Junior Lee Wyatt

Princeton - Junior "Lee" Wyatt, 92, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of the family and friends who meant so much to him. Junior was born on October 31, 1933, in Ashe County, North Carolina, to Preston and Bonnie (Dolinger) Wyatt. His family later moved to West Virginia, where many of his cherished childhood memories were made. Junior proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and later served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in Japan. He eventually made his home in Rock Falls, Illinois, where he met and married Lova Miller. Together they raised eight children before later divorcing. In 1976, Junior met and married Laura (Tomaszewski) Wyatt, who remained his loving wife and companion for the rest of his life. Junior worked for Lawrence Brothers and Northwestern Steel Company, both in Sterling, Illinois. He later joined Jones and Laughlin Steel Mill in Hennepin, Illinois, where he worked in the roll shop until his retirement in 1996. Retirement did not slow Junior down. He became a regular "walker" at the Peru Mall, where he enjoyed getting his steps in and, just as importantly, making many friends along the way. Those friendships and daily conversations became a special part of his life. Above all, Junior cherished his family. He loved family gatherings, especially Father's Day celebrations and the Halloween birthday parties held in honor of his October 31 birthday. In earlier years, he could often be found with a video camera in hand, capturing family moments and creating treasured memories. Those videos will now be cherished more than ever as a precious reminder of the love and laughter he shared with his family. Junior was also an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, where his faith was an important part of his life. He is survived by six daughters: Tammy (Paul) Peppers of Rock Falls, Bonnie (John) Lewis of Sterling, Kayla (Greg) Blackburn of Sterling, Michelle Vietmeyer of Bullhead City, Arizona, Claudia (Seth) Hamburger of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Kathryn (Calvin) Moell of Malden, Illinois; three sons: Thomas Wyatt of Burlington, Iowa, Steven Wyatt of Princeton, Illinois, and David (Paula) Kuck of Cody, Wyoming; 28 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Junior was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Bonnie Wyatt; two brothers, Charles Wyatt and Thomas Wyatt; two sisters, Lucille Shoemaker and Carlie Wyatt; one son, Gordon Wyatt, in 1995; one daughter, Ellen Fellows, in 2019; and one grandson, Kenny Wyatt, in 2017. Junior leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a large and loving family, and countless stories that will continue to be shared for generations to come. His laughter, his love of family, his faith, and the moments he captured on video will remain treasured reminders of a life well lived. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort knowing that Junior is now at peace and has gone home to be with the Lord. A visitation will be held on Friday September 18, 2026 at Bethel Baptist Church, 1028 S. Sixth St. Princeton, IL from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Funeral services to follow at 11:00 am at Bethel Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Tim Batchelor. Graveside services to follow at the Peru City Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church or Rock Falls American Legion Post 902. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Junior Lee Wyatt

October 31, 1933 - September 14, 2026