Richard Gonnam

Richard William Gonnam

“Dick”

Age 84 and a lifelong resident of Mazon, Illinois, passed away Monday evening, May 3, 2021 at Morris Hospital.

Born May 18, 1936 in Morris, Illinois, Richard William was a son of Harvey Sylvester and Anna (Dick) Gonnam. He was raised in Mazon and graduated from Mazon High School with the Class of 1954. On June 4, 1955, Dick married Carolyn Irvin in Morris and together they made their home and raised a family together.

Dick was employed with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet until his retirement following 35 years of service. He was a member of Park Street Congregational Church in Mazon, the Coal City Area Club, and belonged to the A.F. & A.M. (Masonic Lodge of Mazon) Dick enjoyed traveling, reading Westerns, gardening, rock collecting and feeding the birds. He and Carol took great pleasure in wintering in Arizona for the past 25 years, where he loved to hike, a.k.a. “Kicking the Cactus”. Family always remained most important to Dick, and he was his kids and grandkids biggest fan for their school activities and sporting events.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Carol; daughter, Pam (Dave) McKinley of Morris; sons: Dan (Cherry) Gonnam of Mazon and Tim (Sandi) Gonnam of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; his daughter-in-law, Rose Gonnam of Morris; nine grandchildren: Chance (Samantha) Gonnam, Zakk Gonnam, Jessica (Eric) Lowery, Doug (Sara) Punke, Jonathan (Shelby) Punke, Michael (Beth Kelly) Gonnam, Patty (David Lash) Aardsma, Crissy (Dave) Prasczewicz and David Kenney; (10) great grandchildren: Colin and Bryce Lowery, Will, Landon and Fiona Punke, Logan and Gavin Punke, Logan and Matthew Prasczewicz and Devon (Jim) Wdovech; one great-great grandson, Everett Wdovech; one sister, Joann (Duane) Waisath of Mazon; two nieces: Deanna (Jim) Aitkenhead and Deborah Waisath, and two great nephews: Kade and Wyatt Aitkenhead.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Anna Gonnam; one son, Mike Gonnam and a great granddaughter, Keegan Kenney.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and the family will have a private remembrance at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dick’s memory to Mazon Fire Department, 700 Park Street, PO Box 267, Mazon, Illinois 60444 or to Grundy Community Lending Closet and Grief Support, Ltd., 518 W. Illinois Avenue, Morris, IL 60450

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Dick’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Richard-Gonnam

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