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John Willi Obituary
PEORIA - John Carl Willi, age 71, of Peoria passed away at home on Friday, April 30, 2021.
John was born in Metamora, Illinois, on July 15, 1950, a son to the late Carl H. and Marian Corinne (Janovetz) Willi and stepmother, Mary Rahn-Willi. John graduated from Spalding Institute in 1968. He attended St. Ambrose College and Bradley University, where upon he went into the Caterpillar Apprentice Program. He worked at Caterpillar until he accepted a position with Multax in 1983. John later retired as the Senior Tool Manager at Multax in 2018. He was a master small engine repairman and motorcycle enthusiast. A devout Catholic, he was recently a member of the Holy Family Parrish in Peoria. John was a Boy Scout Master with the St. Bernard's Parrish, where he was an active member until 2013. He was the President of the Joanna Manor Neighbourhood Association from 2014 until 2020. John played Dart Ball with the Peoria Catholic League. In his spare time, he worked as a volunteer at Sophia's Soup Kitchen.
A devoted family man, John is survived by his loving wife, Susan Ruth Snow Willi of Peoria; three children, Corinne (Nathan) Tice of O'Fallon, IL, Michael (Renee) Willi of East Peoria and Steven (Rochelle) Willi of Macomb; six brothers, Robert (Sharey) Willi, Edward (Mary Angela) Willi, David (Michelle) Willi, Mark (Dana) Willi, Peter (Mary Julia) Willi and Martin (Mary Susan) Willi; and two sisters, Martha (Don Schwingel) Willi and Mary (Clifford Stamm) Willi; as well as nine grandchildren, Taylor, Anna, Lyra, Brock, Caitlin, Garilynn, Riley, Layla and Ember.
John was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Martin Willi; his mother; and his father and stepmother.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Franciscan Friars officiating. Following mass, cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorials in John's memory may be made to Sophia's Soup Kitchen.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging on to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Willi
Sponsored by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria.
Jeff Goodin
December 22, 2023
I missed John´s passing due to not knowing he passed. I worked with Johnny for 34 years. L considered him more than just a coworker, he was a close friend. I took joy in our friendship. John and I often had some deep conversations and John man of a lot of knowledge. I think he could fix anything. He was very committed to Multax. Whatever he was doing, he put a hundred percent of himself into it. We often had conversations with a lot of laughing involved. He was a caring man that had a great ear for listening. I look forward to laughing with him again someday. God bless you John.
Pete
May 3, 2021
John, I will miss you, but I will always remember the great times we had. Thanks for being a wonderful role model for me.
John Crowley
May 2, 2021
Dear Willi family:
Not a nicer man have I ever met. John was one of a kind, with an emphasis on kind. We were very lucky to know him and to be neighbors on Republic.
Please know you are all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
John Crowley
Dave
May 2, 2021
Love you brother!
George Hartet
May 2, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you alwys.
Sharon Dentlinger
May 2, 2021
Corinne, Mike, Steven and families,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I don't think there is any preparation for the loss of a parent. They have nurtured you since before you were born. You were blessed with phenomenal parents who loved you unconditionally. Your dad was a fantastic mentor and role model--in addition to being one of the kindest people I knew. I pray that as you work through this loss over the next several months, you draw on all the memories that you have of your dad's dedication to his faith, his family, Aunt Sue, all of you and your children. Draw on your memories from growing up and the example he set for you. Remember his laugh and his love. I will continue to think about you and pray that you find strength in each other. I love you all---Sharon, Lee, Hannah, Ben and Alex
Mike Willi
May 1, 2021
Steven Willi
May 1, 2021
I love you Dad I miss you so much
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Memorial Events
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May
5
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria2416 N. North Street, Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral services provided by:
Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria2416 N. North Street, Peoria, IL 61604
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