Lester J. Cheney

In Loving Memory of Lester John Cheney

February 12, 1957 – June 4, 2025

Lester John Cheney, age 68, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, surrounded by the enduring love of his family.

Born and raised in Joliet, Les was a proud graduate of Joliet East High School’s Class of 1975. He remained deeply rooted in the community he loved, giving back through both his professional work and personal passions.

Les was a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 21 years—an organization that became a cornerstone of his life. Through his sobriety, he not only transformed his own life but helped guide and support countless others on their own journeys. His strength, humility, and quiet mentorship left a lasting mark on those who had the privilege of walking beside him.

He also gave his time generously as a YMCA board member and was active in the Old Timers Baseball Association, always staying connected to the people and places that mattered most to him.

Professionally, Les was a respected leader in the construction industry. He served as Executive Director of the Will Grundy Contractors Association, Concrete Superintendent for D Construction, Owner of L&M Concrete, Inc., and Les Cheney Concrete for over 40 years. A longtime board member and Executive Committee member of the Three Rivers Construction Alliance, was a 45-year member of Local 11 Cement Masons and served as Trustee on numerous labor and pension boards, including Northern IL Local 11 Cement Masons JATC, OPCMIA Lake Co. Retirement Savings Plan, OPCMIA Northern IL District Council Cement Masons LMCC, Carpenters 174 Pension, and the Ironworkers Mid-America Pension Fund SMA.

Beyond his accomplishments, Les will be remembered most for the love he shared with his family and friends. For 42 beautiful years, he shared his life with his beloved wife, Maria. Together, they raised five children and built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. Les had a gift for bringing people together—whether at Shannon Lake or around the dinner table. He was a charismatic host, always ready with a story, a joke, a smile, and a sense of humor that made everyone feel welcome.

Les is preceded in death by his parents, William and Violet Cheney; his cherished son, Joseph Paul Cheney; his brother, William Cheney; his nephew, Shane Walsh; and his in-laws, Alex and Paula Szabo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Cheney (née Szabo); their children: Kristina Marie (Hector) Ruiz, Richard James (Sabrina) Bishop, Tricia Ann (Michael) Kruchten, and Nicole Marie (Michael) Cheney; and his adored grandchildren: Joshua, Cody, Maddyson, Sydney, Ramona, Justin, Karly, Matthew, Salvatore (Vanessa), Nathaniel, Elijah, Avery, and Oliver. Les also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Leonardo and Hendryx; his sister, Sandra (Roy) Ravagnie; his nephew, John (Kim) Walsh; extended family, and many dear friends.

Les’s legacy is one of devotion—to his work, his community, and most of all, his family.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Les’ name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care—a cause close to their hearts.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Chapel Service at 7:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL. Guests are invited to return to Tezak’s at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, for closing prayers, followed by a funeral service at Grace United Methodist Church at 10:00 am officiated by Pastor Fritz Bartels. Les will be laid to rest at Elmhurst Cemetery, 1212 E. Washington St, Joliet, IL 60433.