Obituary: Mills

John J. Mills, 74 of Fairbury, IL died Monday, April 8, 2024, at Carle Bromenn Medical Center, Normal, IL.  

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.  Funeral Services will be on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10 am with visitation from 9:00 am to 9:45 am. Memorials in John’s name may be made to the Prairielands Foundation or Livingston County Pheasants Forever.  

John was born on December 18, 1949, in Pontiac, IL a son to James and Irene (Ingram) Mills.  He married Karen S. Roche on November 29, 1980, in Chatsworth.  His wife, Karen survives in Fairbury. 

Also surviving are three children: Angela Mills of Cullom, IL; Nathan (Tecia) Mills of Mahomet, IL; and Matthew (Shannon) Mills of Mahomet, IL; seven grandchildren: Dakota (Nathan) Berens, Taylor, Chandler, Benjamin, Rory, Eli, and Rosalie Mills; one brother, Richard (Rita) Mills of Cullom, IL; one sister Josephine (Charlie) Birch of Sedalia, MO;  one brother-in-law, Darrel Satterfield of Cullom, IL; two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; David and Theresa Mills and Janet Satterfield, and one granddaughter Tess Madilynne Mills.  

John was educated in the Kempton-Cabery schools graduating in 1968.  John enlisted and served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1969 to 1975.  John worked various construction jobs after graduating from high school.  He entered the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union in the early 1980’s.  He worked for different mason contractors on several masonry projects throughout central Illinois with his favorite project being the remodel of the lodge at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL.  Upon retiring in 2010, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his bicycle throughout Fairbury.  He especially loved spending time with and attending his grandchildren’s various activities.