Terence "Terry" Hebert

First and foremost, Terence “Terry” Hebert was a family man; he loved his children unconditionally, adored and doted on his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the fifty-four years he spent with his beloved wife. Terry understood the value of hard work and knew how to persevere through difficult circumstances. His years of dedicated work afforded him both a happy place in life, and a family that loved him dearly.

1938 was a year of events and accomplishments in the United States. While President Roosevelt was lifting this country up by its bootstraps after the Great Depression with the signing of the Fair Standards Act, Americans were delighted in the release of the film version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and trembled in fear while listening to Orson Welles broadcast his infamous War of the Worlds on the radio. Meanwhile, in the Kankakee area of Illinois, Edward and Lillian (Merkle) Hebert were celebrating the birth of their son, Terence, on November 7, 1938.

With six brothers and two sisters, Terry had plenty of opportunity to create unforgettable childhood memories, growing up together in Kankakee and Bradley. While his father earned a living as a truck driver for Rudulf, his mother was very busy at home raising nine children and running a daycare. Terry received his education in the area schools, and during his summer breaks, he spent time helping his grandpa on his farm, as well as working on a local dairy farm.

At 17, Terry embarked on his longtime career in the supermarket industry, working at Rudy’s Grocery. His strong work ethic helped him move up through the company until he eventually became the Owner. In time, Terry opened a couple of his own stores, including T&D Foods in Aurora and Terry’s Supermarket in Montgomery. He also promoted his stores and products to retail and foodservice buyers at the Illinois Food Expo. After 50 years, Terry left the grocery business and went to work for Pepsi Co. until his retirement in 2004.

Although Terry worked hard to achieve success in the grocery world, there was nothing more important to him than his family. He married the love of his life, Chlovena Owen, on January 12, 1958, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley and together, they had three beautiful children: Katherine, Lindsey and Michael. Terry was a strong, understanding father, who provided faithfully for his family while sharing much love and laughter. In later years, when Terry was blessed with eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren, he poured so much love into these relationships as he did with his own children. He was truly in his glory, surrounded by the love and smiles of his grandkids.

When it came to his leisure time, Terry enjoyed the simple things of life, like vacationing with his family at the Great Smoky Mountains, and playing golf and bowling. He was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Bears and a member of the Northern Mustang Corral Club and Kankakee Valley Vintage Car Club.

All who knew and loved Terry will treasure his memory.

Terence D. “Terry” Hebert, 73, of Bourbonnais, IL. Passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2012 peacefully at his home with family members by his side.Terry was born on November 7, 1938 to Edward and Lillian Merkle Hebert. He married Chlovena Owen on January 12, 1958 at Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bradley, IL. Mr. Hebert worked in the supermarket industry for 50 years. He owned T&D foods in Aurora, IL. Terry’s Supermarket in Montgomery, IL., and worked for Food Expo. After leaving the supermarket industry Terry was employed by the Pepsi Co. and retired in 2004. Mr. Hebert was a member of theNorthern Mustang Corral Club and the Kankakee Valley Vintage Car Club. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and football (Chicago Bears fan). Terry graduated from the Bradley Bourbonnais High School, class of 1956

He is survived by his wife, one daughter and two sons; Katherine M. (Jess) Butcher of Pontiac, IL., Lindsey A. (Renee) Hebert of Somonuak, IL., and Michael T. (Jeana) Hebert of Sheridan, IL., eight grandchildren; Jennifer, Elizabeth, Jess, Zachary, Kelsey, Leland, Chloe, and Clayton, five great-grandchildren; Gage, Trevor, Tristen, Jacob, and Kyle, numerous nieces and nephews, six brothers and two sisters; Chris Hebert of Bradley, IL., Mark (Joan)Hebert of Bradley, IL., Edward (Cozette)Hebert of Stone Fort, IL., Joel Hebert of Martinton, IL., Allen (Karen)Hebert of Tucson, AZ., Alfred (Marian) Hebert of St. Anne, IL., Elaine (Zighard) Luedke of Bourbonnais, IL., and Michelle (Marty) Martin of Bourbonnais, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering for family and friends will be on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 4 p.m.-8 pm. at the Bourbonnais Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at St. George Catholic Church in St George, IL. at 10 a.m. where Fr. Daniel Belanger and Deacon Joseph Cotugno will officiate. Burial will take place following the mass at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.