John J. Byrne Sr.

John J. “Johnny” Byrne Sr., 86, of La Salle, passed away surrounded by his family on April 9, 2026 at Allure of Mendota.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Saturday, April 18, at St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with the Very Rev. Thomas Otto officiating.  Burial will be in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in La Salle with full military honors conducted by La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group.  Visitation will be 4 to 7:00 PM Friday at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle.  Additional visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of services.

John was born in La Salle on September 21, 1939 to Owen and Frances (Kierski) Byrne Sr.  He graduated from La Salle—Peru Township High School. He served with the United States Navy for two years stationed on Aircraft Forrestal.  He married Sarah Coop on September 5, 1970. John worked as a draftsman engineer.

John was a coin collector, modal car and boat collector.  He enjoyed history and ancestry. He was known as a jokester.  

John is survived by his wife Sarah of La Salle; seven children, Tina (Curtis Murphy) Katzwinkle, John Byrne Jr. of Granville, Sarah (David) Forney of Tonica, Owen Byrne of La Salle, Michael (Jamie) Byrne of La Salle, William (Tiffany) Byrne of La Salle and Violet Miller of La Salle; nineteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; one brother Owen (Annette) Byrne Jr. of Peru; one niece; and one nephew.  

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

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