Neil Ehlers

Neil Norman Ehlers, age 87, of Peotone, IL, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 following a chronic illness.

He was born on October 20, 1930 in Blue Island, IL, the son of the late Miles and Mildred (Stange) Ehlers.  He married Rosemary Schmidt on March 31, 1951 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverdale, IL.  Neil was retired from the railroad and was a part-time farmer.  He enjoyed time with family and friends and was an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rosemary (Schmidt) Ehlers; four children, Neil (Victoria) Ehlers Jr. of LeRoy, IL, Susan (Kenneth) Shivers of Peotone, IL, Edith (John Thomas) Duckworth of Peotone, IL, and David (Zoe) Ehlers of Farmington, IL; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Miles Ehlers of Arizona, David (Judy) Ehlers of California, and Dennis (Etta) Ehlers of California; three sisters, Mildred Vrshek of Illinois, Judy Ehlers of Illinois, and Kathy DeNoyer of Arizona.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; and 1 sister.

Visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Deacon Jim Kelly officiating.  Burial will take place at Peotone Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Jason Duckworth, Neil Ehlers III, Matthew Shivers, Robert Duckworth, Grant Duckworth, and Bryce Ehlers. Memorials to the family’s wishes would be appreciated.