MENDOTA – John F. McConville, 94, of Mendota, formerly of rural Earlville, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Allure of Mendota.
The viewing will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville. A funeral mass will follow the viewing at 10:30 a.m. at the church, officiated by Father Gregory E. Nelson. Burial will follow at St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery in Earlville.
He was born on May 5, 1930 in Ophir Township Earlville to Leo and Frances (O’Donnell) McConville on the family farm. He married Florence Munroe on April 25, 1953 at Holy Cross Church in Mendota.
He is survived by his wife, Florence; his children, “John” Michael (Marlene) McConville of Ottawa, Dennis (Susan) McConville of Peru, Mary (Kevin) Biers of Athens, Alabama, Ellen (Mark) Atherton of Earlville, Rose McConville (deceased), Dan (Joanna) McConville of Earlville; seven grandchildren who will bear the casket: Angela (Brent) Kalsto, Brian (Christin) Atherton, Jake (Amanda) Atherton, Katie (Laen) Neal, Luke (Bailey) McConville, Jonathon McConville and Daniela McConville; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris Jessen, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Rose McConville, a grandson, Jared Biers, his sisters and brothers, Mary (James) Graham, Eileen (Lester) Full, Donnell (Bernice Larkin) McConville, Emmett McConville, Leo (Lois) McConville, John Jessen, Shirley (Richard) Smith, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert “Red” and Shirley Widmer, and several nieces and nephews.
He was a lifelong member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville and the LaSalle County Farm Bureau. He farmed in Ophir Township his entire life. John was a fourth degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, past Grand Knight, past Faithful Navigator, and served several terms as a District Deputy. He was a past Ophir Township Board member, served on the Ophir School Board for many years, the Ophir Drainage District, and was a long-time member of the Mendota Elks Lodge. He served as an election judge for over 30 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MASS (Mendota Area Senior Services), Mendota Christian Food Pantry or St. Theresa Catholic Church. For more information or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
