Obituary of Joseph Stanley Sutherland Jr.

Joseph S. Sutherland, Jr., age 68, of Joliet, and formerly of Romeoville, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at home with his family by his side. Joe was born in Chicago, the only child of the late Joseph Stanley Sutherland, Sr. and Rose Wielebnicki Sutherland. He graduated from Lockport West High School and was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. He received his degree in Criminal Justice from Joliet Junior College and worked for the Romeoville Police Department for 28 years, retiring in 2005. During his career he graduated from Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and climbed in rank from patrolman to juvenile officer and then investigator prior to being promoted to Sergeant. Joe was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations and was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Joseph S. Sutherland, Jr. and his beloved wife of 46 years, Maryann (nee Wahtola) Sutherland, were married September 12, 1970 in Joliet, at St. Mary Magdalene Church. She survives along with two devoted sons, Steven (Cathi) Sutherland of New Lenox, and Michael (Melanie) Sutherland of Fredericksburg, VA; and three adoring grandchildren, Benjamin, Jack and Taylor Sutherland. Together, Joe and Maryann enjoyed fishing in Minnesota and in recent years, visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They were also "regulars" at Inwood Recreation Center for several years. For many years they were members of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Romeoville. Joe was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, and enjoyed visiting Four Winds Casino. They were very proud of their roles as parents and grandparents. Services for Joseph S. Sutherland, Jr. will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, where visitation will follow from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services, and interment in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with military honors will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice or Joliet Oncology-Hematology Associates Foundation would be appreciated. For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.