Terry J. Giannoni

Terry J. Giannoni, of Chicago and rural Lexington, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 after a full, rich, and diverse life.

He was born in Chicago on a snowy December 21, 1946 day, the youngest son of Theodore J. and Evelyn M. Giannoni.  He was raised in Chicago.  His parents preceded him in death.

Terry began his desire for learning at Iowa Wesleyan University, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, earning a BA degree.  His quest for life-long learning earned him many endearing friendships and the love of the land.  Shortly after graduation, he was drafted by the military.  He served as a fire director in the 4th Infantry Division in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, 1970-71.  Returning to the states, he embarked on a corporate career with State Farm that spanned over 30 years and encompassed multitudes of positions through several offices.

While at Statre Farm, he met Deborah J. Jones.  She said ‘yes’.  They started on a near 46 year loving, wonderful marriage.  She survives, along with a brother Ted (Linda) Giannoni (OR), and their daughters, Melissa (Charley) Graham (OR) and Tina (Tom) Conner (WA).  Extended family members also include two brothers, Allan (Joanne) Kammerer (IL), Larry (Carol) Kammerer (FL), and a sister, Peggy Ledbetter (IL) and their eight children and 13 grandchildren.

On retirement, Terry and Deb started Woodland Trails Farm and Forest, a start-up agricultural operation, an almost unheard of feat in modern agriculture.  On his life’s journey, Terry also served on several boards, conservation operations and even in local government as a township trustee, clerk, and supervisor.  Being an avid conservationist, he and Deb took 16.8 acres out of production to create a pollinator meadow for clean air, water and wildlife.

Visitation will be Friday, August 11, from 10-11 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.  Interment will be at the family mausoleum at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa, IL.  Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard.

If you are wanting to offer remembrance, Terry asked that something nice be done for the planet like plant a tree, create a pollinator garden, make a contribution to a conservation program or do the easiest of all, instead of frequent lawn mowing, simply skip one or two to reduce greenhouse gases.  Deb, in honor of the excellent care Terry received, also suggests donations be made to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

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