CHAMPAIGN - John Conerty, 90, of Champaign passed away peacefully at home on Monday (March 31, 2025).
He was born on Dec. 16, 1934, in Urbana, to Hugh James and Mary Helen (Henry) Conerty. John married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Hissong, in 1956 at St. Patrick's Church in Urbana. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter and cherished memories in their 68 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by three daughters, Corrine (Harold) Crawford of Thawville, Cheryl (Kim) LeNeve of East Peoria and Cathy (Don) Schaeffer of Taylorville; and one son, Chris Conerty of Urbana. He is also survived by his sister, Cleta Conerty of Champaign; and five grandchildren, Darcy (Kevin) Nekolny, Phillip (Skylee) Crawford, Jeff and Tim Schaeffer and Stasia Conerty. John's legacy also includes five great-grandchildren, Delaney and Alayna Nekolny of St. Joseph and Sydney, Leo and Ted Crawford of Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Hugh Conerty Jr.; and granddaughter, Lexi Barbour.
John graduated from St. Joseph Community High School, where he served as chapter president of the FFA and earned his Illinois Star Farmer Degree in 1951. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Illinois in 1956. John served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged 1961. He began his professional career in agriculture as an assistant farm adviser with the UI Agriculture Extension Office in Coles County. Later, he worked as an area adviser for Farm Bureau Farm Management in Douglas County. He was a life member of the Loyal Order of Moose.
In 1978, John transitioned to a successful banking career, serving as the president of Longview State Bank. He retired in 1999 as the vice president of three additional bank branches. During his working career, John remained deeply involved in agriculture, working on the family farm, which he continued well into retirement, along with establishing his own real-estate brokerage.
Always up for an adventure, John loved taking his family on trips to places such as Washington, D.C., Wyoming, Colorado and Canada. He was particularly proud of the brick home he and Joanne built along the Embarrass River in Tuscola, where they spent many joyful years surrounded by nature. Their home became a special place for their family to gather, explore and create lasting memories. Grandchildren reveled in searching for "Benny the Bear" in the hollow tree and enjoyed countless hours of fun playing "ping pong pool" in the basement.
John was a lifelong Illini fan and a proud member of the UI Alumni Association. He loved following the accomplishments of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially their sports and academic achievements. Known for his humor, John will be remembered for his sharp wit and classic "zingers," which brought laughter to everyone around him.
A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 7, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Champaign. The Rev. Father Nathan Hopper will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. in Feeney Hall at the church. Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy, is in charge of arrangements.
A celebration of John's life will be held with an invitation for friends and family to wear orange and blue attire in honor of his love for the UI.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Joseph-Ogden High School FFA, St. Matthew's Church in Champaign, St. Mary School in Taylorville or an organization of your choice.
John's presence will be missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Condolences may be offered at morganmeorialhome.com.
NG 4/2/2025
