John E. Abel

John E. Abel, 82, of Litchfield, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, at his home in Litchfield, Illinois.

John was born August 3, 1943, in Bement, Illinois, a son of Everett and Doris Winters Abel. He married Kathryn “Kathy” Keonig on July 7, 1983, in Hillsboro, Illinois.

John loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family—his wife, Kathy, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether gathered around the table for a delicious meal, casting a line on the water, or simply sharing stories together, John found his greatest joy in those everyday moments.

He lived a life of service, hard work, and craftsmanship. John proudly served in the United States Air Force and later dedicated fifteen years to the police reserves, retiring with the rank of Captain. He spent 15 years as the general manager at Barenholtz Furniture, where he developed many lasting relationships that helped launch Durabel Construction, his own home remodeling business. Through his attention to detail and pride in his work, John built a reputation for honesty, quality, and dedication to helping others create spaces they loved. He often said that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life—and that was exactly how he lived.

John was deeply involved in his community throughout his life. He was a life member of the VFW, a proud Mason with the Litchfield Lodge, and a past member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, the Elks, and the Litchfield Country Club. His dedication to service, friendship, and integrity shone through in everything he did.

John will be remembered for his humor, quiet strength, and devotion to his family. To know him was to know someone who would share his last bite of dessert, bait your hook without hesitation, and find a way to make even the hardest days a little lighter.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Abel of Litchfield; daughters Jamie (Richard) Evans of Litchfield, Dawn Rosentreter of Hillsboro, and Jessica (Gary) Otto of Litchfield; son Chris (Julie) Abel of Litchfield; grandchildren Zachary, Ian, Valerie, Hannah, and Lexi; great-grandchildren Dylan and Langley; sisters Patricia Rushton of Litchfield, Dianne DeNeff of Godfrey, and Joyce Madden of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Litchfield Family Funeral Service, 700 South State Street, Litchfield, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 6:15 p.m., with the Reverend Alan Hunter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Litchfield Food Pantry and the LCUSD #12 Building and Trades Program.

The family invites you to honor John by doing something he would have loved: share a meal with someone dear, spend an afternoon fishing, or lend a hand to a neighbor in need.

His legacy of love, laughter, and craftsmanship will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
 

Litchfield Family Funeral Services, Litchfield, is in charge of arrangements. 

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