John L. Goleman

John L. Goleman, 72, resident of Divernon passed away Monday, September 1, 2025.

He was born August 1, 1953 in Springfield; the son of Leo and Dorothy Reichert Goleman. He was preceded in death by his father, and two sisters, Melinda and Ann.

John graduated from Divernon High School in 1971. He went on to attend Western Illinois University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

John married Kathy Grider on February 17, 1978 and moved to the family farm just outside of Divernon where the two lived, worked the family farm and raised their two children for 35 years. He was a devoted family man with a generous spirit and is survived by his wife, Kathy; two children Cory Goleman and Ryan (Sarah) Goleman; two grandchildren, Charlotte and Sam; mother, Dorothy Goleman; one brother, Andy Goleman; several nieces and nephews.

John lived his entire life in Divernon and loved his community. He served as a Trustee for the Township of Divernon for 36 years and was a lifetime member of the Divernon United Methodist Church where he served as the Chairman of the Board for numerous years.

John was an avid sports fan and cheered on his beloved Fighting Illini and St. Louis Cardinals year after year.

Those who knew John would describe him as generous, gentle, and kind with a sense of humor and wit that could put anyone at ease. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through all those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Visitation will be from 9:30am till time of services at 11:30am, Monday, September 8, 2025 at Bramley Funeral Home, 150 Reichert Rd, Divernon with Rev. Randy Sharp of Divernon UMC officiating. Burial will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery, Divernon.

Memorials may be made to Divernon United Methodist Church or Divernon Township Library.

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