Merwyn Laney

Merwyn Laney, 87, of Manteno, passed away Sunday (March 31, 2019) at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born Oct. 21, 1931, in Fowler, Ind., the son of Ezra and Mabel (LaFave) Laney. Merwyn married Sandra “Sandy” Laney on Aug. 6, 1960, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno. Merwyn was a farmer, worked at Roper and was a custodian and bus driver for Manteno School District. He was a charter member of St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus Council 11358, where he served multiple years and was Grand Night, Member of McNamara 4th Degree Assembly 202, served on the honor guard and managed Manteno Food Pantry. Merwyn volunteered at St. Stanislaus Kostka Soup Kitchen in Chicago, was an auctioneer and announcer for the Peotone Fair in the Horse Arena, was recognized as Manteno Citizen of the Year in 2009, was an intergral part of the St. Joseph’s Jamboree Committee, volunteer of St. George Dragons 4-H Club, and member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno. His hobbies included visiting Amish country, attending tractor pulls, showing livestock, being active in county fairs and attending grandkids’ sporting events. He was a lifelong Hoosier fan. Merwyn also enjoyed having coffee with the McDonald’s coffee group. Surviving are sons, Samuel “Sam” and Susan Laney, of St Anne, and Michael “Mike” and Shelly Laney, of Bourbonnais; brother, Russell and Julie Laney, of Inverness; four grandchildren, Brandon Laney and fiance Amanda Nelson, of Aroma Park, Meghann and Lucas Miller, of Chebanse, Luke Laney, of Bourbonnais, and Jude Laney, of Bourbonnais; and one great-grandchild, Delylah Miller, of Chebanse. Preceding him in death were his wife; daughter, Suzann Laney; and sisters, Gwendolyn Laney and Carol Pilsbury. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Brown-Jensen Funeral Home in Manteno. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 4, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno, with the Rev. Al Heidecke officiating. Burial will be in St, Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Manteno. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley or to Masses.

Merwyn Laney

October 21, 1931 - March 31, 2019