Obituaries

Peter F. Runions Sr.

Published by admin on Tue, 01/21/2025 - 12:00pm

WILMINGTON—Peter F. Runions Sr., 72, of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Born March 6, 1952 in Chicago, Peter Francis was a son of Charles Sr. and Agnes (McCue) Runions. He was raised in Chicago and graduated from Fanger High School with the class of 1970. Pete enlisted in the United States Army and was proud to be a member of the 5th Airborne Special Forces Group. During his military service, he was a tunnel rat and even acted as the personal driver to General William Westmoreland.

Shane Pampuch

Published by admin on Tue, 01/21/2025 - 11:58am

DIAMOND—Shane James Pampuch, 56, of Diamond, passed away on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Born on July 1, 1968 in Joliet, he was the son of James and Judith (nee Moats) Pampuch. On March 27, 1993, he married Lynn Cromp at the First Presbyterian Church in Braidwood and together they built a life revolving around their love of each other and their family. He was a laborer for nearly 27 years at Ardex Americas in Bourbonnais and was also employed at Berkots in Wilmington as a stocker.

Norman Lutes

Published by admin on Mon, 01/20/2025 - 10:45am

COAL CITY—Norman Dale Lutes, 76, of Coal City, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at his home.
He was born on July 18, 1948 in Newport, AR to Clyde Lutes and Elsie (McSpadden) Latham. Norman served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He married Belinda J. Moore on May 4, 1981 in Pontiac, IL. Together, they raised their daughters. Norman retired in 2012 after 34 years at Akzo Nobel as a Lead Maintenance Mechanic. He loved helping his family, neighbors and friends.

Thomas Murray

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 12:48pm

HAZEL CREST—Thomas "Tom" Murray, 83, of Hazel Crest, IL, formerly of Wilmington, passed away Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 at Charter Senior Living in Hazel Crest.

Karen Shroba

Published by admin on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 12:33pm

Karen Rae Shroba, 76, formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Jan. 11, 2025.

Clayton E. Costello Sr.

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2025 - 12:51pm

MINOOKA—Clayton E. Costello Sr., 62, of Minooka, passed away Dec. 17, 2024 at his home.
Born on Feb. 6, 1961, in Aurora, he was the son of Richard Carmen Costello and Geraldine Theresa Beck. Raised in the Chicagoland area, he lived in numerous places throughout his life, from Bolingbrook and Naperville to Wheaton, West Chicago, Darien, Downers Grove, Romeoville, and beyond. His heart was never tied to a single place; instead, he embraced wherever life took him, with his family and passions as his true home.

Joseph F. Grega Jr.

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2025 - 9:57am

DIAMOND—Joseph F. Grega Jr., 77, of Diamond passed away Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Diamond.
Born March 3, 1947 in Joliet, Joe was the son of Joseph Sr. and Hazel (Miller) Grega. He was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the class of 1965. He attended Joliet Junior College and Northern IL University and on Aug. 17, 1968, Joe married Karen Tyler at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City, and together they shared in 56 years of marriage.

Betty K. Martis

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2025 - 9:52am

SUGAR GROVE, IL—Betty K. Martis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully at Prairie Pointe Assisted Living in Sugar Grove, IL, on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the age of 85. Known for her sharp wit, creative genius, and keen sense of humor, Betty lived a life full of love, laughter, and plenty of ice cream.

Rickey Lee Hansen

Published by admin on Tue, 01/14/2025 - 9:48am

YORKVILLE—Rickey Lee Hansen, "Ryk," 60, of Yorkville, IL, formerly of Gardner, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 at his residence.

Matthew Jones

Published by admin on Mon, 01/13/2025 - 11:04am

BRACEVILLE—Matthew Jones, 23, of Braceville, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Morris Hospital. Despite lifelong medical challenges, Matthew faced every obstacle with courage and resilience. Most recently, he bravely battled Ewing Sarcoma, demonstrating unwavering strength and determination.