Le Roy F. "Butch" Grell

Age 79 of Wilmington, Illinois, died peacefully on Saturday morning, August 6, 2022 in his home surrounded by family.

Born August 31, 1943 in Joliet, Illinois, Butch was a son of Le Roy, Sr. and Esther Mary (Barker) Grell. He was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1961. On October 3, 1964, Le Roy married Donna Korelc in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City.

Le Roy worked alongside his father and together they opened the State Safety Lane in 1959. He then in 1969 went on to purchase his father’s business, Grell’s Garage which was founded in 1940. Later in the 1970’s Le Roy and his son, Ray opened Grell’s Recycling. Following the closing of the recycling center, Le Roy went to work for Gana Construction Company as a driver, and later gained employment with Pac Masters, delivering foam packaging. When that company closed he went to work for PT Ferro until his retirement. Le Roy was a member of the Teamsters Local #179.

Butch loved to fish and talk about fishing with all his buddies. He was a member of the Hawg Hunters Fishing Club and fished many bass tournaments. He also enjoyed hanging out at the Island Wilmington House Restaurant with his longtime friend, Gerald Lund. Family was always of utmost importance, and he loved spending time with them, as well as antiquing with his wife, Donna.

Survivors include the love of his life, high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Donna; son, Ray (Tina) Grell of Braidwood; daughter, Kelley (Mike) Mokry of Guntersville, Alabama; granddaughter, Michelle Partak of Wilmington and grandsons: Hunter (Maggie) Partak of Somerville, Alabama and Raymond (Julianne) Grell of Coal City; great granddaughter, Evelyn Partak; brother, Mike Grell (Marybeth Schneider) of Marseilles; sister, Pat Grell of Pennsylvania and niece, Melanie LeBoeuf of Boerne, Texas.

Le Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Le Roy and Esther Grell; grandparents: Fred and Herta Grell; aunt, Wilma Vaksdal and his daughter-in-law, Mary Grell.

Per Le Roy’s wishes, cremation rites are being accorded, and there will be no services.

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

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