By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock North pitcher Kylee Nicholson kept Marengo’s offense from having a big lead, coupled with…
May 7, 2026
John J. Torres, 57, of Woodstock, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026 at his home in Woodstock.
He was born in San Antonio, TX on March 24, 1969 to John F. Torres and Donna M. Pickell, now Edwards.
John spent the majority of his life in McHenry County, attending schools in Woodstock and Wonder Lake, making lifelong friends; and using his love of conversation to make new ones in his adult years.
John spent many years working on over the road trucks. He often said how grateful he was to have the opportunity to see our beautiful country. He shared many stories about his adventures. He had a wide variety of interests. He loved music and playing the guitar, geography and maps, and watching sports. He loved history, especially military history. He memorized countless facts and stories about it and enjoyed sharing them. He collected, built, and painted models, including military and fantasy soldiers, ships, and planes. Cooking and BBQing his ribs and sharing with everyone gave him great joy. He was generous to everyone. John’s most intense love was for his Lord and Savior Jesus and his family.
He was exceptionally close to his mother and sisters: Trina (Rich) Torres-Argy and their son Noah Torres, Jennifer (Jeff) Kowal and their children Hanna and Dalton (Monique) Kowal.
John’s heart was owned by his children, his precious daughter Shawna (Mother Pam Maples) and children Dev, Mariah, Mason, and Nathan. His love and pride for his son Elias (Mother Jennifer Mould) knew no bounds.
His Aunts Janet Caccamo, Isabel Torres, Linda Torres-Winters, Angie Torres, Annie Torres and Uncle Fred were a wonderful part of his life. There were many cousins, nieces and nephews that graced his life with joy.
He greatly grieved the passing of beloved family and friends, including Grandparents Edward and Mary Pickell, Frank and Christina Torres. Also Uncles Eric and Roger Pickell, and Rudy Torres. Also cousins George Bailey, Jeremy Caccamo, and Manuel “Junior” Garza.
To sum up a life in a page and words is a monumental task. This is especially true of a loved one. The most accurate descriptions are the individual and collective stories shared, and memories of moments kept safely in our hearts.
A memorial gathering for John will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Schneider Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave. in Woodstock.