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1931
2019
GALESBURG - John Richard Chezem, 88, Galesburg, died at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at Heartland Health Care and Rehab.
John was born Aug. 23, 1931, in Alexis, the son of Alpha Douglas and Mary Ellen (Bedford) Chezem. He married Juanita J. Weedman in 1950. She preceded him in death in 1990. He later married Grace Green Hardine on Oct. 5, 1991, in Galesburg. Grace survives, as do two sons, Michael Chezem of Makanda and Mark (Lori) Chezem of Galesburg; two daughters, Linda (Deb Worden) Chezem and Janet Taylor, both of Galesburg; one stepdaughter, Stacey (David) Farrell of Galesburg; and two stepsons, Tim (Marianne) Hardine of Bolingbrook and Mick (Susan) Hardine of Pella, Iowa. John is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Brenda Switzer of Santa Rosa, California.
Along with his parents and first wife, John was preceded in death by two brothers.
John served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne. After his military service, he worked as a milkman for Meadow Gold Dairy for 42 years, retiring in 1992. John was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, as well as being a former member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed carpentry work and spent many years volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. John was a Boy Scout leader for 15 years. He enjoyed traveling, camping, going fishing in Canada and attending his grandchildren's sporting and school events.
The rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, with visitation following from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral Mass will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jacob Rose officiating. Cremation will follow services. Private burial will be in Victoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, St. Patrick's Church or Faith United Methodist Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg.
6 Entries
Grace, so sorry to see that John passed. What a great guy. Wes and JJohn working together for habitat for humanity, not both with the Lord. God's blessing to you. Jean Culver (Allen).
September 23, 2019
Coleman and Joe Martinson
September 18, 2019
hello Grace....so sorry to hear of your soul-mates transition..may you feel the arms of Jesus around you....remembering you and our times of working together...God Bless....
Dorothy O'Bryant
September 16, 2019
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Chezem's passing. My condolences to his family.
David Adcock
September 13, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Merle Gann
September 13, 2019
John was such a great man to volunteer and help with a wonderful joy for life.
September 12, 2019
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Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Sep
14
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
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Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
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