Pete Stipanovich Jr., age 81 of Wilmington formerly of Elwood, passed away in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Pete is survived by his children Sara (Todd) McKinney, Tedd (Connie) Stipanovich and John (Kristea) Stipanovich, grandchildren, Clare McKinney, Grace McKinney, Lexus Stipanovich (Tom Younker), Lauren Larsen, Ashleigh Larsen, Isabella Stipanovich, Nathan Stipanovich, Lianna Stipanovich, brother, Nicholas Stipanovich, numerous nieces and nephews and members of the O'Connor family and dearest friend Kathleen Ferguson and her granddaughter, Madelyn Ferguson. Preceded in death by his parents Peter and Danica "Dolly" Stipanovich, and his wife Carol (nee O'Connor) Stipanovich (2005), grandson, Myles Stipanovich, brother, Dan Stipanovich, parents-in-law, Leo and Lorrayne O'Connor and Sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Stipanovich, Rosemary O'Connor Fellows and Phyllis O'Connor Kulak. Pete served his country with the United States Army during Vietnam. He was the owner and operator of Stipanovich Excavating now known as Stip Brothers Excavating where he continued to play a big role in day to day operations including offering unsolicited advice. Pete also worked at EJ & E Railroad for over 30 years and retired as Round House Foreman. Pete enjoyed his home on the river, his comradery with his neighbors and his two special "girlfriends", Sue and Mary Lou, wintering in Florida, and telling and laughing at his own terrible jokes, mostly with no filter. "To make a long story short", what brought Pete most joy in life was spending time with his family, especially when he would take his grandchildren on gator rides, and push them on the tire swing. He also loved spending time on the river enjoying boat rides, food and lots of laughter. Visitation for Peter will be held from 4-8:00 p.m. on January 20, 2023 at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will be the next day, Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Peter will be reunited with his beloved wife Carol at St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pete's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431, to Cure SMA by visiting www.curesma.org or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, P.O. Box 25, Manhattan, IL would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.