Herbert "Herb" Allison Beguin

HERBERT "HERB" ALLISON BEGUIN, 90, passed away Wednesday, September 3 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Herb was born on June 30, 1924 in Ottawa, Illinois where he grew up along with his sister Marge. He was a guard on the Ottawa Pirates football team and earned the rank of Major in the school's ROTC program. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy, was stationed at Great Lakes and served his country for four years during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge he studied at the Warsham Mortuary School in Chicago. On October 23, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Isabelle Hoxsey. They were married for 59 years before she passed away in 2006. Mary and Herb had six children: Sandy (Garry) Cheatham, Susan (George) Freeman, Herbert M (Mary Beth), Sally (Art) Liebhart, David (Marian), and Stacie (Steve) Brewer. Their family grew as they welcomed 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Herb worked at Gladfelders Funeral Home in Ottawa, Owens-Illinois in Streator for ten years and eighteen years selling agricultural chemical products for W R Grace, Terra Chemicals and TTT. After retiring, he worked eight years part time for the First National Bank in Ottawa. Herb was a man of great faith who loved God and his family with a passion. His grandchildren and great grandchildren have been a source of great joy in his life. He loved playing golf, never tired of the challenge and reveled in the friendships he made through the game. His other hobbies were model railroading and building complex Lego sets trying to keep up with his great grandsons.

Herb made friends easily with people of all ages, which is what kept him young at heart and current with the times. He had a sincere interest in every person he met and an incredible memory, which allowed him to stay connected with people over the years. His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of many. Herb led a rich life full of lessons learned and passed on. He challenged us to be better people--he will never be forgotten. May he rest in God's peace.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 12 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 7659 W. Sauk Trail, Frankfort, IL followed by Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will immediately follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.