Joseph Louis Cheshareck, "Joe", age 74, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 with his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Karen (nee Anderson) at his side. Joe is survived by his three children Lea (Arman) Qalhashahi, Jo (Nathan) Riggle and Gordon Cheshareck, his grandchildren June and Henry Riggle, his brother Michael Cheshareck, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Mary (nee Karpowicz) Cheshareck, his parents in-law Gordon and Alice Anderson, siblings Anthony, Robert, John, Tom, and Deloris. Joe was born in Morris in 1947 and grew up in a house downtown alongside the I&M canal near other family in town. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic grade school and Morris Community High School. Joe was drafted and served honorably in the U.S. Army during Vietnam as a Military Policeman. He then went to Southern Illinois University and received his degree in Art. Shortly after graduating college, he married Karen. Joe enjoyed working outside and worked for and retired from Laborers Local 75. During this time, he had the pleasure of working frequently with his best friend Rodney Johnson and their families became close. After retirement, he went to work with his wife settling into their forever home. Joe was a quiet but colorful character and seemed larger than life to his kids and he will be lovingly remembered for his hard work, easy smile, and happy eyes. Funeral services for Joe will take place on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 beginning with visitation from 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris. Interment with full military honors will take place at 12:30 P.M. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's name to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.
