John Richard Chezem, 88, of Galesburg, died at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Heartland Health Care and Rehab.
John was born August 23, 1931 in Alexis, the son of Alpha Douglas and Mary Ellen (Bedford) Chezem. He married Juanita J. Weedman in 1950. She preceded him in death in 1990. He later married Grace Green Hardine on October 5, 1991 in Galesburg. Grace survives, as do two sons, Michael Chezem of Makanda and Mark (Lori) Chezem of Galesburg; two daughters, Linda (Deb Worden) Chezem and Janet Taylor both of Galesburg; one step-daughter, Stacey (David) Farrell of Galesburg; and two step-sons, Tim (Marianne) Hardine of Bolingbrook and Mick (Susan) Hardine of Pella, IA. John is also survived by eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and one sister, Brenda Switzer of Santa Rosa, CA. Along with his parents and first wife, John was preceded in death by two brothers.
John served in the US Army in the 82nd Airborne. After his military service, he worked as a milkman for Meadow Gold Dairy for 42 years, retiring in 1992. John was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, as well as being a former member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed carpentry work and spent many years volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. John was a Boy Scout Leader for 15 years. He enjoyed travelling, camping, going to Canada fishing and attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events.
The rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with visitation following from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral mass will be 1 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Rev. Jacob Rose officiating. Cremation will follow services. Private burial will be in Victoria Cemetery, Victoria, IL. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, St. Patrick’s Church, or Faith United Methodist Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
