http://www.duffyfuneralhome.com/

Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home, 903 W Custer Avenue, Pontiac, IL (2026)

01/27/2026

Samuel J. Lambert, Sr. was born on December 28, 1930, to Edwin and Jesse (Love) Lambert is Morris, IL. He married Ellen Eggenberger on January 13, 1952. She survives.

Other survivors are his sons Sam, Jr. (Kristy) and Don (Linda) both of Pontiac and daughter Nancy (Bob) Fox of Saunemin. Grandchildren Becky (Jimm) Edinger, John (Stacey) Lambert, Kelly (Jude) Gentsch, Jamie Fox, Dan (Val) Fox, Brian (Ashley) Lambert, Neil (Paige) Lambert and a brother Earl (Carol) Lambert. Also surviving are 10 great grandchildren.

Predeceased family members are grandchildren Jill Lambert-Bane, and Ross Lambert; and brother Bob (Janice) Lambert and in-laws John D. and Alice Eggenberger.

Sam was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was a long-time board member of Owego School. He graduated from Saunemin High School and spent his career farming on the Cayuga Ridge. He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and was a big fan of the Pontiac Indians and St. Mary’s Saints.

A family celebration will be held at a later date.

01/21/2026

Patricia “Pat” I. Fogarty, age 90, of Pontiac, IL, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at 9:11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Tjardes Health Center at Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Pontiac, with Father Robert Rayson officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to her service, starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac.

Memorials in Pat’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Pat was born on December 17, 1936, in Pontiac, IL, to William Wink and Alvine (Winterland) Wink. She married the love of her life, Lloyd J. Fogarty on October 5, 1957, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Odell, IL. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2013.

She is survived by her two sons: Tim (Patsy) Fogarty of Pontiac, IL; Tom (Jeanne) Fogarty of Rogers Park, IL; one grandchild: Aaron (Amy) Cushing of Bloomington, IL; and four step great-grandchildren: Tyler Cushing of Seattle, WA; Beckett, Greyson and Wyatt Krienbihl of Bloomington, IL. She is also survived by one brother: Larry (Linda) Wink of Pontiac, IL; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 55 years, one brother: Donald Wink, and two sisters: Margaret Semmen and Rosemary Lewis.

Pat graduated from Pontiac Township High School, the class of 1954. She was employed for many years at Sears Catalog desk in Pontiac. She also worked for over 19 years at Associated Dentist in Pontiac until her retirement.

Pat way a loyal and faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, IL.

Pat was the matriarch of the close family. She would love to host holiday dinners, family parties, and catching up with friends and classmates over lunch. She also enjoyed keeping her yard beautiful and tidy and watching the Chicago Cubs. Above all, Pat loved her family and spending quality time with them. She made countless unforgettable memories with her children and grandchildren that will now forever live on through their stories and in their hearts.

She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The Fogarty family would like to extend their utmost HEARTFELT THANK YOU to the staff at Evenglow Lodge for their tender love, care, and kindness over the years.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

01/17/2026

Mary Octavia (Hartwick) Monical, of Pontiac, IL passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at her home in Pontiac, IL.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on March 2nd at 11 am. There will be a receiving line for visitors from 10 am -11 am.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Pontiac or the Legion of Mary.

Mary was born March 2, 1931, in Blue Earth MN, daughter of George Adam and Olivia Elizabeth Bartel Hartwick. Her parents and six siblings preceded her in death. She is survived by her 17 children, 41 grandchildren, and 24 greatgrandchildren, an extended family of nieces and nephews and their descendants.

Mary graduated from the College of St. Theresa in Winona, MN. She continued her studies as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Munich, Germany. In 1954, she married George Dale Monical, former corporal of the US Army, who served in Korea. George and Mary Monical resided in Minnesota and Kansas before settling in Pontiac in 1964.

Mary attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church, joined her husband in the CPA practice in 1967, and continued her studies in accounting at LaSalle Extension University, ISU, U of I and Heartland College.

She became a CPA herself in 1988, and continued running the accounting firm after her husband’s death in 1990. Mary held membership in various organizations including the Illinois and Minnesota poetry societies, Legion of Mary, Daughters of Isabella, Peoria Diocese Women in the Church and in Society and the VFW auxiliary. She was awarded the Pro Ecclesia medal from Pope John Paul II. She enjoyed reading, gardening, making rosaries, playing the viola, writing poems, and family get-togethers, whether in person, by correspondence, telephone, zoom, google meet, dinners, or celebrations.

01/15/2026

Barbara Ann “Babs” Ostrom (nee Harjes-Wind) 89 of Dwight, IL passed away on January 15th, 2026.

Formerly of Jacksonville, FL, and Coal City, IL. Born May 18, 1936, in Madison, WI. she was primarily raised in North Lake, IL. She attended and graduated from Proviso East High School. This is where she met the love of her life, Warren whom she married on July 15, 1955, in New Buffalo, MI. She remained married nearly 66 years until Warren’s passing in 2021.

She was retired from Walt Disney World where she was a Main Street Greeter, a job she loved and couldn’t wait to have. She was a huge fan of Mickey Mouse. Babs loved spreading the magic that was Disney and sprinkling fairy dust anywhere she could. Babs was a past President of the Romeoville JayShees and was very involved in scouting as a den mother and one of her favorite projects, working with the kids at the Special Olympics. She also was a crafter and shared her love with her scouts, her grandchildren and her daycare kids. She loved her family and all the dachshunds her and her husband, Warren bred and raised.

She is preceded in passing by husband, Warren Leroy Ostrom, Sr., her parents Walter and Elizabeth Harjes, her in-laws Hugh and Edna Ostrom, son Teddy Ostrom, sisters Margaret Price and Patricia Harjes, brother William Wind, brother-in-law Gary Reitz, brother-in-law Wayne Ostrom, Sr., sister-in-law Gail Ostrom, son-in-law Raymond Matesevac and nephews Todd Ostrom, Thomas Ostrom, and Wayne Ostrom, Jr.

Babs is survived by her son; MSgt. Warren L. Ostrom, Jr., retired (Linda), daughters; Tamara Runchey (John) and Colleen Ostrom (Donna Bennett), grandchildren; Warren L. Ostrom, III (Shena), Elizabeth Blankenship (Joshua), Jillian Foster, Jake Watts (Lauren), Justin Watts (Charlie), Jessica Runchey, Sarah Runchey and Taylor Bennett and great-grandchildren; Levi & Ezra Blankenship and baby girl Blankenship due Spring 2026, Halie, Kyle and Nathan Foster, Aubrey, Riley, Cailey and Jake Watts, Jr., Natalie Watts, sister Dottie Reitz, brother-in-law Bryan Price, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Walter and Betty Ostrom and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Babs’ family would like to thank all the caring individuals at Arc of Dwight for their care over the last four years. Also, our deepest gratitude to UpliftedCare in Bourbonnais for your care. Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded. She will be joining her beloved husband Warren Ostrom, Sr. at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park in Jacksonville, FL. Arrangements entrusted to Hager Memorial Home in Dwight, IL.

As it would be Babs’ greeting and goodbye every day for many years, it would be appropriate on her behalf to end this with “Have a Magical Day”.

01/13/2026

Dr. Teresa “Teri” Arlene (Wickenhauser) Saxton of Pontiac, IL passed away on January 12, 2026 in Peoria at the OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home surrounded by her children. She was born on June 13, 1958 in Clinton, IL. She lived in California then Pontiac, IL for most of her life.

She is survived by her 5 children, Erin (Joe) Snodgrass of Springfield, IL, Eric (Allyson) Saxton of Pontiac, IL, Emily Saxton of Pontiac, IL, Ellen (Mike) Ashbaker of Washington, IL, and Liz (Josh) Meisner of Pontiac, IL. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren, Landry, Wilder, Mercy Saxton, Myla Meisner, and Addie, Mason Ashbaker as well as a sister-in-law, Fran Switzer of Wyoming.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 44 years, Douglas Saxton, who passed away on January 7, 2022. She is also preceded by her parents Frankie and Ernest Wickenhauser, and her 3 brothers.

Teri dedicated her life to nursing and serving others. She attended Pontiac High School and received her nursing degree from Mennonite College of Nursing. She went on to obtain her PhD. in nursing from Illinois State University. She worked at OSF St. James Hospital for many years from a candy striper to a nursing administrator. She taught nursing at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University, Heartland Community College (where she also served as a Dean), St. Francis University, and at Olivet Nazarene University. She worked at the Livingston County Health Department as well. However, her favorite job was spoiling her grandkids.

Teri enjoyed shopping, baking, sewing, crafting, cross-stitching, knitting, and crocheting. She spent countless hours on costumes for the Vermillion Players Theater, making flags for the PTHS color guard, creating and mending items for her children, grandchildren, friends, and family. Teri enjoyed anything to do with her kids and even more so, anything to do with her grandkids.

A visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church in Pontiac, IL on Monday, January 19th, 2026 from 9:00am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00am. A private family burial service will be done at a later date following cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home or Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University.

01/13/2026

Julia F. Dwyer, 94, of Geneva, Illinois, passed away at 8:39 P.M., on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 W. Hamilton St., Odell, Il. 60460. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 P.M. also at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Paul Cemetery in Odell, Illinois.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Julia was born on November 16, 1931, in Nevada Township, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas J and Ethel J (Lynch) Dwyer.

Julia is survived by her nieces, Anne Dwyer (late Stephan) Breitenbach of Hartford, WI, Cathy (Steve) Medearis of Geneva, IL.; her nephew, Michael (Donna) Dwyer in Odell, IL.; her great nieces, Grace (Nils) Niemeier, Lisa Medearis; her great nephews, Luke (Kate Schindler) Breitenbach, Bob Breitenbach, Christopher (Donalyn) Medearis, and Daniel Dwyer; and her three great great niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents, her brother Thomas E. Dwyer, and her sister-in-law Mary Dwyer.

Julie was raised on a farm in Odell and graduated from St. Paul High School. She worked for many years as a secretary and purchasing agent at two Veterans Hospitals including Edward Hines Veterans Hospital in Maywood, IL. Julie often attended daily Mass and brought communion to several shut-ins. She was always the happiest when she was helping others. Julie lived in various suburbs of Chicago, including Hillside, Wheaton, Geneva and St. Charles. One of her favorite things to do was to bake angel food cakes to share with family, friends and neighbors. She loved to attend family gatherings and especially enjoyed visiting her brother, Tom Dwyer, at his farm in Odell. Julie was a kind and caring person beloved by all who knew her. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.

Memorial donations in Julia’s name may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 W. Hamilton St., Odell, Il. 60460.

01/10/2026

Ruth Carol Schlosser, age 71, passed away on Sunday, January 4th, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.

Ruth is survived by her beloved husband Donald Schlosser; step son Nathan (Elissa) Schlosser; step daughter Emily (Scott) Johnson; step grandchildren, Mason Schlosser, Darien and Blake; step great grandchild, Elliot; her siblings, Don (Cindi Liffick) Semmens, and Barbara (Bill) Reeves; her nieces Makinzi (Austin) Semmens-Norman and Payton Semmens; and her great nieces, Scarlette and Charlotte.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Semmens and Carol Herdien; Her brother, Jeff Semmens, sister in law, Billie Semmens, her step mother Jennefer Semmens; and her in laws, Milford and Rita Schlosser

Ruth was a second grade teacher for over 35 years with the Pontiac School District #429. She was a proud member of United Methodist Church, where for many years she taught Sunday School and started the group MOPS “Mothers of Preschoolers”. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. Ruth also had a group of her high school classmates that would get together and visit that called themselves “72 Here for You”. In her spare time she loved to travel, having visited all 50 states along with 8 ocean cruises all around the world. Above all else though, she loved her family deeply and will be missed by all that knew her. Ruth always had a smile on her face and just loved life and was the type to do anything for anyone. To be loved by Ruth was a blessing to all that knew her, she impacted the lives of so many people and her memory will never fade.

Services for Ruth will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 with a visitation at United Methodist Church, 219 N. Chicago Street, in Pontiac from 9am-11am. The funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh and Rev. Tiffany Black at 11am. She will be laid to rest at Southside Cemetery privately.

01/05/2026

John N. Diemer, 85, of rural Pontiac, passed away at 9:37 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at his home in rural Pontiac, Il.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, 903 W. Custer Ave., Pontiac, IL 61764. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be at Sunnyslope Cemetery in Saunemin, Illinois, followed by lunch at the Saunemin Community Building.

John was born on April 20, 1940, in Pontiac, IL, the son of George J. and Fannie B. (Johnson) Diemer. He was united in marriage to Mary "Liz" Eggenberger on November 7, 1959, in Odell, Illinois.

John is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Gordon) Kinate of Fairbury, IL and his son, Doug (Lisa) Diemer of Bloomington, IL; his seven grandchildren, Bryan (Elizabeth) Diemer, Jennifer (Talon) Roeder, Pete (Katie) Kinate, Liz Kinate, Brady Diemer, Corey (Ellen) Diemer, and Casey Diemer; and his nine great grandchildren, Bailey, Meredith, Jameson, and Claire Diemer, Nolan, Halle and Kolby Kinate, and Imogen and Elodie Roeder.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Mary "Liz" Diemer; his children, Diane Diemer and Dale Diemer; and his siblings, June Diemer and Alvin Diemer.

John was a lifelong farmer who, although seemingly retired, was present daily at his farm to help in any way that he could. He personally handled all of the combining duties this past fall as he has done for many decades.

He was an avid basketball fan, especially loved Illini basketball, and attended the Big 10 and state basketball tournament for many years. He enjoyed the Pontiac Holiday Tournament for nearly 75 years.

John liked to fish and looked forward to the family vacation to Kentucky Lake each year, a Diemer tradition he started 57 years ago.

Memorial donations in John's name may be directed to Saunemin Fire Protection District, 56 Center St. Saunemin, IL 61769.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

01/05/2026

Terry “Grub” Lee Ragle, of Pontiac, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 5:35 a.m.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral home, 903 W. Custer Ave., Pontiac, Il. 61764. A celebration of life service will follow at 12:00 P.M., also at the funeral home. Interment will be at South Side Cemetery in Pontiac.

Terry was born on May 3, 1954, in Springfield, Illinois. The son of Oral Claude and Betty Ruth (Thorn) Ragle. He was united in marriage to Kim Marie Vollentine on July 21, 1984 in Pontiac, Illinois.

Terry was one of four children and a 1973 graduate of Pontiac Township High School. He served in the US Air Force 1974-1979 where he was proud to be stationed in Istanbul, Turkey. Terry worked at Pontiac Caterpillar from 1979 until his retirement in 2010. He prided himself on being among the first round of hires when the plant opened. He was the president of UAW Local 2096 for several terms while he was working, which was a passion and a privilege for him.

Terry was also a proud member of American Legion 78, where he was a past commander. Terry was a member of Wolf Creek golf course for 27 years, where he enjoyed many rounds, including the Thursday night men’s league. Terry enjoyed the Holiday Tournament in Pontiac and rarely missed a session. Terry loved all sports but rooted hardest for the Cubs, Bears, and of course the Fighting Illini, which he was so proud his daughter graduated from.

Terry’s real passion was his family. He deeply loved his wife Kim, daughter Stephanie, whom he adored, and strongly supported in every sport possible as a kid, hoping one would stick, and his granddaughter Edith was the special light of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife Kim of 41 years, daughter Stephanie (Tom) Schlimgen, granddaughter Edith, his siblings Mark (Barb) Ragle, Karen (Bryan) Beecher, mother-in -law Shirley Vollentine, and his seven nieces and nephews, his fifteen great nieces and nephews, and two special care givers, Reeda and Sarah.

Terry was preceded in death by parents Oral and Betty, Sister Kathy, and father-in-law Ken.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Terry’s name be made to the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, Pontiac Humane Society, Pontiac Library or donors choice.

Kim and family want to say a big thank you for all the help and support over the years that Terry fought his illnesses. Terry will be remembered for his loving and fun character and will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

01/02/2026

Rodney J. Rasmussen, age 89, of Pontiac, IL, passed away at 12:13 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Evenglow Inn, Pontiac.

Cremation rites have been accorded. His visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, located at 903 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac.

Memorials in Rod’s memory may be made to the ALS Foundation or the Livingston County (Illinois) Historical Society.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with his arrangements.

Rod was born on January 9, 1936, in Pontiac, IL, to Lloyd and Verna (Brennan) Rasmussen. He married Barbara (Oswald) Rasmussen on June 21, 1958. She preceded him in death on October 16, 1996. He married Mary (Grimm) Rasmussen on September 9, 2000. She preceded him in death on October 20, 2005.

Rod is survived by his children: Joseph (Jeannie Donovan) Rasmussen of Champaign, IL, Mary Rasmussen of Pontiac, IL, William Rasmussen of Pontiac, IL; grandchildren: Annie Rasmussen, Kyle Rasmussen, Alex (Jordan DePerez-Rasmussen) Rasmussen, Kate Rasmussen, Sofia (Lissandro) Rasmussen-Ortiz, Elise Rasmussen; and four great grandchildren.

Rod is preceded in death by his beloved parents and wives.

He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, IL.

Rod graduated in 1954 from St. Paul High School in Odell, IL. He then attended St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge, Rod worked in graphics arts at Johnson Press, Shanebrook Graphics, and Flying Color Graphics. He retired in 1992.

Rod was an extremely gifted artist. He enjoyed painting with watercolors, oils, and pastels. He was also an advanced and accomplished wood carver. Another pastime Rod enjoyed throughout his life was refurnishing furniture. He also enjoyed traveling and golfing during his retirement years. Above all, Rod loved his family. He made countless memories with his family and friends. Those memories will forever be cherished by those who loved him.

Rod was a devoted husband, a wonderful Dad, and a proud grandfather affectionately known as “GrandPops”.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

12/29/2025

Kathleen "Kathy" (Lavin) Campbell, age 72, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, December 22, 2025 at The Pointe at Pontiac with her family by her side.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years Rick Campbell; Her children Angela(Mark) Weber of Pontiac, IL, and Shannon (Nicole) Campbell also of Pontiac. She also leaves behind 3 Grandchildren that she adored Jordan, Madison, and Ava.

Other survivors include: Brothers Mike(Lydia) Lavin of San Diego, CA, Tim (Susan) Lavin of Seattle, WA; Sister-in-law Linda Lavin also of Seattle, WA; Brother-in-Laws Greg (Ruth) Campbell and Todd(Patsy) Campbell both of Pontiac, Larry Miller of Southern Illinois, and Dave McCaskey of Texas; Sister-in-law Lori Schultz Campbell of Pontiac.

She is preceded in death by her parents Dr Michael Lavin and Ann (Brady) Lavin. As well as her father and mother-in-law Dick and Ann Campbell. Her brother Bill Lavin; sister and brother-in-law Pat(Harvey) Morowitz; brother-in-law Tim Campbell and Sister-in-laws Cindi McCaskey, Jody Miller, and Sharon Hinshaw.

Kathy Campbell was born on June 17th 1952 to Dr. Michael and Ann Lavin here in Pontiac Illinois. She graduated from Pontiac high school in 1969 and married the love of her life Rick on June 19th, 1971. Kathy was a stay at home mom until she started babysitting in the early 80’s and fell in love with the opportunity to help positively affect the kids in her community. Later in life she was responsible for cleaning Pub 13. She took so much pride in that job over the years. Kathy was a life long Catholic here at St Mary’s. She attended mass as well as fell in love with volunteering at the food pantry at St Mary’s. Most of all Kathy loved being a Wife, Mom, Grandma and Friend. Her life was based on these relationships. She worked on them like a full time job, and she was always there to listen as long as a cup of coffee was involved. Kathy loved family time, especially family reunions, whether they were at Uncle Jim’s in El Paso or the week long reunions at the Wisconsin Dells. She was never more at peace than when her entire family was together. She always liked to be in the background letting her loved ones and friends shine. She will be greatly missed by all who received her love.

Services for Kathy will begin on Tuesday January 6th, 2026 with a visitation at Duffy Baier Snedecor Funeral Home from 4-6 pm. Service will continue on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 with a Mass of Catholic Burial held at St. Mary’s Church at 10 am. Kathy will be inured at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary’s Food Pantry in Kathy’s name would be appreciated.

12/26/2025

Kerry Lee Foster, 84, passed away on December 24,2025 at Goldwater Care in Pontiac, IL.

Kerry is survived by his wife Carol Ann (Schieler) Foster; his children, Jeffrey Lee (Pam) Foster, Jay Alan (Jill) Foster, Jodie Lynn DeBartoli, Jackie Sue Huxtable, and Joseph William (Brandy) Foster; his 10 grandchildren; and his 9 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorthy Foster; his sisters, Betty Baer and Caroline Maddox: and his son-in-law Mick Huxtable.

Kerry was in the printing business from the early 1970s – late 2000s at Kruger, Donnell's Print Shop, Ringier, and RR Donnelley's in Pontiac IL. He loved the shock factor of being able to say he was a stripper (as in he would take/strip the film for negatives for printing). He spent some of his later adult life driving parts which he enjoyed because he could drive which he loved to do. He also spent a time working janitorial at the Pontiac Parks and Recreation. Kerry also enjoyed his days of rocking the “firefighter stash”, which was fitting for the time that he served as a volunteer firefighter with Pontiac Fire Department as well as an EMT with Duffy ambulance services.

Kerry was also a junk connoisseur, affectionately known as “Curby 1” that would check curb trash along with his faithful sidekick and friend “Curby 2” (Mark Pierce). Kerry loved to get the junk, and set up and sell it at flea markets, especially Emmit's which drew crowds right next to the Threshermans Park. Among his collection he had so many computer boards that he could stretch them from Pontiac to China and back. He also was an avid coin collector and had a blast hunting with his metal detector to find all the treasures. While out with his metal detector, he would also keep an eye out for arrowheads, Morel mushrooms and was always scouting places to pan for gold.

Kerry always tried to be a jokester, especially towards his grandkids and great grandkids. He had a fun game with them all that he jokingly called “Pinch Bug”. He would tell them “Don't make me get the pinch bug out”. Another prank that will always be remembered was an incident with some ketchup, and his ability to affectionately name everyone “McGillicuddy”.

Until we can meet again, and join the on going Canasta game in the sky, even though the girls always win!

Services for Kerry will be held at a later date

Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home

01/27/2026

01/21/2026

01/17/2026

01/15/2026

01/13/2026

01/13/2026

01/10/2026

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

01/02/2026

12/29/2025

12/26/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category