John Martin

Obituary for John Claire Martin, 98, of Kankakee passed away at Riverside Medical Center, September 11, 2014. He was born April 17, 1916 in Buena Vista, WI, the son of Alvin and Emma (Weed) Martin. On August 17, 1940 John married Frances Stoller in Peoria,IL, she passed away May 14, 2008. John was a foreman for the Illinois Bell Telephone Co for 41 yrs and was a veteran of the United States Army during WWII. Mr. Martin was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, a 33rd degree Mason and a member of the Kankakee Masonic Lodge as well as the Bloomington Consistory, the American Legion, Jr Achievement, past president of the Kiwanis and Shrine Club of Kankakee and he volunteered for the Asbury United Methodist Thrift Store, Riverside Medical Center and Boswell Hospital in Arizona.

John is survived by his children: Cathy (Dennis) Schley of Shorewood, IL, Sheila (Robert) Mac Gregor of Connecticut; Five grandchildren: Julie Schultz, Jeff Schley, Joe Schley, David Mac Gregor and Scott Mac Gregor; six great grandchildren; and three sisters in law: Eloise Diggelman of Bloomington, Ida Schwenk of Peoria, and Lucille Stoller of Gridley.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and numerous brothers and sisters in law.

A time for family and friends to gather will be held at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home, September 21, 2014 from 2-7pm with a Masonic service at 6pm. A graveside service will be September 22, 2014 in Gridley, IL, 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church.

The family of John would like to send a special thank you to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, all the 5th Floor Nurses and staff at Riverside Medical Center for their compassion and excellent care and to all his friends- John leaves his treasured friends at Westwood Oaks and he will be greatly missed.

Please visit www.schrefflerfuneralhomes.com to sign his online guestbook, leave a memory or upload a photo.