Obituaries

Emma Homa

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 8:59am

BRACEVILLE—Emma JoAnn Homa, nee Weathers, 82, of Braceville, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Aug. 16, 1942, in Litchfield, IL. Emma dedicated much of her life to her community, serving as the Braceville village treasurer for many years and volunteering at the Braceville United Methodist church. Her unwavering commitment to the town she called home for 44 years was a testament to her deep love for others. Emma had a heart of gold and was a warrior who survived several bouts of cancer.

Joe Cora

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 10:47am

COAL CITY—On the evening of Dec. 7, 2024, the sky was filled with the most vibrant sunset. This was a beautiful sight that brought calm and peace to the hearts of the family and friends as Joe Cora, born May 20, 1968, passed away peacefully and pain-free later that evening.
Joe was a man, as the Bible references in 1 Corinthians, 9:22, that was all things to all people. Joe's love and forgiveness knew no bounds. When he loved you, he loved you with his whole self.

Pastor Caleb B. Counterman

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 10:45am

MORRIS—Pastor Caleb B. Counterman, 48, of Morris, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Joan M. Ferari

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 9:20am

WILMINGTON—Joan M. Ferari, 81, of Wilmington, passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.
Born Jan. 18, 1943 in Chicago, Joan Marie was a daughter of Stanley and Eve Erchul. She was raised and educated in Chicago and on Aug. 28, 1971, she married Charles Ferari Sr. Joan was an avid reader and a woman of strong faith. She will be remembered for being a loving wife and mother who cherished her family above all else.

Barbara K. Cooley

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 9:18am

COAL CITY—Barbara K. Cooley, 75, of Coal City, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at Morris Hospital.
She was born on Jan. 5, 1949 in Chicago, to Bob and Martha (nee Terry) Crain. She grew up in the Skokie area. Barbara married Alan V. Cooley Sr. on Sept. 24, 1972. Together they raised three sons. Barbara was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Being with her family was the joy of her life.

Walter Stromquist

Published by admin on Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:32am

WILMINGTON—Walter “Wally” Stromquist, 84, of Wilmington, formerly of Chicago and Richton Park, L, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at his home.

Gerald Halm

Published by admin on Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:30am

WILMINGTON—Gerald Halm, 84, of Wilmington, formerly of Midlothian, IL, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at Ascension Villa Franciscan Nursing Home in Joliet.

Thomas W. Atherton, Jr.

Published by admin on Thu, 12/05/2024 - 9:40am

WILMINGTON—Thomas “Tom” Atherton, Jr., 82 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Sunday Dec. 1, 2024, with his family at his side. Born on June 7, 1942 in Chicago, Tom was the son of Thomas and Margaret (McKay) Atherton. He attended New Lenox grade and high schools. Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Army. In 1960 he married Sandra “Sandy” Stephens. He was an Operating Engineer and member of I.U.O.E. Local 150. Tom was also a 50 year member of the A.F. & A.M. Matteson Lodge No. 175.

Lawrence Murphy

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 12:41pm

COLORADO—Lawrence “Larry” Murphy, 81, of Niwot, CO passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2024.
He was born to William (Bill) and Josephine Murphy on April 24, 1943 in Gary, IN. Larry grew up in Coal City and in high school received his Ham Radio License with call letters, NBA. Larry would string antennas all over his parent’s yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he obtained a masters degree in Electrical Engineering.

Eugenia Palmer

Published by admin on Mon, 12/02/2024 - 12:37pm

MORRIS—Eugenia "Jean" Palmer, 88, of Morris, and formerly of Friendswood, TX, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Serenity Estates in Morris.