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Herb Blackburn Obituary
A U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, he owned "Herb's Do It Right" Appliance Service and was an avid rose gardener.
A College of Lake County baseball Hall of Famer, he always could be found coaching baseball or softball in Johnsburg. Also, he was a strong supporter of the Johnsburg golf team.
He is survived by his wife, Stacy (O'Connell); his children, Beth, Kate and Brett; his sister, Deanne Moore; his cousin, Rick (Sue) Menoch; his mother-in-law, Anabel O'Connell; his brothers-in-law, Terry (Allyson) O'Connell, Denis (dear friend Ann) O'Connell, Bob (Mary) O'Connell, Jim (JoAnn) O'Connell and Glen (Judy) O'Connell; his sisters-in-law, Eileen O'Connell, Pat (Ole) Olson, Margaret (Jeff) Lundman, Anita (Brian) Matheson and Janet O'Connell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Kay Blackburn; his father-in-law, Chester O'Connell; and his brother-in-law, Sean O'Connell.
The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herb Blackburn
Jim and Maggie Ayers
May 13, 2011
Stacy and ''the kids,''
Watching softball players and baseball players respond to the coaching of Herb through the years are great memories. Because he knew they could get better, he wanted them to practice hard ... and they did. He was a credit to youth coaches in Johnsburg and both programs produce better young people because of his time spent with them. He expected dirty uniforms from a practice and a game. And the players responded. Johnsburg Boys Baseball League and Johnsburg Pigtail League both benefited from Herb's coaching. And then I found out what his occupation was and I'm grateful for his knowledge and talent in making house calls to repair our appliances. Hereb and his family are in our prayers today and tomorrow and always.
May 12, 2011
Stacy, Beth, Kate & Brett,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Herb
was our daughters baseball coach. What a
patient man, and a wonderful coach. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Kurt & Joan Jensen
Matt Miller family
May 12, 2011
Dear Stacy, Beth, Kate & Brett,
Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are extended to you in your loss at this time. We were so upset to hear of Herb's passing... He was such an inspiration to us all and his love of your family all was always evident. We will miss his enthusiasm and feel so fortunate to have had him as a family friend. We are thinking of you all with saddened hearts.
With our sympathies and friendship...
Matt & Debbie Miller & family
Jassen & Rachel
Brenden, Heather & Zackary
Sunni Zak
May 11, 2011
Beth, Kate, Brett & Mrs. Blackburn:
My prayers are with all of you at this time, and my endless memories of all those years of softball practices with 100 pitches thrown at us, homerun hitting games and “Rebels” dominating tournaments, on top of unforgettable friendships and relationships built by not only us, but by our parents, during those years at each other’s houses throughout the summers & down in Herb’s Hideout, that despite where our lives have taken us, have never really separated us. I love you guys! Take care of yourselves during this time of need and remember He is always with you.
Diane and John Wysocki
May 11, 2011
We are so saddened to hear of Herb's passing. He gave so much of his time and talent to Johnsburg and really 'believed in' every player who's life he touched. He was just an all around great guy. Prayers going up for him, Stacy, Brett, Beth and Kate. Such a special man will long be remembered.
May 10, 2011
Dear sweet neighbors, Stacy, Beth, Kate, Brett... My Prayers and sincere thoughts are for you... Herb had a special way he carried himself, A man of honer always taking care and time to better someone or something (always busy). The way he looked after elderly neighbors , his passion for family and friends. I will always remember a friendly wave from him... Herb will be missed... Sincerely Nancy Barnings...
May 10, 2011
+Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Bruce and Mary Jo Brummond
Gloria & Randy Vendegna & Family
May 10, 2011
We are saddened by your loss of Herb. All of the years of memories at softball and all the other sports that Herb enjoyed are still so vivid in our minds. Herb brought out the best in every player he coached and the best in coaches who wanted to beat Herb just once in any season. His years of dedication to Johnsburg, the Pigtail League, maintaining the fields, and his constant concern for everyone he knew will be missed by everyone who knew him. Even though Ryan was much younger than Randy, Nicole, and Elise, Herb followed his baseball and wrestling feats and sometimes stopped by to watch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Andrea Heinz
May 10, 2011
Kate, Beth, Brett, and Mrs. Blackburn,
I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was such a wonderful man, and I will always be appreciative of all of his basketball advice. He touched so many, and he will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Andrea Heinz
May 10, 2011
Another fan of Herb's as well as personal friends are so sorry to hear of his passing..Heaven must be in need of a great coach!
You are all in are prayers..Sincerely, Rich, Debby and Amy Hrabak
Judi (Kelroy) Long
May 10, 2011
Stacy,Beth, Kate,Brett and Blackburn family:
I am still in shock over the passing of Herb. Dick and I send our condolenses and will keep you all in our prayers. We both remember wonderful times together and he will be missed by many.
Marilyn Einspar
May 10, 2011
Herb was the best coach my girls ever had. The time and extra effort he spent with all the kids was really appreciated. We all had a lot of fun playing on his team. Great coach, great person. So sorry to hear of his passing.
May 10, 2011
Mrs. Blackburn, Beth, Kate and Brett,
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember your father being at all events for you kids. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne and Patsy Hiller - JHS
Bill Bereiter
May 10, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Herb. He shared his love, passion, and knowledge for baseball and softball with so many kids in the Johnsburg programs. We all know with time, the great memories and joyful times you shared together as a family will help you cope with his passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Bill & Beth Bereiter Family
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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