Jack Dean Longfellow

Jack Dean Longfellow, 85, of Champaign, IL, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025, at home peacefully in his sleep.

Jack was born in November of 1939, at home in rural Prairie Green Township, Iroquois County, Illinois to Earnest and Ethel (Boltz) Longfellow. They moved to a farm south of Rossville, IL, in 1942, and he graduated from Rossville Community Consolidated High School in 1957. He then attended the University of Illinois where he received a certificate as a civil engineering technician which led to a lifelong career in road construction. In 2004, he retired from Illinois Valley Paving as Vice President after working there for 30 years.

In the late 1970’s he moved to Decatur, IL, where he enjoyed many years and in 1990, he married Sue. Together they attended First Christian Church for over 20 years. Jack loved the many friendships he formed there and the opportunity to serve others. In 2018, he and Sue moved to Champaign where they attended the CU Church and made many more friends.

Jack enjoyed watching U of I basketball and football, the Cubs and the Bears – he said they taught him patience. He also enjoyed playing golf, music from the 50’s and 60’s, and cars from that era – all cars really!

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and sister, Sue Cawthon. He is survived by his wife, Sue; children Jill Longfellow (Prescott, AZ), Josh (Stacey) Longfellow (Mt. Zion, IL), Scott (Tina) Longfellow (Lake of the Hills, IL), Brad Gillespie (Greenville, IN) and Lori Gillespie (Champaign, IL); six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brother Gary Longfellow (Rossville, IL); sister Sandy (Jim) Firebaugh (Whitestown, IN); and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at First Christian Church in Decatur, IL from 10-11am immediately preceding a celebration of life service from 11am-12:30pm. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, Decatur, IL, or CU Church, Champaign, IL.

Tanzyus Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the family guestbook.