard) Seaman.  Rena worked as a clerk at several auto auctions in the area.  She attended Green Garden United Methodist Church and was an animal advocate rescuing many pets over the years.  She is survived by her husband, Samuel Rhodes; her...

Robert “Bob” John Gorz passed on January 11th, 2021 at 64 years of age following an arduous battle with covid-19. Bob was born in Chicago on April 21, 1956. He was the first born son of Ann and the late Casimir Gorz. Bob was also the dear brother of the late Roseann Nowak, Theresa Wolf (the late Steve Wolf), James (Fran) Gorz, Maryann (William) Fudacz, and Margaret (Bud) Podrazik. Bob was the beloved father to Keith, Mark, and Jaime (Jake) Gorz. Bob attended Bogan high school...

Leon V. Aylward, Jr., age 73, of Bourbonnais, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021 at his home surrounded by loved ones.   He was born on October 25, 1947 in Champaign, Illinois, the son of Leon and Jean (Misenheimer) Aylward. Leon was a graduate of El Paso High School and Illinois State University where he graduated with his master’s degree in education. Leon taught at Lincoln-Way Community High School District for 32 years. He taught in Costa Rica for 2 years and has many...