Lucille Plese DeGulie

The Lord claimed His servant, Lucille Plese DeGulie on Wednesday morning, September 2, 2026.

Lucille was born the second child of John and Margaret (Berta) Plese on April 15, 1924. She always felt blest to have been born on the farm located on the beautiful Kankakee River and all the pleasures, events, and friendships that blest her early years there.

Lucille attended Johnson School, a one-room country grade school, enjoyed her years at Reed Custer High School, and received B.A. and Masters Degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

Lucille was proud of and deeply grateful to her parents for their strong mantle of parental guidance which created a respectful family love, a sound work ethic and a deep Catholic faith. She loved, appreciated and relished her six siblings; they were gifts.

Lucille’s life was enriched by her teaching profession. She enjoyed the interaction with many young people and treasured all the friendships gained from that profession.

Lucille is survived by her beloved sisters Madonna Orr and Margaret Paoletti, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Joseph DeGulie in 2019, and by her loving siblings and their spouses: Jim and Donita Plese, Marilyn and James Tyler, Leo and Ceil Plese, Dean and Judy Plese; brothers-in-law: Jack Orr and Albert Paoletti; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Freda and Ghlee Blair. She was also preceded by her beloved nieces: Clare Gainey, Suzy Rhodes, Debbie Plese, and Jacqui Rilea; nephews: Tony Plese and Dean Plese, Jr. and great nephew and great nieces: Joey Tyler, Margaret Rice and Lena Mogler.

There will be no visitation, but family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 604 S. Kankakee Street in Wilmington. Rev. Thomas Logue will preside and her nephews, Deacon Jay Plese and Deacon Michael Plese will assist.

For those who wish to participate, the Holy Rosary will be recited one half hour before Mass.

Lucille was an active member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Coal City where she cherished her membership, but per her wishes, Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church in Wilmington where she wanted to receive her final Mass of Christian Burial, having celebrated all her previous Sacraments at St. Rose.

Per Lucille’s request, please no memorials. Just light a candle and say a prayer for Lucille’s soul.

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

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)