John E. Molitor

John Edward Molitor, 80, of Nora, IL, was taken to his final resting place at the home of his daughter, Angel, on January 12, 2025. A gathering to honor his life will be held at Furlong Funeral Chapel, located at 100 Carol-Don Ct, Galena, IL, on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM. Born in Galena as the third child of Harry “Mick” and Eleanor “Olie” DuBord on January 16, 1944, he attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and Galena High School. He married Karen Lyne in 1964, and together they had six children. In 1978, he married Billie Buck, with whom he had one daughter and helped raise three stepchildren and one grandson. John enjoyed working as an auto mechanic, driving semi-trucks, and doing various odd jobs. He could often be found behind the bar at Frank’s Place in Warren, IL. He is survived by his seven children: Christine Molitor, DiAnn (Keith) Stephens, Rodney, Russell, Rick (Misty) Molitor, and Angel (Matt) McLennan; three stepchildren: Rick (Jen), Denise (Mack), and Tony Mefford; one grandson: Brandon Mefford; twenty-five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three siblings: Daniel and Steven Molitor, and Kathleen “Cam” (Jim) Piefer, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Robert, William, and Patrick Molitor; his son, Edward John Molitor; two grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and his second wife, Billie (Buck) Wand. A special thank you to Agrace Hospice—Jess, Meagan, Renee, Hannah, and Shannon—and Sentinel Home Care—Peggy Steger, Kim Brown, and the rest of the team. Adam, Alanee, Nathaniel, Nikita, Gavin, Tayler, Corin, and his caregiver, Mel Grindy all made an ornery old man’s final days special.