Richard Gonnam

MAZON—Richard William Gonnam, “Dick,” 84, and a lifelong resident of Mazon, passed away Monday evening, May 3, 2021 at Morris Hospital.
Born May 18, 1936 in Morris, Richard William was a son of Harvey Sylvester and Anna (Dick) Gonnam. He was raised in Mazon and graduated from Mazon High School with the class of 1954. On June 4, 1955, Dick married Carolyn Irvin in Morris and together they made their home and raised a family together.
Dick was employed with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet until his retirement following 35 years of service. He was a member of Park Street Congregational Church in Mazon, the Coal City Area Club, and belonged to the A.F. & A.M. (Masonic Lodge of Mazon) Dick enjoyed traveling, reading Westerns, gardening, rock collecting and feeding the birds. He and Carol took great pleasure in wintering in Arizona for the past 25 years, where he loved to hike, a.k.a. “Kicking the Cactus.” Family always remained most important to Dick, and he was his kids and grandkids biggest fan for their school activities and sporting events.
Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Carol; daughter, Pam (Dave) McKinley, of Morris; sons, Dan (Cherry) Gonnam, of Mazon and Tim (Sandi) Gonnam, of Eau Claire, WI; his daughter-in-law, Rose Gonnam, of Morris; nine grandchildren: Chance (Samantha) Gonnam, Zakk Gonnam, Jessica (Eric) Lowery, Doug (Sara) Punke, Jonathan (Shelby) Punke, Michael (Beth Kelly) Gonnam, Patty (David Lash) Aardsma, Crissy (Dave) Prasczewicz and David Kenney; 10 great-grandchildren: Colin and Bryce Lowery, Will, Landon and Fiona Punke, Logan and Gavin Punke, Logan and Matthew Prasczewicz and Devon (Jim) Wdovech; one great-great-grandson, Everett Wdovech; one sister, Joann (Duane) Waisath, of Mazon; two nieces, Deanna (Jim) Aitkenhead and Deborah Waisath, and two great-nephews, Kade and Wyatt Aitkenhead.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Anna Gonnam; one son, Mike Gonnam and a great-granddaughter, Keegan Kenney.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and the family will have a private remembrance at a later date.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dick’s memory to Mazon Fire Department, 700 Park St., PO Box 267, Mazon, IL 60444 or to Grundy Community Lending Closet and Grief Support, Ltd., 518 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, IL 60450.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Dick’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www. ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Richard-Gonnam
Green flameless cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris.