Joseph Barrera

94 year old, Joseph Barrera, of Wheatfield, passed away on December 30, 2024, at his home.

On July 9, 1930, Joseph was born to Sotero and Domitilia (Peña) Barrera, in Chicago, Illinois. Joseph served in the United States Army from 1951 until 1953. He married the love of his life, Lorraine Buratto, on September 14, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. Joseph was a Steelworker, who worked at ACME Steel in Riverdale, Illinois. He then worked as a janitor at Kankakee Valley School Corporation after he retired. Joseph was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Wheatfield. He was a member of Wheatfield American Legion, Post #406. Joseph enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, cowboy movies, hunting, and being with his friends and family. Joseph’s greatest joy in life was being the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather he could possibly be.

Joseph is survived by his son: Jim (Gloria) Barrera, 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and one brother: Raynaldo (Marilyn) Barrera.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, step-mom: Margaret (Hernandez) Barrera wife: Lorraine, son: Joseph, brothers: Ralph, Frank, Rueben, David, Anthony, and sisters: Esther Burnette, Mary Wehnanen, and Concepcion Zavala Barrera.

Per Joseph’s wishes cremation will take place.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service to be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1460 E. St. Rd. 10, Wheatfield, In 46392. Pastor Mark Fakih presiding.

Per his wishes, Joseph and his wife will be laid to rest in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church.