Leslie "Keith" Aeschleman

Leslie Keith Aeschleman, 73, of Lowpoint, IL, passed away at 9:45 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on April 23, 1952, in Peoria, IL, to Wesley A. and Mae O. (Huffman) Aeschleman. He married Nancy J. Blades on September 2, 1972 in Roanoke, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy of Lowpoint; children, Tim Blades of Metamora, IL, Mary (Eric Jenkins) Thomas of Metamora, IL, and Tom (Robyn) Aeschleman of Washburn, IL; grandchildren, Braden (Alivia) Thomas, Tanner (Allison Vail) Thomas, Aubrey Thomas, Samantha McCay, Dallas Parmenter, Aidan Aeschleman, and Zander Aeschleman; and great-grandchildren, Weston, Keira, Brentley, Remmie, and Stormie. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Rickey Aeschleman.

Keith was a repairman for Caterpillar Tractor Company, retiring in 2001. After he retired he worked at Sommer Park for many years. He was active in Pre-1840's Living History Reenactments. He had love for breaking horses, farming with horses, blacksmithing, gun building, hunting, fishing, homesteading, shooting sports, and a collector of all antiquities. In 1976 he won the Nationals NMLRA shoot in Friendship, Indiana.

He raised, owned, and trained the ox "Gabe" that was in the Santa Claus Parade. He later donated Gabe to the Peoria Park District. He loved music and could pretty much play any instrument he picked up. He also made his own instruments. He wrote and sang his own songs. If you saw a campfire, you would see him sitting there playing his guitar or banjo and singing with friends and family.

His love most of all was spending time with his family. He loved the holidays, especially Christmas. From crazy Christmas hats, to decorating his beard, all to bring joy and smiles to his family. He loved to teach everyone new things, especially if it involved history. He always had something interesting to tell you about the past that you had to know. If you knew him you would understand. He was truly one of a kind!

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Prairieland Frontiersman, 200 West Harrison Street, Sullivan, IL 61951 or to LGS Foundation (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome), 6030 Santo Road, Suite 1, Unit 420878, San Diego, CA 92142 or online at https://www.lgsfoundation.org/ways-to-give. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.