James E. Vanderhyden

Age 84 of Elwood, formerly of Joliet, died Monday, January 31, 2022 at AMITA Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born May 9, 1937 in Joliet, James Edward was a son of Ralph and Marie (nee Culo) Vanderhyden. He was raised and educated in Joliet, and on September 13, 1958 he married Dorothy Ann Kunz at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington. James and his family settled in Elwood where he would live and raise his family for over 60 years.

He worked for Jewel as a butcher for 41 years at several different locations until he retired. James was an avid fisherman and spent a significant amount of time at the Wilmington Recreation Club looking for that next big catch. He loved spending time with his family and being at home where he could meticulously maintain his lawn.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Vanderhyden of Elwood; three children: David (Jayne) Vanderhyden of Dwight, Tim (Cindy) Vanderhyden of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Sherry (Gabriel) Islas of Elwood; seven grandchildren: Justin (Jonnie) Vanderhyden, Ashley (Travis) Lonas, Abbie, Jay, and Mark Vanderhyden, and Samantha and Kelly Islas; two great grandchildren: Avery and Lane Vanderhyden; one brother and one sister: Mabel (the late Victor) Fuse and Gerald (Edith) Vanderhyden, both of Elwood; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: William (Peg) Kunz of Saint Charles, Rosemary (Tore Stole) Kunz of Webster Grove, Missouri, and Peggy (the late Tom) Kunz of Wilmington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister: Richard (Dorothy) Vanderhyden, Lois (Harold) Neighbors, and Fred (Sharon) Vanderhyden; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Alvin and Dorothy Kunz; and his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: James Kunz, Joe Kunz, and Patricia (Angelo) Barney.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Committal services will be Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at the Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery Chapel. Family and friends are encouraged to assemble at Baskerville Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. to leave in funeral procession at 10:00 a.m. for the cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in James’ memory to: Kuzma Care Cottage in Wilmington or Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share James’ memorial page online through social media.

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