(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Lonny Raymond Hoover (Lon), age 86, of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, formerly of Zion, Winthrop Harbor & Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, was received into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Born August 1, 1940, in Zion, Illinois, the son of Raymond C. “RC” and Gladys F. Hoover, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating, he worked for the Illinois State Water Survey before returning to Zion and the family business, Hoover Water Well Service. He later founded Illinois Geothermal Engineering & co-founded the Geothermal Alliance of Illinois, combining his engineering background and knowledge of groundwater, helping advance the use and understanding of geothermal systems throughout the country.
A lifelong & founding member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lon’s Christian faith was evident in his life, reflected in his calm demeanor and the importance he placed on family, friends & co-workers. Licensed as a private pilot at 16, he took his girlfriend Jan on a maiden flight, then on a 38 year trip of a lifetime. Barbershop Chorus & Quartet singing were special parts of his early married life. He enjoyed playing piano, taking lessons from the Zion Conservatory from age 5-10, finally purchasing the elusive Grand Piano at age 60. His love of music was an inspiration to his children & grandchildren. As a young man, Lon loved fishing, camping and the outdoors. Canada and the Wolf River were memorable destinations. Lon and his wife Jan raised their three children in the home they built in 1964 in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.
Lon is survived by his three children, Nancy (Alvin), Christopher (Sarah), and Jonathan (Kelly); five grandchildren, Madeline, Margaret, Mary, Joseph, and Caleb; and his brothers, Earl (Ros) and Dan (Patricia).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Gladys Hoover; his wife Jan, his second wife Barb, and his son Raymond Jeffery. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; 4311 – 104th Street Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am.
Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park 1436 Kenosha Road, Zion, IL 60099. Lunch immediately following at The Shanty, Wadsworth, IL.
Memorial Contributions can be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and/or The Barbershop Harmony Society.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Greg Rode says:
God Bless Lon and I am sure He welcomed him with open arms. Lon was an awesome neighbor to this child living next door. We especially appreciate his help to dig the hole for our pool, reworking the septic field with my dad, and keeping ice cream in stock in the basement freezer which was graciously shared even when he was not at home! He had the voice of an angel and is no doubt a major part of His Heavenly Choir.
Kim Rittenhouse says:
I had the privilege of being Lon’s caregiver for several memorable months in 2025-26.
His smile lit up the room and he carried himself with a gentile graciousness. He taught me about the fields of drilling water wells and geothermal energy. We listened to barbershop, and he gifted me (a few times) by sitting and playing at his grand piano. I learned of some of his grand family trips/adventures in his iconic GMC motorhome. And I lost a few games of “marbles” to him. I subjected him to hiking up into and out of my Ford Excursion many times for appointments and visits to Nancy’s house and we enjoyed bird/squirrel watching during our morning bacon and egg breakfasts and tuna fish lunches. “Lon, you made quite an impression on me in a short amount of time and I’ll miss you, but remember you always. See you again someday.”
Betty Spiller says:
Just wanted to let you know that we’re praying for you and your family and I don’t think it will be long until we’ll all be together in heaven. My final memory of your dad was at your home and I was playing the grand piano for him and we were singing together some of the old hymns that he really loved. Love you and your family.
Jerry Nelson says:
I am the sole survivor of the 1968 Champion Dairyland Delegates Barbershop Quartet having sung Bass with Lonny for several years. It was such a pleasure to know Lon and Jan and spent times at conventions together. I have tried for several months to reach Lonny – unsuccessfully! I know that today he finds himself in Heaven singing with Dick (lead)and Ike (baritone) who have preceded Lon in entering and being welcomed by Jesus – they just are needing a Bass, and I will join them in due time. For us Christians, we can thank God for this life, and the life to come – as John 3:16 (the numbers of hope) “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”. A brand-new life now awaits Lonny – the promise of eternal life with Jesus. Love in Christ to the family and I would love it if someone reaches out to me after the homegoing celebration. I am on Facebook under Jerome Nelson, Sr. or e-mail is also great.