John N Hennenfent

John Nicholas “Big John” Hennenfent, 67, of Roseville, IL passed away peacefully at his family farm, with his daughters by his side on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

John was born April 11, 1955, in Macomb, IL, the son of Nicholas E. and Doris M. (Dakin) Hennenfent.  He was raised and lived in the Smithshire/Roseville areas his entire life. He began helping his dad and grandfather on the family farm at a young age. Big John graduated from Yorkwood High School in 1973.

John took great pride in being a farmer, while working at the Dekalb plant in Monmouth for several years as well as owning and operating Hennenfent Trucking. Being a farmer, John was accustomed to working sun up to sun down, and still found time to be an amazing father and grandpa.  Many knew Big John as someone you could always depend on, no matter how large the request.  He was kind and gentle, with an ornery twinkle in his eye and slight smirk on his face. His heart was as big as he was.   He loved spending time with his grandkids, who fondly knew him as “Papa, Grandpa George, and Old Dad”.

Survivors include his daughters, Lucinda (John) Ricco of Roseville, IL and Katie (John D.) Feehan of Kirkwood, IL; 5 grandchildren, Jordan (Drew Burnett) Shelton, Adrionna Butler, Tanner Ricco, Isabella Feehan and Dawson Ricco; his siblings, Mike E. Hennenfent of Smithshire, IL, Mary Hennenfent, Jane Hennenfent, and Bill Hennenfent all of Arizona; nephews, Paul (Amanda) Hennenfent and John P. (Jackie) Hennenfent and niece, Nicole (Carl) Cole.  Also surviving are several beloved great nieces and great nephews along with many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and paternal grandparents, Frank & Loretta Hennenfent; maternal grandparents, Edgar & Fern Dakin.

In remembrance of John, please take a moment to reflect.  Take a walk in the country.  Feel the breeze, the sun, and the gentle rains.  Soak in the sounds and enjoy the smells.  On a hot humid summer day, you really can hear the corn grow. Walk in the field, you’ll hear it crackle.  And at night, look to the sky and take in the stars.

Every farmer puts his land to rest for winter, and God has now put this farmer to rest.

Funeral services will be 12:00 pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth.  Visitation will be from 9:00-12:00 on Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Cremation will take place following the services.  An additional celebration of Big John’s life will take place at the family farm following the services, beginning at 1:30 pm, Wednesday.   A memorial fund has been established to be designated at a later date.