LaVerne Montanno

LaVerne “Woody” Montanno

Age 66 of Braceville, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2015 at his home.

Born May 16, 1949 in Morris, Woody was a son of the late Peter H. and Ivy (Brooke) Montanno.  He was raised and educated in Coal City, and attended Assumption Catholic Grade School and Coal City High School. Woody went on to serve honorably in the United States Navy, and was a member of the Carpenter’s Union, Local 916 from where he retired in 2002. His other memberships included the Moose Lodge in Wilmington, North American Fishing Club and the Wilmington VFW.  Woody enjoyed fishing, hunting, and his animals on his “mini-farm” in Central City.

Survivors include his children: Holly Montana-Tazelaar of Coal City, Danelle Hennings of Coal City, Melissa Hennings of Wilmington and Mark Hennings of Coal City; twelve grandchildren: Steven Tazelaar II, Heather Tazelaar, Shannon Hakey, Marcus Johnson, Malcolm Johnson, Michael Ingram, Nicholas Ingram, Connor Ingram, Tyler Hennings, Ethan Hennings, Samantha Montana and Sloane Montana; one sister-in-law: Marilyn Montana of Braidwood, and nieces and nephews: Quorry Rios, Denise (Tracey) Nielsen, Melody (Gordon) Drauden, Rocky Rinker, Cindy (John) Ewers, Norman “Bud” Montana, Mike (Wanda) Montana, Mary (Nate) Hedstrom and Michelle (Deana) Montana, as well as his loving companion Romona “Gidget” Rios.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Ruth Wiseman-Montanno; son: Douglas Wayne Montana on August 8, 2008; siblings: Douglas Wayne Montanno in childhood, Patty “Mickey” Montanno, Billie Jo Robertson and Norman D. Montana.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Wednesday July 1, 2015 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation, and graveside services with full military honors will follow on Thursday July 2, 2015 at 11:00 AM in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery. Reverend Jeri Baker will officiate.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Woody’s memory to his family for distribution to charities of their choosing.

Family and friends may sign the guest book or view Woody’s memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)