John “Jack” Farber

Age 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Lightways Hospice of Joliet, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 8, 1947, in Pontiac, Illinois, Jack was the son of the late Louis and Erma (Vitzthum) Farber. He grew up in Mazon, Illinois, and attended MVK High School, where he proudly played baseball and basketball, graduating with the Class of 1965. Jack went on to build a successful career in the plumbing and heating industry as the dedicated owner and operator of Farber’s Plumbing and Heating in Morris, Illinois.

In his younger years, Jack’s passion was sports; he could be found on the pitcher's mound every chance he got, playing men’s fastpitch softball throughout Illinois and surrounding areas. Later in life, he shared his love for nature with his sons, teaching them the ways of the Deer Woods and creating countless lasting memories. He also cherished frequent fishing trips to Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin with close friends and family. At home, Jack was a well-known gardener who took great joy in sharing his abundant harvest with neighbors and relatives.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon (Nagra) Farber; his two sons: John “Louie” (Kelli) Farber and Sam (Amy) Farber; his sister, Verla Ely; sisters-in-law: Linda Nagra Herron, Kris Farber, and Bonnie Farber; brothers-in-law: Tim (Gail) Nagra and Danny Salyers; his beloved grandchildren: Ruby, Hank, Remi, and Sami as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Erma; mother and father in law John and Florence Nagra; his siblings: Theodore Farber, Rev. Jim Farber, Mary Jo Salyers, and Jerry Farber; his brother-in-law, Dick Ely; and his niece, Jennifer Herron.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made as gifts in Jack’s name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, of Joliet or the donor's choice. 

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6:00 p.m.

Following the services Jack will be privately laid to rest at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Morris.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jack’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)