They had hoped to surprise him Friday with cheering crowds and a procession of dozens of fire engines from across Illinois. But after a long fight with cancer, Oglesby firefighter Evan Knoblauch passed away Wednesday evening. He was 20.
Friends and supporters from St. Bede Academy, Evan’s alma mater, and throughout Oglesby were grieving today and also for much of the morning were wrestling with whether to cancel or reschedule Friday’s detailed program.
The program Friday now will be held as a tribute, according to Oglesby fire chief Ron Popurella and Bonnie Prokup at St. Bede Academy, lead organizer for “Evan’s Friday night” at St. Bede. Popurella said a fire truck parade still planned. A candle vigil will be held at 7:40 p.m. at St. Bede following a Mass.