Obituaries
Peoria- John Carl Willi, age 71, of Peoria, passed away at home on 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; 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 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church with Franciscan Friars officiating. Following mass cremation rights 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 onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
5
May
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral Mass
6
May
3720 N Sterling Ave
Peoria, IL 61615
