Don Cupples

Don Cupples

Age 77 of Wilmington passed away Monday, January 3, 2022 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Born August 24, 1944 in Joliet, Don Raymond was a son of Roy and Eva (nee Oster) Cupples. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1963. Don gained employment with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, but left to serve in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. Following his honorable discharge from military service, he rejoined Caterpillar where he worked as a welder for over 35 years until he retired. On September 5, 1970, Don married Rosemary Kay Renninger at Grace Lutheran Church in Wilmington, where they would make their home and raise their family.

He was a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Protection District for thirty years, and continued to serve the district as a trustee for another twenty. Don had a strong work ethic that carried into his retirement, working part time at All Kut Tools for 5 years after his retirement from Caterpillar. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed going fishing, attending his grandchildren's various activities, cheering on the BTI team of race cars, and had a knack for finding that winning scratch off lottery ticket. Don was always willing to give a hand to someone in need, especially his neighbors. He was a devoted husband and father, and cherished being grandpa to his grandchildren who were very special to him.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Rosemary Cupples of Wilmington; two children: Dawn Greer (Chris Mahalik) and Scott (Miranda) Cupples, both of Wilmington; six grandchildren: Kody Greer, Emily Greer, Ava Cupples, Nate Cupples, Haley Blazekovich, and Drew Blazekovich; two honorary grandchildren: Courtney Wilbur and Tyler Swisher; three sisters: Jean (the late Ed) Petersen of Wilmington, Sharon (the late John) Cottingham of Streator, and Carol (the late Al) Mardis of Alabama; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Fred Cooper of Wilmington, Kevin Anderson of Dwight, and Donna Renninger of Loveland, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters: Marilyn (Wally) Proffitt, Phyllis Casey, Janet Cooper, Dale (Barbara) Cupples, and Roy Cupples, Jr.; mother-in-law and father-in-law: George and Rose Renninger; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: George Renninger, Jr., Judith (Roy) Ehrman, Michael Renninger, and Jean Anderson.

Per Don’s wishes flameless cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Green Bay Packers apparel.

Those wishing to participate in the memorial service virtually can join the live stream Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. A link to the event will be available on Don’s memorial page.

Burial with military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Don’s memory to the Wilmington Fire Protection District.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Don’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.