John B. Rue

John B. Rue, age 76, of Peotone, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 25, 1949, in Casey, IL, the son of Alonzo “Buck” and Alice (Ripple) Rue, the 6th of 13 children. He married Nancy Rukes on June 11, 1967, in Casey, IL. Always a hard worker, John began working with his dad and brothers in the plaster trade at a young age. After moving to Peotone in 1970, John worked as a carpenter and honed his craft over the years, building and remodeling homes and businesses throughout the area. He taught Building Trades at the Kankakee Area Career Center and returned to building homes until he took a position as a bailiff at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet, IL.

After retirement, he enjoyed restoring his ’53 Chevy truck and spending time with his grandsons and many friends. John was an avid reader, crossword puzzler, and did not miss a single sporting event or school program that involved his grandchildren. John was a fan of the Chicago Bears, White Sox and U of I football and basketball teams, a love for sports that he passed on to his family. A family man, his life was devoted to providing and caring for his loving wife and children.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy; his daughter, Cherie (Tom) Newton of Peotone; his son Michael (Lisa) of Naperville; 4 grandsons, Justin and Jason Newton and Augustus and Luke Rue. He is also survived by sisters Bonnie Baird of Martinsville, IL, Julie Briggs (Chuck) of Danville, IL, Melanie (David) Evans of Weatherford, Texas, and one brother, Richard (Kathy) of Houston, Texas, sister-and brother-in-law Richard and Susie (Rukes) Hawkins of Casey, IL, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Mary Sue Watson, Robert Rue, Ron Rue, Ben Rue, Tony Rue, Rodney Rue, Jack Rue and Andrea Rue.

Visitation will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home immediately following the visitation. Interment will be at a later date. Memorials in his name may be given to the American Cancer Society. Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com.