Herbert A. Theesfeld

Herbert A. Theesfeld, age 86, of Paxton, formerly of Rankin, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 25, 1937, in Watseka, the son of Herman and Katherine (Koets) Theesfeld. Herb married Ellen Morger on January 21, 1956, in Rankin.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen Theesfeld of Paxton; his children, Debbie (Jay) Laird of Loda, Donna (Mark) Starr of Virginia Beach, VA, Diana (Tim) Fanning of Rankin, and Darla (Joe) Schall of Paxton; eleven grandchildren, Cody McCabe of Fisher, Markayla Starr of Virginia Beach, VA, Casey Starr of Richmond, VA, Janelle Moore of Paxton, Jacob Coe of Rankin, Janessa Stephens of Ambia, IN, RaeEllen Linares of Paxton, Evan Edwards of White Heath, Logan Ingold of Champaign, Hayden Schall of Paxton, and Brendan Schall of Paxton; and seventeen great-grandchildren, Lukas and Alaina McCabe, Vivian Starr, Preslie, Piper, and Phoebe Stephens, Wyatt and Everett Coe, Will and Kyle Moore, Ronnie Cappellano, Buddy, Murphy, Maxine, and Mercy Linares, and Colin and Nolan Edwards. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Ron (Barb) Morger of Casa Grande, AZ, and Doug (Ann) Morger of Catlin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edward Theesfeld and Roger Theesfeld; his father-in-law, Lawrence Morger, and mother-in-law, Martha Morger; and a brother-in-law, Tom Morger.
Herb was a worker and entrepreneur, and his path was often less traveled. However, he was inventive and resourceful and what he didn't know, he'd figure out for himself. He started his own tree cutting business while in high school, cutting firewood before school and selling to BBQ places in Champaign after school. He later farmed for many years which led to starting his own used machinery business specializing in building custom made planters. Herb was a diehard Minneapolis Moline fan. He was a collector of many things but he had an extensive collection of farm toys. He participated for many years in tractor pulls with his beloved MM G1000. He was a member of the Penfield I&I Tractor Club, Rankin Lion's Club, Jaycee's and Moose Lodge. His biggest pride was the family he shared with his wife of 68 years, 4 daughters, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was a great animal lover and he always had his dog next to him on golf cart rides. Herb never met a stranger and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. with additional visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin. Memorials may be made to the Rankin United Methodist Church, Paxton Area Down Syndrome Awareness Group, Alzheimer's Association or donor's choice.