John Dzuris

John J. Dzuris

Age 95 of Coal City, passed away October 7, 2020.

Born February 20, 1925 in Streator, Illinois, John Jacob was a son of John and Susan (Kolesar) Dzuris. He was raised in the Streator area, educated in the country school, and graduated from Streator High School with the Class of 1942. Following graduation, John was drafted into the US Army, and honorably served during World War II with the Army Corps of Engineers linking the Ledo Road with the Burma Road to China. Following 32 months in the service, he returned home to enroll at Illinois State Normal University in the Fall of 1946 under the G.I. Bill. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Education in 1949, and later attained his Master’s in Education from the University of Illinois. John was an excellent athlete his entire life; played baseball all through his school years, including 4 years of Redbird Baseball, and even tried out for the Chicago Cubs.

On June 11, 1949, John married Freda Thomas in the First United Methodist Church in Maroa, Illinois, and together they made their home, raised their family and made their careers in Coal City. In 1950, John was hired at Coal City High School as a business teacher, instructing typing and bookkeeping. For the following 37 years he coached baseball 25 years; basketball 20 years and sponsored Scholastic Bowl. In 1964, John took the position of head guidance counselor and retired from the Coal City School District in 1987. He was an active member of the Coal City Lions Club, as well as the Coal City United Methodist Church, where he was involved on many committees, and served as Treasurer for 20 years.

In his free time, John enjoyed golf, tennis, and bike riding. He was an avid reader, took pleasure in gardening, and enjoyed many memorable travels with his dear wife, Freda.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Freda; two daughters: Lauri Dzuris (Alan Long) of Aurora and Carol (Rick) Swearingen of Mahomet; grandchildren: Fana Dzuris Long of Aurora, Matthew Swearingen of Peoria, and Kate (Andy) Nelson of Champaign, and two great grandchildren: Madilyn Swearingen and Ivy Nelson.

John was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, George and three sisters: Lena, Catherine and Ann.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Coal City United Methodist Church with Reverend Brad Shumaker officiating. Due to current guidelines and limitations related to gatherings, those wishing to participate in John’s services are invited to watch the live stream on Saturday afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m. by logging onto his memorial page.

Burial will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in John’s memory to the Coal City United Methodist Church Building Fund, 6805 East McArdle Road, Coal City, Illinois 60416; to the Coal City Firemen’s Association, 35 South DeWitt Place, Coal City, Illinois 60416 or to Unit #1 Educational Foundation (for a scholarship which will be established in John’s memory) P.O. Box 177, Coal City, Illinois 60416.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share John’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/John-Dzuris

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)