[Obituary]
ROCHELLE - John R. Wells, 76, of Sun City, Ariz., passed away Friday, March 20, 2009. John lived for most of his life in northern Illinois, including Pecatonica, Rockford, Stillman Valley and Rochelle.
He was born Nov. 20, 1932, in Dixon to John and Sylvia Brechon-Wells. John graduated from Pecatonica High School in 1950 and married Shirley Rumler on June 30, 1956. He went to the University of Illinois and Rockford College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was an avid fan of the casinos and horse races. He loved farming and gardening. He was an entrepreneur with many ventures.
He is survived by children, John (Terri) Wells of Byron, Jeffrey (Deborah) Wells of Carpentersville, James Wells of Oklahoma City, Okla., Cindy (Burt) Horner of Casselberry, Fla., Wendy (Joseph) Stevens of Oregon; sisters, Norma (Ray) Norcross of Sun City, Ariz., Joanne (Jerry) Thieme of Marshfield, Wis., and Janet (Larry) Meress of Milwaukee, Wis.; brother, Charles Wells of Sun City; grandchildren, Johnathon (Nichole) and Kandra Horner, Joshua and Robbie Wells, Ashlee and Kaylee Wells, Nicole Wells, and Michael, Matthew, Seth, and Sarah Stevens.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; wife, Shirley; son, Michael; and brother, Richard.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron. Graveside burial at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in Kishwaukee Cemetery, 8100 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley.