John C. Mulgrew, Jr. died February 9, 2023, at his residence in Peoria.

He was born November 23, 1939, in Danville, IL. to Ruth (Gillison) and John C.Mulgrew, who both preceded him in death.

Surviving are his son, John C. Mulgrew III, sister Elizabeth (James) Smittkamp, nephew James Smittkamp, Jr., all of Peoria, and niece Susan Smittkamp (Paul Rupp), and three grandnieces of Overland Park, KS.

John attended school in Paris, IL, and also became an Eagle Scout. He earned his degree from the University of Illinois, was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda, Order of the Coif, and Law Review before graduating with honors from the School of Law in 1964.

Following law school he clerked for Chief Justice Robert C. Underwood of the Illinois Supreme Court. He then joined the firm of Davis, Morgan and Witherell in Peoria. He went on to work at Heyl, Royster, Voelker and Allen in Peoria until his retirement, where he remained active in the Illinois State Bar Association. John was passionate about his profession and never tired of discussing the law.

John enjoyed dining out regularly and had an encyclopedic knowledge of restaurants everywhere. He was a lifelong Illini fan and proud of his alma mater regardless of the outcome of the game. He also enjoyed golf and rooted for the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls.

The family would like to thank his caregivers at Accolade Healthcare of Peoria and OSF Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Cards can be sent from and condolences left at illinicremation.com.