Terry J. Giannoni, of Chicago and rural Lexington, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, after a full, rich, and diverse life.
He was born in Chicago on a snowy December 21, 1946, day, the youngest son of Theodore J. and Evelyn M. Giannoni. He was raised in Chicago. His parents preceded him in death.
Terry began his desire for learning at Iowa Wesleyan University, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, earning a BA degree. His quest for life-long learning earned him many endearing friendships and the love of the land. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted by the military. He was a fire director in the 4th Infantry Division in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, 1970-71. Returning to the States, he embarked on a corporate career with State Farm that spanned over 30 years and encompassed multitudes of positions through several offices.
While at State Farm, he met Deborah J. Jones. She said ‘yes’. They started on a nearly 46-year loving, wonderful marriage. She survives, along with a brother Ted (Linda) Giannoni (OR), and their daughters, Melissa (Charley) Graham (OR) and Tina (Tom) Conner (WA). Extended family members also include two brothers, Allan (Joanne) Kammerer (IL), and Larry (Carol) Kammerer (FL), and a sister, Peggy Ledbetter (IL), and their eight children and 13 grandchildren.
On retirement, Terry and Deb started Woodland Trails Farm and Forest, a start-up agricultural operation, an almost unheard-of feat in modern agriculture. On his life’s journey, Terry also served on several boards, conservation operations, and even in local government as a township trustee, clerk, and supervisor. Being an avid conservationist, he and Deb took 16.8 acres out of production to create a pollinator meadow for clean air, water, and wildlife.
Visitation will be Friday, August 11, from 10-11 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Interment will be at the family mausoleum at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa, IL. Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard.
If you are wanting to offer remembrance, Terry asked that something nice be done for the planet like plant a tree, create a pollinator garden, make a contribution to a conservation program, or do the easiest of all, instead of frequent lawn mowing, skip one or two to reduce greenhouse gases. In honor of Terry’s excellent care, Deb also suggests donations be made to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.
To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.
GLADFELTER-ROETKER
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES
1601 East Norris Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone (815) 433-0097
www.gladfelter-roetker.co