John Wesley Atkinson, 86, passed away on October 30, 2022, at the Rochelle Community Hospital. He was born on January 1, 1936, in Big Mound Twp., the son of William and Inez (Cantrell) Atkinson. John married Norma Capes on August 28, 1954.

John worked for Del Monte for over 33 years. He loved spending time with family, especially at cookouts. He was very fond of spending time outside, mowing lawns and playing softball with the kids and grandkids.

John is survived by his wife, Norma; 3 children, Susan (Mark) LeMay of Hillcrest, Cindy Goldman of Ashton and David Atkinson of Oregon, IL; 8 grandchildren, John (Trisha) Vaughn, Christi (Dan) Batsch, Amber (James) Schuster, Amy (Jason Breeden) Goldman, William "Bo" Goldman, Emily Goldman, John David (Mandy) Atkinson and Mandi Atkinson; 2 brothers, Grover Atkinson and Andy (Laura) Atkinson; 1 sister, Louella (Doug) Blackburn; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents; an infant child, Johnny Lee Atkinson; 2 sisters, Irene Forristall and May Pierce; 3 brothers, Donald Atkinson, Lester Atkinson and Ray Atkinson; son-in-law, Paul Goldman; and great-grandson Dakota Piper.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 5-7 pm at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle.

Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 244 Kelley Drive, in Rochelle with Father Jesus Dominguez officiating. Interment will follow at the Ashton Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Please sign the online guest book at www.UngerHorner.com.Patrick Catholic Church. Please sign the online guest book at www.UngerHorner.com