Earl R. LaReau, 81, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on April 24, 1944 in Kankakee, a son of Russell and Myrtle (Martell) LaReau. They preceded him in death along with three brothers, Romell LaReau, Merrill "Moe" LaReau, and Sylvanus LaReau.
Earl married Carol Lynn Schmidt on June 20, 1964 in Beaverville.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol LaReau of Watseka; two daughters, Tracy (Mike) Harris of Naples, Florida and Shelli (Marty) Williams of Chicago; one son, Justin LaReau of Carolina Beach, North Carolina; and two grandsons, Sawyer Harris and Tanner Harris.
Earl was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Earl enjoyed the many years he spent coaching his children’s sports teams. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved traveling especially to Florida. Earl spent years working as a barber and had a 30-year career, retiring from General Foods.
Visitation will be on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. Funeral Mass all at St. Edmund’s Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date at the Sheldon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, or to the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
Please share a memory of Earl at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
