Joseph McCleary, age 89, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at his Monmouth residence on Tuesday February 1, 2022 at 7:08 am Joe was born on April 12, 1932 in Macomb, Illinois and is the son of Anthony and Teresa Hagan McCleary. He was raised on the family farm of rural Raritan, Illinois and attended Barry rural Elementary School, and graduated from Media Weaver Academy. Joe then served his country in the United States Army stateside. Joe married Dolores A. Cavanaugh on May 12, 1955 in Monmouth, Illinois and she preceded him in death on June 4, 2020. Joe began work here at home shelling corn for John Barry for several years. He later was employed at Alton Box Company in Galesburg, Illinois. After that he worked for Gerald Martin Feeds for a time, then began farming in Warren County in grain and livestock with his father in law T.J.Cavanaugh and farmed for over 35 years. Joe is a cherished member and past Trustee at Immaculate Conception Church of Monmouth for many years. He also has served the church as the sextant of St.Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Monmouth for ” a hundred years.” Joe is an avid Chicago Cubs fan and avid Green Bay Packers Fan.
He is survived by his two daughters, Julie Ehrhart and Steve and Jane John and Kevin, both of Monmouth, Illinois. His son Joe McCleary also of Monmouth is surviving. There are five grandchildren surviving, Rebecca Lalonde, Bryan John, Molly Reynolds, Bridget Griffin, and Katie Wuich and six great grandchildren. Joe’s sister, Josephine Buckley of Monmouth is also surviving. He is preceded in his death by his parents, his wife, two sisters, and one brother.
A Mass of the Christian Burial is planned for Monday February 7, 2022 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth, Illinois. A Rosary service is planned at the church at 10:00 am followed by the funeral mass. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Monmouth, and a memorial fund is being established for Immaculate Conception Church of Monmouth. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
