John M. Wandless

Age 63 of Wilmington, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 29, 2024 in Wilmington.

Born August 3, 1960 in Joliet, Illinois, John was a son of Kenneth Wandless and Deanna (Forsythe) Casteel. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1978. John worked for Precision Components Inc. in Wilmington for several years before gaining employment with Caterpillar Tractor Company for 25 years as a machinist. Upon retirement from Caterpillar, he continued to stay busy by working for Advanced Auto Parts in Diamond, Illinois where he was currently employed.

John was an avid Chicago Bears fan and NASCAR enthusiast. He also enjoyed being in bowling leagues at Riverfront Lanes in Wilmington. John also took great pleasure in being out on the open road, especially riding on his Harley Davidson. Nothing brought him more pleasure than being with his family. John was a great father and excellent grandfather who cared deeply about those whom he loved.

Survivors include two children: Brian (Ashley) Wandless of Wilmington and Steven (Michele) Wandless of Nashville, Tennessee; three grandchildren: Tristan, Brayden, and Easton Wandless; one brother and two sisters: Kenneth (Linda) Wandless of Akin, South Carolina, Karen (Richard) Blackwell of Jacksonville, Florida, and Lisa (Hank) Buczkiewicz of Bull Shoals, Arkansas; and four nephews: Daniel Wandless, Nicholas (Andrea) Wandless, Scott (Brooke) Wandless, and Brian Casteel.

John was preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth Wandless and Deanna (Jim) Casteel; and his maternal grandparents, John and Madeline Forsythe.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Monday, May 6, 2024 in the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share John's memorial page via social media.

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