Kenneth Doudera

1930 - 2025

Kenneth Doudera

February 1, 1930 - October 11, 2025

METAMORA - Kenneth Doudera, 95, of Metamora, Ill., passed away on October 11, 2025, at Snyder Village Nursing Home in Metamora. He previously resided in East Peoria, Ill., for 50 years where he worked for Caterpillar as a Tool Designer for 30 years, until retiring in 1985. He then worked part time, for seven years, for TQ Tool Design in Morton, Ill. He has been a long time member of Sunnyland Christian Church. He also resided in Salem, Ill., for several years before moving to Metamora.

Kenneth was born in Alma, Ill., on February 1, 1930, to the late Thomas and Florence "Irene" (Organ) Doudera. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Shirley (Winegarner) Doudera; one daughter, Betty Kaufmann; and one brother, Thomas (Bill) Doudera.

Surviving is one sister, Evelyn (Kenny) Ruckman of Downey, Calif.; daughters, Sherry Anderson of Forest Hill, Md., Carol (Dan) Parish of Troy, Ohio; son, Jim Doudera of North Pekin, Ill.; and son-in-law Greg Kaufmann of Metamora Ill. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Cindy (Ronnie) White, Scott (Courtney) Anderson, Alesia (Brad) Haley, Nathan (Amy) Kaufmann, Robert (Anna) Parish, and Melissa Parish; as well as 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Kenneth graduated from Salem High School, Salem Ill., in 1948 and enlisted into the US Air Force in 1948, serving four years in Texas, Wyoming, and ending as a staff sergeant in Florida.

He loved playing checkers and cards with his children, and especially enjoyed teaching the games to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Snyder Village of Metamora, where he resided, as well as OSF Hospice of Peoria, Ill.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington Ill. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. The funeral is on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Burial with Air Force Honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Snyder Village "Resident In Need Fund" in Metamora or to Sunnyland Christian Church in Washington.

Kenneth's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.