FREDERICK JOSEPH "JOE" LATHROP

Frederick Joseph (Joe) Lathrop, 79, of DeKalb, Illinois, eternal destiny, April 22, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Joe was born May 8, 1946, in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Fred and Isabella Rose (Van Draska) Lathrop. He was raised and educated in Monmouth and is a graduate of LaSalle Extension School in Chicago, Illinois then welding at Kishwaukee College. He married the love of his life Lois (Atwood) on November 4, 1967, and together they shared many years of love, laughter and their faith in God.

Joe’s first job was merchandising at Bowman Shoe Store in Monmouth, IL. He moved to DeKalb in 1962 working at Barber Green/Caterpillar/AGCO in DeKalb and Drive Lok in Sycamore, IL. He retired from Caterpillar Inc. after 26 years., in Aurora, IL.  During his working years he also ran his own business, Building and Trades, Joe Lathrop Construction, DeKalb, IL for over thirty years. 

Joe was an avid deer hunter, he loved the outdoors, gardening, mowing lawns for his neighbors and cooking.  He enjoyed attending church and his church family. Joe was devoted to workouts at the YMCA in DeKalb, he enjoyed many friendships there.  Joe also enjoyed truck rides with his wife, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Lois of 59 years; his sons Joseph (Diane) Lathrop and William Lathrop of Sycamore, IL; his grandchildren Troy (Hanna) Lathrop with great granddaughters Collins and Paityn of Burlington, IA, Brandon (Fiancé Ashlee) Lathrop of Highlands Ranch, CO and Sheyenne Lathrop of Sycamore, IL, Madelyn Lathrop of East Moline, IL and Maxine Lathrop of Kenosha, WI; his sisters Peggy Figle and Sharon Lathrop both of Monmouth, IL, Judy Crinklaw of Omaha, NE and Cheryl Lathrop of Council Bluff, IA; his brothers Dan (Kay) Lathrop of Monmouth, IL, Darrell (Barb) Lathrop of Oquawka, IL and “Doc” Terry (Linda) Lathrop of Beardstown, IL, also his honorary brothers Jerry (Punk) and Jeff Schisler; and his honorary sister Vicky (Vic) Raymond of Monmouth, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and honorary parents Louis and Katherine Schisler; his sister Rozella Liggett; his brothers Butch and Larry Lathrop; his honorary brother Junior Schisler; and his daughter-in-law Linda Lathrop.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the trauma team and medical staff NM Kishwaukee, DeKalb, IL, OSF St Anthony’s, Rockford, IL and OSF St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, IL for their Care and Kindness during his final days Joe was a gift of hope donor.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 until the time of service at 11am on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Christ Community Church 2350 Pride Ave., DeKalb, IL, with a luncheon at noon. A private graveside will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore, IL. 

Joe had a desire that children attend church camp. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ Community Church, 2350 Pride Ave., DeKalb, IL,  toward the children church camp fund in memory of Joe.

Cremation and arrangements entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, IL.  To sign the online guest book, go to www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com

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