Anthony Torres Jr., 86, of LaSalle, passed away, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM, Monday, June 24, 2023 at the Prey-Mueller Funeral Home, Oglesby with Rev. Paul Carlson, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, Oglesby officiating. Private burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, LaSalle. Visitation will be 4-6:00 PM, Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Torres was born February 23, 1938 in Fall River, MA to Anthony and Elvira (Mello) Torres. He graduated from Somerset High School in Somerset, MA where he excelled in track. He ran a race in Madison Square Garden where he was recognized for a 48 second, 400 yard dash.
Mr. Torres was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served as a Corpsman. After his military service, he went on to college and received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Normal. Mr. Torres taught Biology and Algebra at LaSalle-Peru Township High School, Marquette Academy in Ottawa, and Woodland High School in Streator. Throughout his career, he also served as a track and football coach and athletic director. After retirement, he served as a substitute teacher at Dimmick Grade School.
Mr. Torres married Gertrude “Sis” Moeller on January 3, 1959. She passed away February 3, 1991. He later married Cyrilla (Banich) Kulis on June 2, 1996. She passed away on February 9, 2018.
Mr. Torres was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fly fishing and tying, deer hunting, camping, and kayaking. Mr. Torres also previously served as Mayor of Oglesby.
Survivors include his children, David (Rosanne) Torres of Oglesby, Suzanne Marie (Kelly Jo) Torres of Austin, TX, and William (Rosary) Torres of Oglesby; one step-son, Tony (Georgia) Kulis of Oglesby; five grandchildren, Dustin (Brittany) Torres of Ottawa, Nathan Torres of Urbana, Sara Nicole (Bob Hum) Torres of Oglesby, Dylan Torres of California, and Ryan (Stephanie) Rolando of Peru; two step-grandchildren, Michael Kulis and Nicole Kulis; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gertrude; his second wife, Cyrilla; and his parents.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.