Ernest Telkemeyer

Ernest (Ernie) Telkemeyer

Ernest (Ernie) Telkemeyer, of Geneseo, IL, passed away surrounded by love and friendship.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel. Pastor Randy Mullin will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Cambridge, IL. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Antique Engine and Tractor Association.

Ernie was a man of wide interests and deep commitment. He loved to talk about the Army, tractors, and firearms, and he especially enjoyed showcasing his antique tractors. His pride and joy were bringing his tractors to the Antique Engine and Tractor Working Farm Show each year and working at the Pioneer Village and participating in the Wapsi Wranglers "shoot-outs".

After more than 30 years of service, Ernie retired from John deere in 1994.

Another of Ernie's lifelong passions was hypnosis, which began at the age of 10 after meeting a family member who used hypnotherapy to help World War II veterans. What started as a boy's fascination grew into a lifelong journey: Over the years, Ernie performed hypnosis sessions with more than 2,000 people. His outstanding contributions to the field brought him many honors, including the induction into the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame in 1993, the Golden Alumni Award, National Guild of Hypnotists, and recognition as Hypnotist of the Year. Ernie enjoyed traveling every year to participate in the Mid-American Hypnosis Conference where he received many awards.

While Ernie was proud of his professional and personal achievements, he was perhaps happiest in the simple joys of friendship and conversation. He enjoyed traveling annually to the Tamara/Telkemeyer family reunion, enjoyed gathering with friends, and could often be found visiting employees and patrons alike at the McDonald's and Culver's in Geneseo, Illinois, where his warmth and humor brightened many lives.

Ernie valued hard work, community, and friendship. Throughout his life, Ernie was blessed with the close companionship of longtime friends. He was especially grateful for the support and care of Amy Bennett and the entire staff at Kewanee Nursing Home.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Hazel Telkemeyer; and his sister, Mary Joann Wilson.

He will be remembered not only for his passions and accomplishments, but for his kindness, infectious curiosity, and the countless conversations and friendships he shared along the way, his dedication to his profession, and his contributions to the field of hypnosis, but also for his warmth, humor, and friendship that enriched the lives of so many. The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff at Betty's Garden and Transitions, who took such great care of Ernie throughout the years.