Jonathan Herath

Jonathan Luther Herath, 37, of Lake in the Hills, formerly of East Moline, IL, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014. He courageously battled an aggressive infection which was compounded by his previous cancer treatments and end stage kidney disease. He was born June 12, 1976 to William and Patricia (nee Balmos) Herath. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Music Education and from Concordia University with a Masters in School Leadership.

On June 24, 2000 he married his college sweetheart, Holly Schupple, in Clarendon Hills, IL. Together they shared the love of music education and had two young children, Theodore (3) and Ivy (9 months).

Jon was passionate about his family and friends, classical music, history, politics, and sports. Jon was the beloved band director at Lakewood Elementary in Carpentersville. In 2012, Jon won the Mr. Holland’s Opus grant that supplied over $40,000 worth of instruments for the music program. He believed that all students should have every opportunity to participate, and he assured them that someone was always going to be their advocate. In addition to his work, Jon was an avid sports enthusiast, which was evident through his collection of sports memorabilia. He loved to play and watch golf and followed the U of I and Chicago sports teams fanatically. Through his dedication, kindness, generosity, optimism, strength, and perseverance he was a wonderful and admired role model to all he encountered.

Besides his wife, children, and parents, Jon is survived by his sister, Anna (John) Hoenig, Warrenton, MO; nephew, Zachary; niece, Kelly; and many loved family members.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 13th, from 4-8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 East Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake (815-459-3411). There will be a second visitation Friday, March 14th, from 4-8pm at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, 202 N. Main St, Port Byron, IL (309-523-3451). Funeral will be Saturday, March 15th, at 10am following a short visitation starting at 9am at Messiah Lutheran Church, 302 11th St, Port Bryon. Following the burial at Moline Memorial Park, there will be a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to: Herath Childrens Education Fund at www.jonathanherath.com.

Online condolences can be made at www.davenportfamily.com or www.gibsonbodefh.com

---