Joeseph Ramirez Llach

Joseph Ramirez Llach went to Heaven on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, with his loving daughters at his side, after suffering from congestive heart failure. Joe was born Nov. 14, 1937, the son of Ruth Ramirez and Louis R. Llach in Santa Paula, Calif. He was the third of seven children. He attended St. Ferdinand’s Catholic School and Church in San Fernando, Calif., where he was baptized and served as an altar boy, graduating from San Fernando High School in 1956. An avid athlete, he lettered in track, football and baseball. As an outstanding third baseman, he was scouted during his high school career. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1959. Moving from Amarilla, Texas, he transferred to Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul where he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Pierce. They married and had two daughters, Lisa Corley (Gary Buhr) and Jolene Gensler (Jeff Gensler) and later married Leta Krutsinger Bock in 1975. Joe was honorably discharged from the service and continued his federal career as a civilian employee holding various positions at Chanute and the Phillipines, primarily managing base supply and base commissaries until he retired in 1996(?). Joe was an avid bowler and was well known at the various area bowling alleys where he made many lifelong friends. He held the record high average at the Urbana bowling alley and was a member of the Champaign County Bowling Hall of Fame. One of his proudest moments was when his daughter, Jolene, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. They were the first father and daughter to be inducted. Joe was lost in the 50’s. He loved his 50’s music and cars and enjoyed attending various car shows throughout the area and sharing that love with his grandson. He also had a special place in his heart for his dogs. Joe is survived by his daughters; a son, Robert McCann; in addition to a grandson, Chase Corley and a granddaughter, Catherine McCann. Also surviving are siblings, Rita Tapia of Granada Hills, Calif., Fred Llach of Sylmar, Calif., and Bob Llach of San Antonio; as well as a number of nieces; nephews; step-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Karen Baer of Florida. He is predeceased by his parents; his wives; sister, Gloria Navarro; sister, Anita Chavez; brother, Louis Llach; nephew, Michael Llach; great-nephew, Micheal Llach; and two step-children. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, Feb.12, at Lux Memorial Chapel in Rantoul. A brief Catholic prayer service will be held at 4 p.m. for those who wish to attend. Visitation will be immediately following from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Malachy Catholic Church or the American Heart Association.