John T. Durdan

John T. Durdan, 68 of rural Streator passed away Sunday morning (May 19, 2024) at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

A visitation will be held Thursday from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Grand Ridge Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held Friday at 11a.m. at the funeral home.  A burial will follow in the Grand Rapids Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Mahnke, Andy Augustine, Cole Haynes, Claire Stillwell, Steve Glascock, Cal Duffield, Matt and Phillip Durdan.  Honorary will be Jake Handzus and Tommie Haynes.

John was born on March 2, 1956, in Streator to Thomas F. and Lucile (Grant) Durdan.  He married Anna Marie Schiffbauer on September 13, 1992.   She preceded him in death on March 17, 2013.

Surviving is his daughter Lindsey (Jake) Handzus of Streator, stepchildren Tommie (Tricia) Haynes and kids of Tonica, Tammie Biskie and kids of Naplate and his “bargain son” Ryan (Kassi) Mahnke of Marseilles, grandchildren, Briggs, Reese, Jace and Jett, brothers, Charlie (Cindy) Durdan and Pat Durdan both of Grand Ridge, sister, Cathie (Jim) Keenan of Black Mountain, NC.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Marie and a brother Michael.

John graduated from Streator High School in 1974 and attended IVCC.  He was a farmer and electrician for the US Army Corp of Engineer and 3D Electrical.

John was a man of many talents, passions, and desires.  In his younger years he took part in 4H team penning, western shootouts, horseback riding, tug of wars, and men’s fast pitch softball.  As Lindsey aged John’s playing days came to an end as he helped coach many of her teams.  Johns’ passion for softball also lead him to opening OTB softball shed where he was able to pass on the love and knowledge of the game to girls for the last 20+ years.

John was never known for being a man of many words but what he will be remembered for is being a loving father, a poppa who cared deeply for his grandchildren, and a great friend.

Memorials may be made in his name to the LaSalle or Livingston County 4-H clubs or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.