John C. Blackburn

John C. Blackburn, age 51, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, with his loving wife and their companion, Magoo, by his side.

John is survived by his wife, Kathleen A. “Kate” (Plese) Blackburn; canine companion, Magoo; his sister, Susan Blackburn, his mother-in-law, “Momma” Geraldine E. Plese; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard (MaryAnn) Plese, Patricia (Lester) DeCarlo, Paul (Lori) Plese, Thomas (Georgette) Plese and Kenneth Plese; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Keith D. & Shirley M. (Besso) Blackburn; father-in-law, Lucas J. “Dad” Plese; and grandparents, Curtis D. & Nelia (Schafer) Blackburn and John & Genevieve (Henderson) Besso.

John was born and raised in Lockport, IL. He was a graduate from St. Dennis Catholic School and Lockport High School, class of 1983.

He was previously employed by Kocis Brothers Machine Shop, Alsip, IL and Walco Tool & Engineering, Romeoville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the family or for brain cancer research.

A celebration of John’s life will begin on Saturday, May 20, 2017 with prayers in the funeral home chapel beginning at 9:15 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Ambrose Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL.