Onorio Gherardini

Onorio Gherardini, 94 years and 10 months, of Cherokee Village, AR, formerly of Centralia, IL, passed away at 8:38 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2015, in Cherokee Village. Onorio was born June 22, 1920, in Wamac, IL , son of Emilio and Erminia (Grotti) Gherardini. Onorio married Suzanne (Sundermeyer) Cruzen on November 24, 1967, at First Christian Church in Centralia. Onorio Gherardini is survived by his wife Suzanne Gherardini of Cherokee Village, AR; son, Greg (Nancy) Cruzen of Tulsa, OK; daughter, Kim (Tim) Copple of Centralia, IL; grandchildren: Tim (Stevie) Miller of Arvada, CO; Michael (Diane) Miller of Glendale, CA; Matthew Copple of Centralia, IL; Kacie (Ryan) McIntosh of Carlyle, IL; Krista (Jeff) Sherrill of Sperry, OK; David (Kyleigh) Klein of Tulsa, OK; Katie (Tim) Fahrenbach of Tulsa, OK; Charlotte (Eric) Howard of Nashville, TN; great-grandchildren: Aden and Ashton Miller, Sean and Isabella Miller, Laney McIntosh, Maisie and Liam Burke, Sydney and Isaac Sherill, Isaak Duke, Skyler Klein, Mason Fahrenbach, William and David Howard; one sister, Marie Miller of Centralia, IL; two sisters-in-law, Judy Lander and Becky Frattini of Joliet, IL; many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends. Onorio was employed for 39 years as a Carman for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. He was an income tax preparer for many years, even into retirement. He lived most of his life in Centralia, IL, before retiring to Cherokee Village, AR in 1980. He served his country in World War II, receiving a combat infantry badge, three Bronze Stars and numerous medals from the South Pacific campaigns. Onorio had an extensive career in golf, winning the Southern Illinois Golf Association Championship in 1956. After retirement, he was a golf instructor in Cherokee Village and neighboring country clubs. Onorio was a member of Word Works Ministry in Cherokee Village. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be missed by all who loved him. Onorio was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ofelia Brandonisio and Olanda Riley; one brother, Hubert Gherardini; two brothers-in-law, Donnie Sundermeyer and Ernie Sundermeyer; and one sister-in-law, Gwen Ward. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tricountyfuneralhome.com or www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations can be made to the Cherokee Village Fire Department and will be accepted at either funeral home. A Celebration of Life Service is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel. Local arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home in Highland, AR.