ROCHELLE — Harold H. Fleenor, 80, of Rochelle, Ill., died Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at Bethany Rehab in DeKalb.

Born Dec. 1, 1943, in Harlan, Ky., the son of Arthur and Roberta (Clarkston) Fleenor, Harold married Carolyn Marie Nicholson on May 2, 1972, in Chicago. Carolyn passed away Jan. 30, 2022, in Rochelle, very soon before their 50th anniversary.

A Southern boy, Harold grew up Baptist, knew his Bible very well and was always faithful to his God, even though he didn’t get to attend. The couple moved in 1985 to Rochelle, where they bought the Grubsteakers Restaurant at the intersection of 64 and 251 near Kings, which they operated for 20 years. Cooking for the restaurant was very important to Harold. He would do anything for anybody. Harold loved jokes.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Denise (Jay) Miller of Rochelle, Sophie (Kevin) Conway of Winterville, Ga., and Patty (William) Jarett of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn in 2022; daughter, Roberta Fleenor; parents; brothers, Charles Ray Fleenor, Arthur Fleenor III, and Wayne Fleenor; and nephews, Tony Waters and Timothy Fleenor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Harold’s home, from 1-5 pm Sept. 1. Interment, with his beloved wife Carolyn’s ashes, will be at Lawnridge Cemetery, Rochelle.

The family thanks the staff at Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care of Harold. The family extends special thanks to Terry, Abby and Katie.

Arrangements by Olson’s Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.