A funeral will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 for 85-year-old John “Jackie” Lee Laurent of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, who passed away at 7 a.m., Monday, February 5, 2024 at his residence.
He was born June 10, 1938 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois to Theodore and Kathrine E. (nee Aubuchon) Laurent, who both preceded him in death.
Jackie married Ava M. Ellner on March 1, 1961; she survives in Praririe du Rocher.
He is also survived by three children: Michael Laurent of Cape Girardeau, Mo., Ronnie (Renee) Laurent of Maeystown, Illinois, and Renae (Randy) Kueker of Chester, Ill.; five siblings:
Barbara Zeiger of Red Bud, Ill., Marcella (Leo) Deterding of Red Bud, Ill., Charlotte (Louis) Henefault of Waterloo, Ill., David (Cheri) Laurent of Edwardsville, Ill., and Janet Fults (Alan Menard) of Red Bud, Ill.; a step Sister-in-law: Arlene Clerc Prairie du Rocher, Ill.; six grandchildren: Leanne Cowell (Nick Clifford), Zachary Cowell (Jayna Brennan), Madison (Ethan) Kothe, Shelby Kueker (Justin Bert), Randy Kueker, Jr., and Dylan Laurent (Kasin); seven great grandchildren: Grayson Herriman, Carson Clifford, Tyson Clifford, Lane Cowell, Ella Marie Cowell, Ava Rose Cowell and Tanner Kothe; an aunt: Audrey Kieffer of Red Bud, Ill., and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was also preceded in death by: parents, stepfather William Clerc, a sister Margaret “Peggy” (Donald “Fuzzy”) Nevois and a step brother: Garland Clerc.
Jackie and Ave moved to Florida after they got married, where he worked at Marathon Oil Company in Tampa for eight years. After moving back to Illinois, Jackie worked at Knowles Construction in Chester and then later retired from Illinois Excavators in Ruma.
He also worked his family farm.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois and La Guiannee Society.
Jackie was a church trustee, served on the parish council and St. Joseph’s Cemetery Board for many years.
He also served on the Prairie du Rocher Fire Department and Randolph County Sheriff Board.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the American Legion Post No. 622 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.
Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, Ill.
A memorial mass for 85-year-old John “Jackie” Lee Laurent of Prairie du Rocher, Ill. will be held at 11 a.m Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, Ill. Officiating: Fr. Sebastian Ukoh and Msgr. Daniel Jurek.
Inurnment will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Prairie du Rocher, Ill.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund, Vitas Hospice or to Family Choice.