Joseph E. Connors, 82, of Grand Ridge, passed away Thursday morning October 31, 2019 at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am Monday, November 4, 2019 at St. Mary’s of the Fields, Grand Ridge with Rev. Ghislain Inai, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at the Grand Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa before the service.

Joe was born on April 11, 1937 to John and Catherine (Stoehr) Connors in Streator. He was in the graduating class of 55’ at LaSalle-Peru High School. He worked for the LaSalle County Highway Department for 38 years. Joe married Jeanine (Ingold) Roux on October 18, 1996 at St. Mary’s of the Fields, Grand Ridge. He was a member of St. Mary’s of the Fields, Grand Ridge and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanine; his six children, Mary Connors of Bartlett, Joyce (Brian) Bardson of Grand Ridge, Michael Connors of LaSalle, Jim (Michelle) Roux of Grand Ridge, Jamie (Bob) Kowalczyk of Montgomery, Tracey Connors of Elk Grove Village; 9 grandchildren, Nataley Kowalczyk, Austin Kowalczyk, Oliva Kowalczyk, Jacob Robin, Emma Robin, Molly Bardson, Maggie (Matt) Pagakis, Matthew “Buck” Roux, Madison Roux; three great-grandchildren, Brody Pagakis, Brinxlei Pagakis, and Noah Kowalczyk; and two sisters, Margaret Gerace of Ottawa and Ann Gerace of LaSalle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Alec Kowalczyk; one great granddaughter, Brenlee Pagakis; and two brothers, William C. “Bill” Connors and Edward Connors in infancy.

Pallbearers will be Bob Kowalczyk, Austin Kowalczyk, Brian Bardson, Matthew Roux, Nataley Kowalczyk and Jacob Robin.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s of the Field, Grand Ridge or to the Grand Ridge Fire Department.

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