Clarence Cechota

Clarence Francis Patrick Joseph Cechota

"Mr. C"

Age 82 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Thursday November 17, 2011 at his home surrounded by his dear friends.

Born August 12, 1929 in Chicago, Clarence was a son of the late James A. and Mildred Vanourek-Cechota. He was raised in Cicero, Illinois where he attended Saint Dionysius Grade School prior to moving to Custer Park on the family farm in 1943. Clarence was a graduate of Reed Custer High School with the Class of 1947 and entered the Seminary in Louisiana, where he was known as Brother Damian, F.S.E. Clarence then furthered his education at the Teacher's College of Chicago, from where he earned his Bachelor's in Education. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force and began his teaching career with the Wilmington School District in 1956 at Booth Central School. Clarence continued his education at Eastern Illinois University, where he was involved with the choir and eventually acquired his Master of Arts degree from Olivet Nazarene University. He taught English most of his years in Wilmington, and retired from Lester J. Stevens Middle School in 1993.

Clarence was a member of Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, where he volunteered his time and talent as parish organist for more than 55 years. During many of those years he also served as both the music and choir director, and will always be remembered for playing the organ for hundreds of weddings and funerals over the decades. In recent years, Clarence also played the organ at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in L'Erable, Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Joliet and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Coal City. Music was a very important part of Clarence's life and he enjoyed extensive travels throughout Europe, Russia, South America and the Caribbean, where he had the opportunity to play the pipe organs at countless Cathedrals, including Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

Clarence's other memberships included The American Legion, Retired Teacher's Association, American Federation of Teachers, Knights of Columbus Council 4400 and The American Guild of Organists to mention a few.

Clarence was an extremely benevolent individual whom had a close connection with his Catholic Faith and Church. This was demonstrated though his strong support of the clergy, religious orders, priests and nuns. He found joy in generously giving to EWTN, the Pro-Life cause and various charitable organizations. Clarence can also be remembered for his love of cooking, and the endless sharing of meals with friends and neighbors.

Survivors include a brother John James Cechota (Jamma) of Iowa; two nieces: Madonna Cechota (Babak Mohajer) of Minnesota and Cynthia Cechota (Ronald Dunn) of Iowa and two nephews: John Paul Cechota (Margaret) of Dallas City, Illinois and David James Cechota (Teresa) of Iowa, as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Clarence also leaves behind his long-time dear friend and care giver Ken Plese and a host of special friends including: Sharon Willson, Matt Baskerville, Paula and Bob Cooper, the Greer Family, Ed O'Connor, Carol and Don Butler, Ruth Chew, Jan McKay, Barbara and Patrick Nugent, Mike Long and Charlotte Honrud. He was also blessed to have Fr. Jeff Stoneberg as his spiritual advisor/confessor and numerous other friends from church, school, the Hazzard Subdivision, and the Wilmington and surrounding communities that have shown great kindness and assistance throughout the years.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents James and Mildred Cechota and dear friends Lucille Stevens and Fr. Donald O'Connor.

Visitation and Video Tribute for Clarence will be held on Monday November 21, 2011 from 3:00PM until the 7:00PM Celebration of Life at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)

Friends may then meet at Saint Rose Catholic Church, 624 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington for the funeral services which will follow Tuesday November 22nd at 10:00AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be presided by Reverend Jeff Stoneberg, with various other clergy throughout the Diocese concelebrating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be: Jack Orr, Mark Orr, Tom Meade, Boyd Hill, Carl Pohl, Jeff Senffner, Ken Senffner, Pat Nugent, Joe DeGulie, Jay Plese, Clarence Napier and Matt Baskerville.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Clarence's memory to The Wilmington School District Foundation For Excellence, 209-U Wildcat Drive, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)