John Chester Traub

John Chester Traub of Fairbury, Illinois was welcomed into heaven on September 4th, 2026. During his 66 years John impacted many with his humor, work ethic, love, and steadfast faith. John leaves behind his best friend and wife of 45 years Dede (Ifft) Traub of Fairbury, his beloved father-in-law Arnold Ifft, his two sisters Debra (Steve) Roach, West Palm Beach, FL and DiAnn (Charles) Leman, Niota, TN. He leaves his son John (Kristin) Traub of Fairbury, his daughter Marta (Kevin) Collins of Dunlap, and his son Benjamin (Janine) Traub of Chenoa whom he cherished and raised to know the truth. His six grandchildren, John Traub, Jenna Traub, Jack Collins, Joseph Collins, Emily Collins, and Lyla Traub were his joy and delight. He fiercely loved his family. Though they already miss him just as fiercely, they know he is with his Lord and Savior after a race well run.

John was the son of John and Bonnie (Stein) Traub of Fairbury. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Nancy Ifft, and his nephew Christopher Leman. John graduated from Fairbury-Cropsey High School in 1977. He attended the University of Illinois, living in Nabor House, for one year then returned home to begin his lifelong farming career. He was honored as the Livingston County Conservation Partner in the winter of 2006 along with the Farm Family of the year in 2010. John was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Fairbury where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. John enjoyed traveling with his wife in the winter to warmer climates where they visited many national and state parks. John loved being outside and farming, especially with his sons. He loved to work hard serving others. Whether that was providing for his own family, helping his church, or helping those in his community, many know him and love him because of the work of his hands. He had a unique ability to make people feel seen, and he was a master at making things fun.

What matters most about John C. Traub, and what he should be remembered for, was his deep love for the Lord. John was a Christian first and foremost. Given that, we’d like to share his life checklist, a sure way to live a meaningful life full of love, hope, and joy.

1. Believe that Jesus Christ paid the debt for your sin.

2. Confess Him openly with your mouth as your Lord and Savior.

3. Repent, turn your heart to God, follow him, be baptized.

4. Walk in absolute confidence knowing that with Christ, death is dead.

1 John 5:11-12, “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

Well Done, John, a good and faithful servant. Yours was a life worth living.

John’s funeral will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at the First Baptist Church, Fairbury with Pastor Daryl Evans officiating. Burial will follow in South Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.

Visitation will be 3:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday, September 8, 2026 and 10:00 to 10:45 am Wednesday also at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church, Fairbury or the Caring Pregnancy Center, Pontiac. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.