Edward J. Wargo

STREATOR — Edward J. Wargo, 77, of Streator, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 13, at his residence in Streator.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Streator. The Rev. Father Ryan Mattingly will officiate. Fourth Degree members of the Streator Assembly 2109 of the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard and 3rd Degree members of the Knights of Columbus Council 790 will be present at the funeral Mass. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Solon-Telford Funeral Home in Streator. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Private family burial will be at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery in Mendota.

Born Aug. 4, 1941, in Streator, he was the son of Stephen and Anna (Micklos) Wargo. He married Barbara Stremlau on June 19, 1971, in Mendota.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Wargo, of Streator; a daughter, Betsy Wargo, of Bloomington; sons, Ted (Carolyn) Wargo, of Streator, and Matt Wargo, of Bloomington; grandchildren, Tessa Ahillon, of Bloomington; Vincent and Stephanie Wargo, of Streator; and a sister, Anna Mae Negray, of Streator.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Wargo; and a sister, Maryann Klein.

Born and raised in Streator, he attended St. Stephen’s Grade School and graduated from Streator High School in the Class of 1959. He was also a member of the first undefeated football team in Streator High School history. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.

He was a social studies teacher at Northlawn Junior High from 1968 until 1994. He was also an assistant football and wrestling coach at Streator High School for over 30 years.

After his retirement, he loved “helping” out Santa Claus each year with guest appearances. He was also featured in several different commercials for Walgreens and Sears.

Ed was a member of the former Immaculate Conception Church and currently belonged to St. Michael the Archangel Parish. He served as a lector and Eucharistic minister for his church.

He was also a 4th Degree member of the Streator Assembly 2109 of the Knights of Columbus and 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 790. He was past Grand Knight of Council 790 and past Faithful Navigator of Assembly 2109. He also volunteered for St. Mary’s Hospital through the years.

Ed enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, gardening, photography, joking with his grandkids, coaching, family gatherings and traveling. He was also an avid Chicago Bears fan.

He will be missed by his loving family and close friends.

Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be left for the family at solontelford.com.

Solon-Telford Funeral Home

301 S. Park St., Streator, IL 61364

815-672-2320 solontelford.com