Donald Edmund Tulley

Age 92 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, five days before his 93rd birthday.

Born on December 25, 1931, Donald Edmund was a son of Edmund and Florence (nee Scott) Tulley. He was born on the family farm located off Chicago Road in Florence Township, which would soon become the Joliet Arsenal in support of the World War II effort. Don’s family relocated for a short time to Symerton, before moving to another family farm on Warriner-Bridge Road in Wilton Township where he was raised. Losing his father at age 9, Don continued to attend school in the one room schoolhouse with the rest of the farm kids. He attended Peotone High School, then started his lifelong love of farming with his brothers Joe and Harold. Don took a short timeout from farming and honorably served in the United States Navy as a Radioman 2 from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War, and he was “able to see the world.” Don would share countless stories of his schoolhouse days and the daily antics. He spoke fondly of the US Navy, shared many stories with his family, and kept in touch with several of his Navy buddies throughout the years.

On September 24, 1955, Don married the love of his life, Joan Haley. They were married in St. Patrick’s Church of the 12-mile Grove in Wilton Center. They were blessed with 69 years of marriage and four children. Together, Don and Joan built a successful corn, soybean, and wheat farm business in Florence and Wilton Townships. Over the years, they also raised hogs, cattle, ducks, turkeys, and chickens. Don always had his faithful furry companions by his side, most notably Oscar and Bear, and they spent countless hours with him in the combine, tractor, grain truck, and pickup.

Don had a strong work ethic. He spent over 30 years working for HP Graham Road Construction in the summers. Don operated the grader and chipper and formed lifelong friendships with Pat Graham and his crew. During the winters, he lent his math and organizational skills to Matt and Barb Hickey and assisted them in preparing income tax returns for multiple farmers in the area. In his earlier days, Don used his woodworking skills and spent the winters building cabinets at Tri-Star Cabinets in New Lenox or Brakur Custom Cabinetry in Shorewood. He also found time to be a Florence Township Trustee, served on various boards at St. Patrick’s Church, and was the go-to handy man for his children, mom, aunts and uncles. When the snowy weather hit, Don would spend many hours operating the V-plow for Florence Township and opening the snowed-in roads for everyone.

Don retired from farming in 1998, moved into town, and began volunteering at Kuzma Care Cottage. He looked forward to his Saturday mornings sorting food, but most importantly, having coffee and donuts with the men. He frequented the Wilmington Library and read countless books. He kept his lawn in perfect condition and would say “it’s not hard farming only ¼ of an acre!”

Don loved everything about life. He loved his wife, his children, his Irish heritage, being Catholic, and being an American. He was a teacher and mentor to his children, and he will be greatly missed.

Survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Joan (nee Haley); loving devoted children: Sharon Prusank, Donna (Robert) Ball, and Stephen (Vanessa) Tulley; 12 grandchildren: Breannen (Ross) Marshall, Melissa (Daniel) Christmann, Erin (Brian) Dowling, Megan (Orlando) Diaz, Matthew (Stacey) Saulters, Garrett (Ashley) Saulters, Kiara Saulters, Rachelle (Wes) DeMoney, Dr. Stephen Tulley (fiancé – Liz Lowe), Kyle Tulley, Katelyn (Tony) Sinchak and Anna Tulley (fiancé – Gerald Marrero), and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Edmund Tulley and Florence Carey; daughter, Jacqueline; brothers Joseph (Barbara); Harold (Loretta), Stephen (Susan), and sister: Helen (Roy) Koller.

Visitation will be held at the Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, December 27, 2024, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Wilton Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding and Deacon Jay Plese assisting. Burial will be in Mount Saint Patrick Cemetery in Wilton Center.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Tulley, Kyle Tulley, Matt Saulters, Garrett Saulters, Ross Marshall, and Dan Christmann.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Don's memory to St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington or St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wilton Center.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Don’s memorial page online through social media.

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