Arturo O. "Art" Chacon Jr.

1972 - 2025

Arturo O. Chacon, Jr. "Art"
Born: October 9, 1972
Died: October 10, 2025
A Life Celebrated
Arturo O. Chacon, Jr. "Art' was born on October 9, 1972 to Maria De la luz Cantu Chacon and Arturo O. Chacon, Sr.
Art married his high school sweetheart, Dana J. Dunphy, nearly 30 years ago on November 4, 1995. They celebrated and renewed their vows for their 25th Anniversary on October 10, 2020, in a private ceremony with their children at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Dixon, Illinois. Through their years of love, they went on many adventures around the world together.
Art passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. His stoic and courageous battle was fought with dignity and grace. His positive and loving mindset and gratitude provided him the strength to endure.
Faith, family, and friends was the foundation for his life. His dedication and love for his family were unwavering even in his toughest moments. He pledged to serve God and others and to appreciate each day. He always strove for more - more love, kindness, more time with those you love and care about.
Art first loved God, his wife and children, extended family and friends. He also loved the sport of wrestling, The Iowa Hawkeyes, and Dan Gable. His determination to live his life by example was evident in every moment. Turning to God in gratitude, not in anger, to work through life's challenges. He believed in working hard, taking care of his family and others while uplifting them. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment were his family. Art loved his wife, Dana, son, Brenan, and daughter, Lauren. They always came first. Family entertainment and vacations often centered around one of the kids' activities - wrestling tournaments, soccer games, life's celebrations. When not with his family he enjoyed spending time with his fraternity brothers from the Monmouth TKE house, and his annual wrestling trips with his close friends. Art's big heart and love of service didn't stop at home. He loved to support youth sports by coaching wrestling and soccer. He was a mentor to many, even during his final moments - he provided encouraging words to others.
Art graduated Dixon High School in 1991. Art graduated from Monmouth College in 1995. After 25 years, Art retired in 2022 from the State of Illinois Department of Corrections as a Senior Parole Agent where he made a positive impact.
Art is survived by his wife, Dana; son, Brenan Chacon (Mackenzie Nickens); daughter, Lauren Chacon (Meghan Holtswarth); his parents; sister, Debora (John) Trancoso; brother, J.A. Dominic Chacon; his aunt, Sylvia Rogers (Dan Koeppen); father-in-law, Hubert Dunphy; as well as many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents, Augustine and Inez Cantu; paternal grandparents, Arturo and Pauline Chacon; and mother-in-law, Teresa Dunphy.
We appreciate the exceptional love and care that the University of Iowa Hospital care teams and the Iowa City Hope Lodge provided Art throughout his journey.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. The following day, Friday, October 17, 2025, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Dixon, with Fr. Timothy Draper, Pastor of St. Anne's Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will be to follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon.
If desired, memorial donations in Art's memory may be directed to Iowa City Hope Lodge or the Dixon Wrestling Club.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.