John E. Boling

John E. Boling “Big John,”  84, of Kewanee, peacefully passed away on December 24, 2025, at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center in Galesburg.

John was born on November 12, 1941, in Kewanee, Illinois, the son of Laurence E. Boling and Madolynne A. (Colwell) Boling. He attended Kewanee High School and was a member of the Class of 1959.

John is survived by his wife, Julie Ann (Kazmierski) Boling of Kewanee; his daughter, Jeannie (Mike) Carlson of Mineral, his grandchildren Jessie (Hunter) Witte of Sheffield Logan Segura of Geneseo and his great-granddaughter, Ellie Jo Witte of Sheffield. He is also survived by his brother, Jim (Cheryl Pemble) Boling of Iowa; his sister, Mary Jo Evans of Kewanee; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Laurence “Johnnie” Boling; and his sisters, Judy (Jim Aercke) Boling Dorothy (Lamb) Boling and his Grandson Brett Carlson

John served his country in the National Guard. He worked for many years in his family’s trucking business as a driver and diesel mechanic. He later worked for Ratliff Brothers, where he eventually retired. John had a lifelong passion for classic cars, country music, fishing, and spending time with his family.

John was one of the last of his breed—a true gearhead in every sense of the word. May he rest in hot rod heaven.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Friday, January 9, 2026, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at a later date in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Hog Capital Wildlife Rescue and Rehab. Online condolences may be left for John's family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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