John Orville Wrigley's Obituary
Decatur-John Orville Wrigley, 86, of Decatur, left his earthly body to be reborn in his new life in Heaven at 8:43 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2014. He was blessed to have his wife, all five children home, his brother David Wrigley, family friend Mike Parton, and ever faithful Father John Burnette and Father Nick Husain to help in this transition and to let him know how much he was loved and what a wonderful person, husband, dad, granddad, and friend he has always been!
John was born August 9, 1927 in Decatur, the son of Otho Ingram and Mary Ellen (McEvoy) Wrigley. He graduated from Decatur High School and Browns Business College. He proudly served his country in U.S. Navy during World War II and in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Betty Jean Sea on August 5, 1947. From that union five children were born Fred (Patti) Wrigley of Knoxville, TN, Charles (Pat) Wrigley of Peoria, IL, Paul (Julie) Wrigley of Decatur, IL, Mary Susan (Paul) Freeland of Avon, IN, and Edward (Teresa) Wrigley of Morris, IL.
John retired after thirty-four years of service as Director of Customer Services for the United States Post Office. He loved fishing, reading, traveling, and big family get-togethers with his kids and grandkids. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #577, fourth degree member of Rev. Jeremiah Murphy Assembly #211. He also started a traditional annual fishing trip for him, his sons, and very dear friend Mike (Gloria) Parton. This tradition has lasted over forty years and continues today with the addition of grandsons!
John leaves behind to celebrate his life Betty his wife of sixty-seven years, five children, nine grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, and three step-great-great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim, Robert, and Don, sister Mary Ellen, and grandson Jonathan Skidmore whom we know were all there to welcome him home!
The family would like to express their gratitude to his special nurses at Heartland Healthcare, and Harbor Light Hospice who totally made his transition to his rebirth peaceful and comfortable.
Mass of Christian burial will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at St. James Catholic Church, 742 E. Clay St. Decatur. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the Mass at the church. Burial with military honors will be in North Fork Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church.
The family of John Orville Wrigley is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary, share memories, and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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