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James Eilers Obituary
PEORIA - James O. Eilers, 83, of Peoria passed away at 4:15 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, at his residence.
Jim was born on Aug. 5, 1928, in Wausau, Wis., to Joseph H. and Dorothy (Gorman) Eilers. He married Bette Isaacs on April 27, 1957, in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Beth Haynes of Peoria, Diane (John) Gruber of Bartonville and Katie Baietto of Roscoe; two sons, Joe (Barry) Eilers of Edina, Minn., and Dan (Beth) Eilers of Clive, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant children and his brother and sister.
Jim graduated from Spalding High School. He attended Georgetown University and graduated from Bradley University, as a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.
He was the original franchise holder of Dairy Isle, now known as Emo's. He worked at Great Central Insurance Company, Smith Scharff Paper Company and Carter Paper Company, where he retired in 1999 as vice president and sales representative.
Jim organized and coached the golf team for Bergan High School. He was a former member of Mt. Hawley Country Club, where he was a club champion. In 1967, he won the Peoria City Tournament and later went on to win the Journal Star Senior Tournament. He represented the Downtown Rotary Club in the International Golfing Championship in Luxembourg.
In addition to his service with the Rotary Club, he was a member of Midwestern Paper Merchants Association and was on the board of the Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
Jim was the proud owner of the Buck Snort hunting lodge in Princeville and enjoyed annual pheasant hunting trips to Iowa.
Jim was a member of St. Philomena Catholic Church, where a Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2012. Rev. David Richardson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at the church. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum.
Wright & Salmon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Philomena Catholic Church; the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 218 W. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62704; or OSF Saint Francis Hospice.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Eilers
Jane and Frank Serio
July 17, 2012
Beth and Family,
So sorry to hear about your dad. Our prayers are with you.
Amy Vonachen-Poparad
July 17, 2012
Beth, I always looked forward to your mom and dad coming to Minocqua. Your dad had such a great spirit for living and always knew how to make people laugh. We injoyed their visits. It would be hard to follow in his footsteps. God Bless you for all you did for him during these last few years. His spirit will be visiting you!! Warmest Regards, Amy Vonachen Poparad
Vickie Dries
July 17, 2012
Bette and family, I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing but am confident that he is looking down smiling at all of us right now. You all are like family to me as growing up and living next door to eachother up until we got married is a huge chunk of my life. I have such wonderful memories or our childhood and what a good family life our parents provided for us. I speak and think often of those memories with a big heart. Both Jim and my Dad worked hard to provide loving, stable futures for all of us kids. May God bless Jim and all of you as you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
barb & Drew Brennan
July 15, 2012
Dear Bette, So many fond memories visiting you and Jim when we came to drew's family in Peoria..Jim always provided some "comic relief!" We send our love and deepest sympathy to you and your darling family. Barb & Drew Brennan (Atlantic Beach, Fl.)
John & Lu Ann Burroughs
July 15, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss and it saddens us that we are not there with you. Jesus went before us to prepare a place for us. It sounds like Jim has a place next to a tee box. Take comfort that we can live our lives in a manor to have a joyful reunion in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.
John and Lu Ann Burroughs
Lori Heuermann Andrews
July 15, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Deborah Cassidy
July 15, 2012
Beth Eilers. I so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. It is never easy to say good bye to our parents, but know that he is still with you in spirit. May God comfort you and hold you in the palm of his hand during your grief. I remember your dad well Beth while at Bergan High School and always liked his wonderful sense of humor. God bless you and you will be in my prayers.
Cassie Rodgers
July 15, 2012
Eilers Family
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. What a wonderful man he was! I knew him during my Bergner days and his Carter Paper days. I was at home after having my first child, Charley Rodgers, and had a knock on the door. I looked out to see a Carter Paper truck parked out front. Jim had sent an entire case of paper towels as a gift. Wow, what a wonderful gift that was!!! And so incredibly thoughtful. He always had a big smile and laugh. And he always remembered me and asked about the family when I would run into him.
I know he's in heaven now. I lost Charley on Christmas Eve and I'm glad to know that they will finally get to meet each other. Heaven gained two wonderful men. We will always have their memories.
July 14, 2012
Katie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Cathy
Chuck Grawey
July 14, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Debbie
July 14, 2012
I remember Beth D(EILERS) from Tyng School in Peoria.I pray that your family feels comfort in knowing that God is here for you.
My prayers are with you and your family.
barb sibila
July 14, 2012
Beth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and always remember the happy times of 1 more round of golf
July 14, 2012
Bette and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Dick and Janell Myers (former MHCC members)
Shea Brennan-Coleman
July 14, 2012
We are so sorry Eilers family. Our memories of summers spent together are ao precious. Our thoughts and prayera are with you. Mom is embracing her brothers and your families. They are together in heaven. Love you all, Shea and Scott
CHUCK ADKINS
July 14, 2012
BETTE, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I REMEMBER YOU FROM THE "CLASS OF 50" AT PEORIA HIGH; AND JIM FROM THE GOLF COURSE. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME.
Renee Farris
July 14, 2012
Bette, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so blessed to have heard many of his amazing stories when he'd come visit me at the Estates. Especially around deer season when he'd come over with his blaze orange hat on! He will be missed!!!! You have many friends Bette at the Estates who will always be there for you!!!!
Chris Bertolero
July 13, 2012
Diane,
So sorry on the loss of your father. He had a great life. It was my pleasure to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rest in peace pops. We all love you
Dan Eilers
July 13, 2012
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