Douglas F. Altmyer

Douglas F. Altmyer, 88, of Manteno, formerly Bourbonnais, IL, died on Friday March 17, 2017 at Miller Rehab Center, surrounded by his children. Visitation will be on Sunday March 19th, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Manteno. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Maternity BVM Catholic Church, on Monday, March 20th at 11:00 A.M. where he was a member. There will be a final visitation at 10:00 A.M. at the church. Father Richard Pighini will officiate. Burial will be in Maternity BVM Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maternity BVM Catholic Church, Kankakee Valley Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Mr. Altmyer was born on October 4, 1928. He was the youngest of five children born to Mary and Henry Altmyer. As a youth, he loved and honored his parents and was a hard worker on their family farm. On June 27th, 1953 he married his sweetheart Joyce R. Benoit. She preceded him in death on January 21, 2009. They were blessed with four children, Steve, (deceased), Jeff (Naomi) Altmyer of Champaign, Laurie (Todd) Haynes of Bloomington, Mary (Max) Schmid of Manteno. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Lance and Austin Altmyer of Bradley, Alina, of Chicago, and Alec Altmyer of Champaign, Meaghan (Eric) Nelson of Evansville, IN, and Nathan Haynes, of Chicago, Matthew and Aaron (Stacey) Schmid of Chicago, Luke and Julia Schmid of Manteno and one great-granddaughter Alex Altmyer of Bradley. Besides his wife and oldest son, Doug was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Edward and Paul Altmyer and two sisters, Cecelia Hartman and Catherine McGrath. Doug leaves behind four surviving sisters-in-law: Eloise Martin of Arizona, Joan (Gerald) McGinnis of Bradley, Dorine Altmyer of Bourbonnais and Betty Benoit of Minnesota. Doug worked at Kroehler Furniture in Bradley for 33 years before he began employment at Manteno High School in maintenance and custodial work. He retired from MHS in 1994. He was a dedicated and faithful employee who always went above and beyond what was required of him. His work ethic was second to none. He did many other service acts too numerous to mention and made a positive impression on whomever he met. He never knew a stranger and never said an unkind word about anyone. Doug enjoyed keeping busy. He loved the Spring season when he could get out and plant his flower and vegetable gardens. He was the picture of health up through his seventh decade of life. He swam faithfully at BBCHS in the winter months, and would hike and ride his bike in the warmer months. He loved fishing and playing horseshoes and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved his Lord, his church, his country and his family. He was an outstanding husband, father, and grandfather. While we will miss him terribly, we rejoice that He placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, and is now at peace and in glory. We look forward to our reunion with him in heaven.

Douglas F. Altmyer

October 4, 1928 - March 17, 2017