John Toby Nortrup, age 79, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab on Stronghurst. He was born November 8th 1946 in Peoria Illinois, the son of Farrell “Hap” and Margaret Bacon Nortrup. John moved to Stronghurst shortly thereafter and remained in Stronghurst for nearly his whole life. John married Mary Lue Williams on July 27 of 1974 and became an instant family man to five children and a grandfather one month after his marriage. John and Mary Lue then welcomed a son, Jeremy John into their lives on March 14th, 1977.
John’s later years were devoted to family. He got so much joy from spending time with his grandchildren Gus, Addison, and Emmett. He regularly traveled to Texas to see his eldest granddaughter Renee and first great-grandson Riley, and his door was always open to visits from all the kids, grandkids, great-grandchildren, and even his great-great-grandson Reese.
John would describe himself as a trucker, and worked as an owner/operator truck driver for the better part of his life. Everyone knows how much he loved his Peterbilt trucks over the years. Indeed, there are photo albums full of truck pictures. The red truck with grandchildren, the beige & maroon truck with great-grandchildren; everyone poses with the big trucks. Mary Lue would often tease that he spent more time with his trucks than her.
John is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, bother Dwight (Sharon), Randy Countryman, Luann Countryman, Jeff Peterson, Janelle Reigel, Nathan Reigel, and Wyatt Peterson. He is survived by his wife Mary Lue, brother Jerry (Lou Ann) Nortrup, son Jeremy Nortrup (Angie), and stepchildren Wade (Pam) Countryman, Ralph (Fran) Countryman, Debbie Peterson, and Roger (Jackie) Countryman. John leaves behind 17 grandchildren, over thirty great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for John will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, with Pastor Steve Minkler officiating. Burial will follow in the Stronghurst Cemetery. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. Monday at Banks & Beals, where the family will receive friends from Noon until time of services. A memorial fund has been established for the Stronghurst Christian Church. Please visit John’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
