Joseph A. Chausse, 86, of Hillsboro, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 9:45 a.m., which was also his 64th wedding anniversary.
A private family funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m., at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro, with the Rev. Dan Willenborg officiating. Hough-Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting the family.
Born Oct. 10, 1939, at Pana Community Hospital, Mr. Chausse was the son of the late John and Norma M. (Kuhn) Chausse. He married the former Donna Knodle on July 28, 1962, at Saint Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis.
A man of deep faith, he was a faithful member of Saint Agnes Catholic Church. Above all, his most important and fulfilling accomplishment in life was being a dedicated family man and serving as an exceptional role model for his children and grandchildren. Throughout his life, he was also a hardworking farmer and truck driver, and he proudly served his country with honor in the Army National Guard for six years. He actively contributed to his community as a former Jaycee and a member of the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Board.
Mr. Chausse’s hobbies included boating and teaching his children and grandchildren to water ski. In his earlier years, he also enjoyed playing golf and boot scooting. He loved being outdoors, where he enjoyed grilling and frying fish for family and friends. He also enjoyed mowing, working, traveling and shelling pecans and the many relaxed get-togethers at the picnic table with Lee and Ron.
He was also known as the finest driver, navigating life and the road with unmatched skill, and found his greatest peace living by the water, enjoying the sunrises and sunsets, right from his home.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Anita (Earl) Tester, Karen (John) Fraase, Ed Chausse and Lupe, Mary Beth (Joe) Caldwell and Christa Kelly; grandchildren, Neil (Molly) Tester, Jake (Brittney) Tester, Clint (Ashley) Tester, Renna (Trevor) Savage, Madison (Albert) Muick, Kelsey (Tim) Leahy, Blake (Lyndsey) Chausse, Austin (Maddie) Chausse, Megan (Matt) Holthaus, Daniel (Hannah) Caldwell, Claire (Max) Caldwell, Ilo Kelly and Jude Kelly; great-grandchildren, Ryker and Maisie Tester, Maverick and Raelynn Tester, Charlotte and Caroline Tester, Nora, Amelia, Vivian and William Savage, Louis and Vincent Muick, Sadie Chausse, Oliver and Wyatt Chausse, Sophie Holthaus, Isla, Elsie and Hazel Caldwell; siblings, Frances (Patrick) White, Joan (William) Ortman, Sharon Schultz, Rita Smith, Therese (Ben) Almaguer, Rosalie (Rick) Lloyd, Kathleen (Rick) Vits and Diane (Matthew) Clavin; sister-in-law, Barbara Chausse; and his trusted best friend, Abe the loyal dog.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence Chausse and Robert Chausse.
Memorials may be made to St. Louis Catholic School, 509 E. Union St., Nokomis, IL 62075, or to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 214 E. Tremont St., Hillsboro, IL 62049.
Condolences may be left at www.houghdeanfh.com.
