Longtime Galesburg Resident June Rose Verheyen Dies at 97

Verheyen worked at Admiral until its closure and was an active member of the community.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a cozy living room scene, with warm pools of light and color creating a nostalgic, intimate atmosphere that suggests a lifetime of memories.The passing of June Rose Verheyen marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of Galesburg, where she lived a full life surrounded by family and faith.Knoxville Today

June Rose Verheyen, a 97-year-old resident of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on April 5, 2026. Verheyen had a long career at the Admiral factory and was an active member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church. She is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren.

Why it matters

Verheyen's life story reflects the changes that have taken place in Galesburg over the past several decades, from the rise and fall of major manufacturers like Admiral to the enduring presence of local institutions like St. Patrick Catholic Church. Her passing marks the end of an era for the community.

The details

June Rose Verheyen was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928 and moved to Galesburg in the early 1960s with her husband James. She worked at the Admiral factory until its closure, and then took a job as a school crossing guard. Verheyen was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed tending to her yard. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

  • June Rose Verheyen was born on November 19, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • Verheyen moved to Galesburg in the early 1960s.
  • Verheyen worked at the Admiral factory until its closure.
  • Verheyen passed away on April 5, 2026 at the age of 97.
  • Verheyen's funeral services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

June Rose Verheyen

A 97-year-old resident of Galesburg, Illinois who passed away on April 5, 2026. Verheyen had a long career at the Admiral factory and was an active member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church.

James N. Verheyen Sr.

June Rose Verheyen's husband, who passed away on April 3, 2021.

Julie Peterson

One of June Rose Verheyen's three children.

Jim Verheyen Jr.

One of June Rose Verheyen's three children.

Julie McCluskie

One of June Rose Verheyen's three children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

June Rose Verheyen's life in Galesburg spanned nearly a century, during which she witnessed the rise and fall of major local industries, the growth of her family, and the enduring presence of community institutions like her church. Her passing marks the end of an era for the city.