Chris Joneson

Chris A. Joneson

Age 61 of Morris and formerly of Coal City, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Walnut Grove in Morris.

Born January 14, 1953 in Morris, Chris was the son of the late Thelma (Born) and Larry Wickman, and Mervin Joneson. He was raised in Carbon Hill and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1972. Chris married Pamela Newell on June 12, 1983 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church and together they lived most of their married life in Morris. Chris was employed by Smurfit Stone for 30 years, and after suffering a stroke in 2003 he retired.

Chris was devoted to his wife Pam. He had a love of music, reading newspapers, and was an avid Chicago Bears and NASCAR fan. Chris was a member of the Coal City Area Club, attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, and enjoyed many memorable trips to Wisconsin and Branson, Missouri.

Chris was most appreciative of the attentive care he received from the medical professionals at Walnut Grove while he was a resident there for the past 4 years and in particular the care given by CNA Carol Edwards.

Survivors include his wife Pam; mother-in-law: Lois Newell of Morris; sisters: Charlene (Tom) Connolly of Norway, IL, Carol (Dan) Green of Aurora, and Cindy (Paul) Joneson-Hintze of Diamond; brother-in-law Brian (Vicki) Newell of Newark, sisters-in-law: Cathy (Dan) Odell of Morris and Kathy Newell of Dwight, and his Godfather Michael "Plow" Joyce of South Wilmington, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, especially Alison Heermann-Leiterman and Zachary Heermann.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents: Thelma and Larry Wickman, Mervin Joneson; father-in-law: Elmer Newell; brother-in-law: Albert "Butch" Newell, and his Godmother Norma Jackman.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Monday, February 24, 2014 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block East of Illinois Route 47) in Morris. The family will again receive friends on Tuesday morning at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street in Morris from 9:00AM until time of funeral service at 10:00AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Ed Howe, CR officiating.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Morris. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be: Steve Farrero, Casey Heermann, Page Heermann, Zachary Heermann, Ron Henke, Joshua Hintze, Brian Newell, Ryan Newell, Jill Pavlis and Mark Pavlis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association-Chicago, and American Stroke Association, or a charity of donor's choice.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris (815/942-2500)