The Braidwood Journal

The Braidwood Journal A weekly newspaper serving Braidwood, Illinois.
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The Braidwood Journal is your community newspaper, published every Wednesday and serving the city of Braidwood, Illinois, as well as the communities of Custer Park, Godley, Braceville, Essex, Wilmington, Diamond, Coal City, Reed Township and Custer Township.

Ed enjoyed socializing at local businesses, especially the Whistle Stop Café. He was proud of the fact that he achieved ...
12/17/2024

Ed enjoyed socializing at local businesses, especially the Whistle Stop Café. He was proud of the fact that he achieved his black belt in Martial Arts later in his life.

DIAMOND—Edward G. Zelinko Jr., 76, of Diamond, passed away on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet with his son by his side. He was born on May 2, 1948 along with his twin brother, Jimmy, to Edward G. Sr. and Laurine (nee Coates) Zelinko. He grew up in Coal City, graduating wi...

George had a lifelong passion for waterways and boats. Whether it was the elegant craftsmanship of a wooden Chris Craft ...
12/17/2024

George had a lifelong passion for waterways and boats. Whether it was the elegant craftsmanship of a wooden Chris Craft vessel or the broad and sturdy strength of barges gliding across the Chicago River, the water brought George true joy and contentment.

CHICAGO—George M. Hiles, 82, of Chicago, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 in his home at the Clarendale of Algonquin. He was born on March 10, 1942 in Chicago, the son of Ross and Jean Hiles. George married Judith Hiles on March 8, 1969 in Cold Spring Harbor, NY. George was the president of t...

Ryan grew up in Wilmington before spending the last eight years living in Colorado and enjoyed his job as an SEO Special...
12/17/2024

Ryan grew up in Wilmington before spending the last eight years living in Colorado and enjoyed his job as an SEO Specialist.

COLORADO—It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ryan Dean Hooper, who passed away unexpectedly in his home in Colorado on Dec. 7, 2024, at the age of 28. Born on May 29, 1996, and grew up in Wilmington, IL, he spent the last eight years living in Colorado and enjoyed his job as an...

Rosemary utilized her nursing skills by assisting the Coal City School District's school nurse. She then made the decisi...
12/17/2024

Rosemary utilized her nursing skills by assisting the Coal City School District's school nurse. She then made the decision to go back to school to finish her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.

COAL CITY—Rosemary Pearl Zamora, 95, of Coal City, passed away Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 at her home. Born March 14, 1929 in Crestline, OH, Rosemary Pearl was a daughter of Starling and Margaret (Gearhart) Poth. She was raised and educated in Crestline where she graduated from high school with the cla...

Dean was a Coal City Police Officer who helped get the first patrol car. He later owned McKinney Excavating, putting in ...
12/16/2024

Dean was a Coal City Police Officer who helped get the first patrol car. He later owned McKinney Excavating, putting in many sewer and water lines in town.

COAL CITY—Donald D. “Dean” McKinney, 98, of Coal City, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family early Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1926 in Swanwick, IL to Joseph and Goldie (nee Malott) McKinney. He served his country honorably in the United States...

Emma dedicated much of her life to her community, serving as the Braceville village treasurer for many years and volunte...
12/12/2024

Emma dedicated much of her life to her community, serving as the Braceville village treasurer for many years and volunteering at the Braceville United Methodist church.

BRACEVILLE—Emma JoAnn Homa, nee Weathers, 82, of Braceville, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Aug. 16, 1942, in Litchfield, IL. Emma dedicated much of her life to her community, serving as the Braceville village treasurer for many years and ...

Joe did his best work when he was mentoring people who suffered with addiction or being a father figure to children who ...
12/10/2024

Joe did his best work when he was mentoring people who suffered with addiction or being a father figure to children who needed the guidance only a loving father could provide.

COAL CITY—On the evening of Dec. 7, 2024, the sky was filled with the most vibrant sunset. This was a beautiful sight that brought calm and peace to the hearts of the family and friends as Joe Cora, born May 20, 1968, passed away peacefully and pain-free later that evening. Joe was a man, as the B...

Caleb was fun-loving and always up for a family jeep ride, theological debate, political discussion, Cowboys football ga...
12/10/2024

Caleb was fun-loving and always up for a family jeep ride, theological debate, political discussion, Cowboys football game, or some good hot wings

MORRIS—Pastor Caleb B. Counterman, 48, of Morris, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Born July 25, 1976 in Stroudsburg, PA, Caleb was the headstrong, eldest son of Dr. Andrew and Jo Ellen Counterman. He was raised in upstate ...

Joan was an avid reader and a woman of strong faith.
12/10/2024

Joan was an avid reader and a woman of strong faith.

WILMINGTON—Joan M. Ferari, 81, of Wilmington, passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Born Jan. 18, 1943 in Chicago, Joan Marie was a daughter of Stanley and Eve Erchul. She was raised and educated in Chicago and on Aug. 28, 1971, she married Charles Ferari Sr. ...

Barbara was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the joy of her life.
12/10/2024

Barbara was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the joy of her life.

COAL CITY—Barbara K. Cooley, 75, of Coal City, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at Morris Hospital. She was born on Jan. 5, 1949 in Chicago, to Bob and Martha (nee Terry) Crain. She grew up in the Skokie area. Barbara married Alan V. Cooley Sr. on Sept. 24, 1972. Together they raised three so...

Wally was a proud grandfather who made it to every baseball game, dance recitals, or concerts that his grandchildren par...
12/09/2024

Wally was a proud grandfather who made it to every baseball game, dance recitals, or concerts that his grandchildren participated in

WILMINGTON—Walter “Wally” Stromquist, 84, of Wilmington, formerly of Chicago and Richton Park, L, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at his home. Born July 4, 1940 in Chicago, Walter William was a son of Carl and Frances (Schuricht) Stromquist. He was raised and educated in Chica...

Gerald was an avid outdoorsman, looking for any opportunity to go fishing whenever he could, including The Gooselake Ass...
12/09/2024

Gerald was an avid outdoorsman, looking for any opportunity to go fishing whenever he could, including The Gooselake Association, Braidwood Recreation Club and the Alsip Sportsman’s Club.

WILMINGTON—Gerald Halm, 84, of Wilmington, formerly of Midlothian, IL, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at Ascension Villa Franciscan Nursing Home in Joliet. Born July 17, 1940 in Peru, IL, Gerald William was a son of William and Dorothy (Haupt) Halm. He was raised and educated in Chicago and Wo...

Tom was a U.S. Army veteran who was an Operating Engineer with Local 150. He was a 50-year member of the A.F. & A.M. Mat...
12/05/2024

Tom was a U.S. Army veteran who was an Operating Engineer with Local 150. He was a 50-year member of the A.F. & A.M. Matteson Lodge No. 175.

WILMINGTON—Thomas “Tom” Atherton, Jr., 82 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Sunday Dec. 1, 2024, with his family at his side. Born on June 7, 1942 in Chicago, Tom was the son of Thomas and Margaret (McKay) Atherton. He attended New Lenox grade and high schools. Tom was a veteran of the ...

Larry would string antennas all over his parent’s yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he o...
12/03/2024

Larry would string antennas all over his parent’s yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he obtained a masters degree in Electrical Engineering.

COLORADO—Lawrence “Larry” Murphy, 81, of Niwot, CO passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2024. He was born to William (Bill) and Josephine Murphy on April 24, 1943 in Gary, IN. Larry grew up in Coal City and in high school received his Ham Radio License with call letters, NBA. Larry would string ...

Jean’s hobbies, including crafting, needlework, and hand-painting shirts that she proudly sold at local craft fairs.
12/02/2024

Jean’s hobbies, including crafting, needlework, and hand-painting shirts that she proudly sold at local craft fairs.

MORRIS—Eugenia "Jean" Palmer, 88, of Morris, and formerly of Friendswood, TX, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Serenity Estates in Morris. Born on Jan. 12, 1936, in Edinburg, TX, Eugenia Ruth was a daughter of Raymond F. and Alberta Maxine (Thomas) Paull. She grew up in Edinburg...

Helen was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington and volunteered at functions for Church of H...
12/02/2024

Helen was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington and volunteered at functions for Church of Hope in Gardner. She served her community through the Gardner Fire Bells, as an election judge, and by working bingo for the Machinist Retirees’ Club.

GARDNER—Helen Louise Hileman, 78, a lifelong resident of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Aug. 21, 1946, in Morris, Helen was the daughter of Harold Henry and Helen Loretta (Craver) Finch. Rais...

Marilyn was the first female real estate agent in Wilmington, and had a long and fulfilling career where she dedicated 3...
11/26/2024

Marilyn was the first female real estate agent in Wilmington, and had a long and fulfilling career where she dedicated 35 years to helping families find homes.

WILMINGTON—Marilyn Kerr, “Red,” 81, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning at her home on, Thursday evening, Nov. 21, 2024 with family at her side. Born on Nov. 6, 1943, in Portland, OR, Marilyn Marie was a daughter of Cleo Clinton and Esther June (Daniell) Cummins. She spen...

Brenda previously worked as a manager at McDonald’s and also a receptionist at Dr. Milton's office.
11/26/2024

Brenda previously worked as a manager at McDonald’s and also a receptionist at Dr. Milton's office.

BRAIDWOOD—Brenda Jo Bumpous (nee Evans), 75, of Braidwood, passed away Thursday, Nov, 21, 2024 at Morris Hospital. Born Sept. 10, 1949, she was the daughter of Donald LeRoy and Virginia Rose (nee Taylor) Evans. Brenda previously worked as a manager at McDonald’s and also a receptionist at Dr. Mi...

Address

111 S Water Street
Wilmington, IL
60481

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18154767966

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