The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois

April 17, 2003 - pg. A5

 KENNETH L.  EILERS

Prophetstown: - Kenneth L. "Kenny" Eilers, 66, of Prophetstown, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at his daughter's home in Silvis. He farmed in the Hooppole area for many years until 1977.  He then was employed by Betcher Trucking and VanOpDorp Trucking, both in Annawan, as a truck driver. 

Mr. Eilers was born May 10, 1936, in rural Hooppole, the son of George and Hazel (Becker) Eilers. He was a 1954 graduate of Annawan High School.  He married Katherine Foy in 1956.  He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge 193 AF & AM, Prophetstown. He was an avid toy tractor collector. 

Survivors include two daughters, Kristy Eilers of Silvis and Kelli Eilers of Madison, Wis., a son, Kerry of Spring Valley, his mother of Geneseo; two sisters, Venita Ewing of Kewanee and Alvina DeSplinter of St. Charles, Mo.; two brothers, Alvin and Eugene, both of Hooppole; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his father, a sister and a brother. 

The funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday at Zion United Methodist Church, Hooppole. Burial is at Hooppole Cemetery.  Visitation if from 4-8 p.m. today at Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown.  A memorial has been established to Pathway Hospice of the Quad Cities.-------