Obituary: John H. Vallrugo

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

John H. Vallrugo

John H. Vallrugo of Joliet, IL at age 89 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He was born in Joliet, IL, to the late William and Lillian Vallrugo.

John was a graduate of Joliet Township High School and honorably served his country in the US Army. He devoted 40 years of service to Northern Illinois Gas Company. John served as a Board member of VFW Stone City Post (2199) where he supported and stood by his fellow veterans.

John was a noted percussionist, drummer and lifelong member of the Joliet Federation of Musicians. His talent and love for music enriched both his life and the lives of those who had the privilege of hearing him perform.

He greatly enjoyed spending time at his lakeside home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin where he took pleasure in boating, fishing and the beauty of nature. He also cherished yearly golf trips with his friends.

Faith-filled, courageous and adventurous, John lived his life with quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his family, work and his community. He was a longtime parishioner of St Joseph Catholic Church where his faith found expression in service, fellowship and devotion. He volunteered at Meals on Wheels and served food at the local homeless shelter.

John is survived by his three children, Lt. Col John Michael “Mike” (Dawn) Vallrugo USAF Ret, Susan (Jim) Schloderback, and David (Beth) Vallrugo; eight grandchildren, Thomas, Ryan and Peter Vallrugo, Brittany and Andrew Schloderback, Nicholas Vallrugo, Renee (Mike) May, and Kevin Vallrugo; two great-grandchildren, Adelyn and Jacob May; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Wheeler; and brother-in-law, Dennis (Shirley) Rogel.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Camille (nee Rogel) Vallrugo; his parents, William and Lillian Vallrugo; his brother, Rodney; a brother in infancy; and nephew, Kenneth Vallrugo.

Visitation for John H. Vallrugo will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fred C Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. A celebration of John’s life will begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. with a prayer service at the funeral home followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St Joseph Church, 416 N. Chicago St, Joliet. John will be laid to rest at St Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to St Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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