Margaret J. Van Duyne

Age 92 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois. She was born June 26, 1932, in Muscatine, Iowa. Margaret was the eldest child of Stanley and Zelma (Funck) Southall. 

Margaret spent her early years in Muscatine before moving to Wilmington with her family in 1945. After graduating as Salutatorian from Wilmington High School, she married the love of her life Vincent T. Van Duyne at St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, Illinois on August 12, 1950. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, creating a strong foundation for future generations. 

Margaret’s professional life began at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, where she worked as an Executive Secretary. After taking a few years off to raise her children, she found a home at Clennon Electric in Wilmington, where she dedicated over 50 years of her life.

Margaret was exceptionally supportive of the achievements by everyone she knew. Her life was filled with genuine relationships and the most exciting experiences. Throughout her lifetime, she influenced, guided, and touched so many that held her special. Margaret was a devoted member of St. Rose Catholic Church. She was dedicated to her faith and held those values dearly. She took the most immense pride in her family. Margaret’s love and loyalty to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were unwavering. She leaves behind a legacy built on the Catholic faith, profound family lineage, enduring kindness, and exceptional cooking. 

Margaret was the loving wife of (the late) Vincent T. Van Duyne. The mother of (the late) Laura (Tom) Proffit, Kent (Virginia) Van Duyne, Keith (Julie) Van Duyne, Vincent “Ted” Van Duyne, and Lynnette Strong. Grandmother to nine: Matthew (Ellen) Proffit, Amanda (Brendan) Gill, Andrew (Colleen) Proffit; Brittany (James) Allen, William (fiancé - Claire) Van Duyne; Vanessa Van Duyne, Timothy Van Duyne; Anna (Curry McKinney) Strong, Ashley (Garrett) Saulters. Great Grandmother to fifteen: Ainsley Proffit; Declan, Maeve, and Liam Gill; Everett, Adler, and Wyatt Proffit; Laura, Jane, and Vincent Allen; Ava Alvarez and Carter Rodriguez; Isaiah McKinney; Andie and Willow Saulters. 

Margaret is the sister of Barbara (the late Gary) Brieser, the late John “Burnell” (Bonnie) Southall, and Nancy (Greg) Leigh. Mother in law to the late Kelly Van Duyne. 

In addition, she is survived by two sisters in laws: Shirley (the late Dennis) Van Duyne, Martina (the late Herman) Van Duyne. She is preceded in death by her mother and father in law, Peter and Gertrude Van Duyne; brothers and sisters in laws: Thomas (Marguerite) Van Duyne, Rita Hurley, Marie (Bob) Wilson, Lorraine Kunis, Richard "Dick" Van Duyne, Peter (Mary) Van Duyne, Evelyn (Don) Fisher, Marcella (Bud) Anderson, John (Geraldine) Van Duyne, Leo (Joan) Van Duyne, Bernice (Don) Alcorn and Gerald Van Duyne.

A solemn visitation will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding and Deacon Jay Plese assisting. Those wishing to watch the services virtually, are welcome to join the live-stream or watch on-demand through the link available on Margaret's memorial page.

Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, where Margaret will be laid to rest with her late husband Vince.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Margaret’s memory to St. Rose Catholic Church.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Margaret’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)