Richard "Mike" Kemmer

After a long battle with Alzheimer's disease Richard "Mike" Kemmer, 69, of Generations at Neighbors in Byron, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, June 17th, 2024 at 6:20 am.
He was born August 20, 1954, in Peoria, IL, to William and Norma (Adleman) Kemmer. He graduated from IVC High School, in Chillicothe, IL, in 1972 and then received his Bachelor's degree in education from Illinois State University in 1975. Later on he received his Master's degree from Western Illinois University. He married Lisa Lober on June 7, 1975, at Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, IL.
Surviving are his wife; his children, Kirsten Burrow (Jeff Geltz) of Washington, IL, Kris (Emily) Kemmer of Johnston, IA, and Kassidy (Darren) Cherrington of Davis Junction, IL. Also surviving are his 8 grandchildren: Kolton, Mia, Sam, Macie, Eli, Titus, Riley and Jaxton and one sister, Kathy (Michael) Schneider of Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tom, and an infant daughter, Heidi.
Mike was a teacher and coach at Knoxville High School, Knoxville, IL, for 35 years, teaching math, coaching varsity baseball for 21 years and assisting with football. He loved teaching and coaching and touched many lives through the years. His last 4 years at Knoxville were as the high school principal. He took the baseball team to the state tournament in 1983 and was inducted into the Illinois High School baseball coaches Hall of Fame in 2004. He also coached his grandson's summer travel team, the Sunnyland Wildcats, for 5 years. He loved watching as many of his grandchildren's games and activities as possible. He was a diehard Cubs fan and enjoyed watching most of the Cubs games on tv with his wife.
He was a member of Northwoods Community church. He was always willing to serve in any capacity at church because he loved serving his Lord. He was truly a light for Jesus everywhere he went.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and the Knoxville high school sports booster club. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, IL, is assisting the family with their wishes. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com