Norman J. Wetherbee

Beverly Jean Wetherbee, age 75, and Norman John Wetherbee, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2025.

Beverly was born in Joliet, IL on November 23, 1949 to her parents Steven Lakotich and Angela Lakotich (née Kapella). Bev was a graduate of Providence High School as a member of the Class of 1967. She was an accomplished accountant for Rux & Associates, providing service for countless area clients and businesses. She was also a proud member of the Croatian Cultural Club in Joliet.

Norman was born in Joliet, IL on June 1, 1958 to his parents John Paul Wetherbee Jr. and Anita Louise Wetherbee (née Bachmann). Norm was a graduate of Lockport High School as a member of the Class of 1976. He worked his way up from the ground floor in the energy industry, ultimately serving as an Operator for ComEd Braidwood and as an Operator/Chemist for Kendall Dynegy. He was a longtime member of the Croatian Cultural Club, the South Side Civic Club, and the Moose Lodge. Norm also was proud to have served as a Will County election judge.

Bev and Norm were married on September 27, 1986 in a beautiful backyard ceremony and had been inseparable ever since. They were one of those couples who, once you saw them together, you wondered how they ever existed before they found each other. They fit like the last two pieces of a puzzle. They enjoyed celebrating life, and believed that it should be done often. They were fixtures at many local establishments, making friends with all and soon becoming like family with the many members of the Joliet community. For them, a stranger was only a friend whom they had not met yet. One would have to forgive the “Cheers” fans for their confusion, when a roar of “Norm” and “Bev” would ring through an area tavern, as everyone seemed to know their names. They loved music, whether it be Norm learning a new piece on guitar or Bev securing tickets to a Jimmy Buffet concert, they definitely had a soundtrack to their lives together. They always made time for sharing their joy with friends and family, and they loved to travel, especially to a place that had a beach for Bev and a pool for Norm. It’s easy to imagine the two of them together today, somewhere off in the distance. Norm watching the White Sox and offering a cold one which he always kept an ample supply at the ready, and Bev sitting alongside him soaking in the sun and rocking her sand covered toes to the sounds of Island beats. They did it right. Their circle was wide, touching the lives of many with their kind hearts and love of a good time. They will be missed.

Norm was preceded in death by his mother Anita Wetherbee (née Bachmann), his brother Stuart Wetherbee, and his dear cousins Michael Bachmann and Sheryl Sievert.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents Steven Lakotich and Angela Lakotich (née Kapella), her brother Steven (the late Carroll) Lakotich Jr., her brother-in-law Bill Confer, and her sister-in-law Arlene Kapella.

Bev is survived by her children Greg (Vicki) Formento and Gina Formento, her grandchildren Nathan, Brady, and Chase O’Mara, her granddaughter Laina Formento, her sister Barbara Confer, and her brother John Kapella. Extended family members, friends, and loved ones, far too numerous to name, also survive.

Norm is survived by his children Greg (Vicki) Formento and Gina Formento, his grandchildren Nathan, Brady, and Chase O’Mara, his granddaughter Laina Formento, his brother Stephen (Pamela) Wetherbee, and his sister Laura Wetherbee. Extended family members, friends, and loved ones, far too numerous to name, also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations in honor of Bev and Norm be made to the Will County Humane Society.

A joint Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Thursday June 12, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm with an opportunity for a “Sharing of Memories” at 7:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. The following morning, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am at Saint Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N. Broadway St. Joliet. In keeping with the couple’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded after Mass.