John Fishel

John J. Fishel, 92, Morton, Ill., passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Peoria, Ill., surrounded by his family. A loving husband, father, grandfather and faithful friend, John was born April 6, 1931, in Minier, Ill., the seventh child and fourth son of Miley Virden Fishel and Helen Faye (Campbell) Fishel. He married Laura Olive Milburn in Mackinaw, Ill., on June 20, 1954; she survives. They would have been married 70 years.

John and Laura’s living legacy includes four sons, John Dennis Fishel (Minier), Scott Fishel (Morton), Howard (Dawn) Fishel (Mackinaw), and Mark (Grace) Fishel (Phnom Penn, Cambodia), one daughter, Cynthia Fishel (Rockford), 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. One son, Jeffrey E. Fishel, proceeded him in death in 2008.

John’s seven siblings, Edna Helen Ramsey, Olive Nancy Mulvaney, Alma Ruth Huth-Priest, Miley Albert Fishel, Harold Alvin Fishel, Harley Ernest Fishel and James William Fishel, and his parents, preceded him in death.

John graduated from Minier High School in 1950 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952, serving honorably in Korea and Japan. He learned the carpentry trade while stationed in Japan, a skill that he used throughout his life as a woodworker, craftsman and builder. Over his long lifetime, he worked as a laborer, machinist, farm hand, carpenter, custodian and route driver. He retired from Caterpillar in 1992 with 33 years of service.

His passions and pastimes included competitive horseshoe pitching, playing the harmonica for anyone who would listen, the Chicago Bulls during the Jordan era, singing in the church choir. He was a friend to all, bringing joy to others with his stories and ready laughter.

John was a lifelong member of the Minier Christian Church and a longtime member of the American Legion Post in Minier.

His funeral will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Minier Christian Church.  Pastor Jim Webster will officiate.  Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 am Tuesday, also at the church. Burial will be in Minier Cemetery.  Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Minier is handling the arrangements.

Please make memorials to Minier Christian Church, P. O. Box 770, Minier, Ill., 61759.

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