Harold Francis Gavin

Harold Francis Gavin, 96, of Sandwich passed away on Wednesday October 28th, 2026 surrounded by those who loved him. He was born on January 31st 1930, in Leland, Illinois. He is the son of Leo and Frances (Witt) Gavin. Harold married Joan Sherrill on December 2nd 1950, in Marseilles Illinois. They spent the next 74 1/2 years filled with farming and family until her passing in June 2025, at 94 years old. Harold and Joan were members of St. Paul Apostolic Catholic Church in Sandwich. Harold is survived by his six children Sheryl Adkinson, Susan Csiszer, Kathleen Clark (Terry), Teresa Riebe, Steve Gavin (Cassie), and Patricia Lappe; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Ellen Baumet.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his mom and dad, Leo and Frances (Witt) Gavin; his brother, Lawrence Gavin and his sister, Doris Ann Duea and son-in-law, John Adkinson.

Harold proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War and then the Illinois National Guard. Harold had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. He was a farmer for many years, later in life he worked in the Sandwich School District and Sandwich Community Hospital, to name a few. His absolute favorite pastime was restoring antique tractors and small engines. He proudly exhibited these tractors and engines at the Sandwich Fair for many years. Through this yearly tradition he has collected many caps which he rotated which ones he wore. Harold even attended the 2026 fair, just last month.

Visitation will be held on Monday November 2nd, 2026 from 3:00-6:00pm at Turner Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday November 3rd, 2026 at 10am with Father Brian Geary officiating at St. Paul the Apostle Church, located at 340 W. Arnold Rd, Sandwich. Immediately following the funeral mass, burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery at the corner of E. Hoxsey Rd and 47th Rd. Friends and family are invited back to the Parish Center at St. Paul for a luncheon provided by the women of the church.

The family would like to thank the care staff at The Pavillion on Main for compassionate care, kindness and support they provided for Harold and Joan.

For more information or to sign the online guest book please visit www.EighnerFuneraHomes.com

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home

13160 W. Rt 34~ PO Box 404

Somonauk, IL 60552

815 498-2363