Obituary: Delaney

Joseph R. Delaney Sr., 88, Forrest, passed away at 6:59 pm Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Joseph was born on November 13, 1936, in Berwyn, IL, to John E. and Pauline Thomas Delaney.  He married his high-school sweetheart, Joanna Lawhorn on November 15, 1954, in Norfolk, Virginia.  They were married 63 years prior to her passing on November 11, 2017.

Surviving are his three children, Joseph Jr. (Donna), Fairbury, IL, Debra (David) Artman, Hamilton, IL, Teresa (Mark) Bertram, Urbana, IL; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Hickman, Marshall, IL, Joseph (fiancée Stephanie Wettstein) Delaney, Bloomington, IL, Jessica (Michael) Kilgus, Fairbury, IL, Justin (Robin) Artman, Holman, WI, Sarah Artman, Kansas City, MO, Jody (Brad) Fults, Paxton, IL, and Bethany Bertram, Mahomet, IL; twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.  He was preceded in death by Joanna, his parents and only sibling, John Delaney.

Joseph graduated from Mattoon High School in May 1954, and joined the Navy after graduating.  He served on the anti-aircraft light cruiser, USS Juneau (CLAA119), and later served 26 months on the last active Iowa class battleship, the USS Wisconsin (BB64), obtaining the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.  He was a Korean-era veteran.

After discharge, he attended Eastern Illinois University on the GI Bill and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education.  He then earned his Master’s in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1968.  Joseph began teaching in the Forrest-Strawn-Wing district at Strawn Grade School in August, 1960.  After two years, he was made principal while also teaching at Strawn.  In 1970, he became principal at Forrest and Strawn.  In 1984, at the beginning of Prairie Central unit District #8, he served as principal at Forrest and Chatsworth.  After 34 years of teaching and 32 years as principal, Joseph retired.  After retirement, he served as principal of St. Paul School in Odell for four more years.

Joseph was a life member of the J.A. Folwell American Legion Post 174 in Forrest (holding the office of Commander 3 times and County Commander 4 times), a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Fairbury, and Am Vets in Pontiac. 

Joseph attended St. Rose Church in Strawn and later St. Andrew’s Catholic Parish in Fairbury where he served as an usher.

Joseph will be laid to rest next to the love of his life in Strawn Cemetery where full military rites will be conducted by the J.A. Folwell American Legion Post 174. Visitation will be held at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Fairbury, IL on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 3:30 pm.  The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Parish, Fairbury at 10:00 am Wednesday, April 23, 2025 with Fr. Scott Archer officiating.

The family would like to thank the Gibson Area Hospital and Fairview Haven for their care during Joseph’s time there.  Memorials may be made to American Legion J.A. Folwell Post 174, Fairview Haven Retirement Community or OSF Hospice.  

Joseph was an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears and Illini fan.  He loved to garden and deliver tomatoes to his friends in Forrest.  He loved his family dearly and enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved to tell stories of “back in the day” and was very proud of his time served on the USS Wisconsin.  He would also give advise to anyone who asked.  He leaves a void in our lives that will be difficult to fill.