Joseph J. Sitar Sr.

“Joe”

Minooka, Illinois — Joseph J. Sitar, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.  Born in Riverside, New Jersey, February 11, 1939, to Joseph and Anne (Nee Bodine) Sitar.  In 1949, his family moved to Joliet, Illinois.  Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from March 30, 1956, to March 29, 1958. On October 24, 1959, he married his love, Sally (Nee Brennan).  Their love story spanned 64 years.  They made their home in Minooka, Illinois. Joe was employed by the EJ&E railroad as a switchman where he dedicated 44 years.  Upon retiring, Joe found joy following his grandchildren, claiming to be “their greatest fan”, to all sporting events.  He was a member of Midwest Old Threshers, volunteering countless hours to “the greatest steam show on earth.”  He completed Steam School, worked on steam engines, and drove his John Deere tractor each day of the 5-day reunion.  Joe shared his love for shark tooth hunting with his grandchildren taking them on “great shark hunts” and bragging on how many they would find.  He especially enjoyed his time on Nokomis Beach with Sally.

    Joe was preceded in death by one son in infancy, John E. Sitar (1971), his parents, two sisters Anne Carey and Veronica Chapla; and his brothers-in-law Edward (late JoAnne) Brennan, Jack Blatti and Lou Maffeo.

    He is survived by his devoted wife, Sally, his four cherished children Michelle (Scott) Hunckler, Joe (Denise) Sitar Jr., Jeff (Missy) Sitar, and Jennifer (Patrick) O’Neil, eleven adoring grandchildren, Kristie (Rob) Anderson, Kelli Hunckler (Jerum Hubbert), Scott Hunckler Jr., Kevin Hunckler, Elizabeth, Matthew and Meaghan Sitar, Marie and J.C. Sitar, and Shae and Ryan O’Neil.  Six great grandchildren, Rylee, Grace and Conner Anderson, Riley, Havana and Hailee Hubbert.  One brother, James (Bonnie) Sitar, two brothers-in-law, Bob Carey and Lenny Chapla, three sisters-in-law, Judy Blatti, Janet (Jerry) Kiernan, and Terri Maffeo, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Midwest Old Threshers, or Lightways Hospice in Joe’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Chapel prayers will be held in the O’Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL, 60441 on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 10:15am proceeding to St. Joseph Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment following Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Romeoville with full Military Honors. Visitation Monday, January 15, 2024, in the Funeral Home Chapel from 4:00pm until 8:00pm. 

 Family and friends can sign the online guestbook at www.oneilfuneralhome.com

Darrell Blint, 75, of rural West Point, died Thursday, January 11, 2024 at his home.  Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Dolores L. “Dee” Mathews, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, and formerly of Mt. Union, Iowa, died Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Edencrest at Green Meadows, Johnston, Iowa.

Dee was born in 1928 to John and Cora Lauer in Mt. Pleasant.  She married Stanley E. Mathews September 18, 1948 in Mt. Union, Iowa.  He preceded her in death September 13, 1994.  Dee was a homemaker who took great pride in raising her four children on their farm “Paramount Place” in Canaan Township, Henry County, where she lived a total of fifty years before moving to Mt. Pleasant.  She attended MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois prior to her marriage. While raising her children, she actively served in the Pleasant Lawn PTA, was a leader with the Girl Scouts, assisted with 4-H Club meetings, taught Sunday school and Bible School at Wesley Chapel, and was a member of Mt. Pleasant Women’s Club. She later became a member of the United Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant.

Her love of the countryside was embodied in her children, who grew up to appreciate wide open spaces, the stars on moonlit gravel road walks, the deer, pheasants, fox and birds which found haven on their farm and above all, the comforting peace of the scents generated by all seasons of fieldwork.  She was an extension of her husband’s love of steam railroading and traveled with him throughout the US and Japan in his work to build Midwest Central Railroad and later Shop Services, Inc.  She founded the Red Caboose Gift shop and managed it for many years during the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Reunions.  In 2010, she was honored as the first Grand Marshall for MCRR and for its 50^th Anniversary, of which Stan was one of the founders.  In addition to caring for her eight acres of lawn and gardens when she lived on the farm, she enjoyed holidays and the change of seasons, celebrating each with her decorative style indoors— a talent she has passed on to each of her daughters and granddaughters.

Survivors include her children:  Vicki L. Adlfinger (Harlen Briggs) of Riverdale, IA; Rob (Janette) Mathews of Davenport, IA/Peoria, AZ; Sharri (Denny) Bahlmann of Johnston, IA; and Sharon (Darrel) Christensen of Grimes, IA; grandchildren Ryan (Ginella) Adlfinger of Bettendorf, IA; Shay (Katelyn) Mathews of Otsego, MN; Jason (Becca) Mathews of Riverdale, IA;  Danielle (Erin) Kelaher of Urbandale, IA; Derek (Brittany) Bahlmann of Littleton, CO; Stacey (Todd) Vander Schoor of West Des Moines, IA; and Tekyn (Nate) Tackett of Grimes, IA; and 14 great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband Stan, she was preceded in death by her brother Gerald, sister Gwen, and son-in-law Vern Adlfinger.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and a private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Forest Home Cemetery. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is assisting the family with local arrangements. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Kevin Verl Shelman, 65, of Hillsboro, IA, died unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

Kevin was born March 22, 1958 in Ft. Madison, IA, the son of Verl Dean and Dolorita Mary “Rita” (Kuhljuergen) Shelman. He was baptized at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1976, where he was active in FFA and Marching Band. Kevin continued his education at Southeastern Community College, earning his welding certificate. On March 31, 1995 in Mt. Pleasant, Kevin was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Roberts.

Kevin worked for many years at Riverside Plastics in Bonaparte, where he was currently employed as a Foreman. During all his time at Riverside, Kevin was a row crop farmer on the family farm.

Kevin was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Farm Bureau. He was fond of old cars and trucks, and he had a large number of Chryslers in his auto collection. He also maintained a gun collection. He thoroughly enjoyed attending all the events of his grandchildren.

Those thankful for sharing in Kevin’s life include his 4 children – Adam Shelman of West Point, Justen Shelman of Hillsboro, Heather Hobb of New London and Stacey (Jesse ) Jack of Memphis, MO and a sister – Janne (Joe) Hunsaker of Mt. Pleasant. “Pepaw” to them, Kevin is fondly missed by his grandchildren – Makynlee, Kassidee, Colden and Landree Jack.

His parents precede him in death

A funeral service for Kevin will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 16 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton. Father Dan Dorau, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Hillsboro Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-8 PM on Monday, January 15 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 6-8 PM. The family will also greet friends 1 hour prior to services at the church.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials Hillsboro Cemetery or Hillsboro Fire and Rescue Dept. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.