George "Bud" Knecht

George Bud Knecht, 81, of Leonore, Illinois left to go on the greatest fishing trip of his life on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by his loving family. Bud was born December 1, 1933 in Streator to George and Mary Kolesar Knecht. He married Marlene Zimmerman on August 10, 1957. He proudly served in the Army from 1956 to 1958, serving as an MP. Bud owned and operated Knecht Construction for 40 years. He worked as a projectionist at several area drive-ins and theaters for many years. He was a member of the Leonore Volunteer Fire Department for 53 years and also served on the Leonore Village Board for 24 years, with 16 of those years as Village President. He had many hobbies, but enjoyed fishing and woodworking the most and could most likely be found working in his shop or fishing at his cabin.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene, one son, Kevin Eileen Knecht of Tonica, two daughters, Karlene Stacey Dolder and Kim Ron Henrich, both of Somonauk; three grandchildren, Jamie and Jeremy Dolder, Jenna Henrich; one brother, David Barbara Knecht and one sister, Marianne Laatz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Karl and Ed and one sister, Hope.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015 at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Rural Tonica, IL. south of Leonore with Father Gary Blake officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to the time of service at the church. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Dolder, Tim Grusy, Lloyd Coffman, Ron Peters and Bob Rauba. Arrangements were entrusted to Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com .

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt. 34 West
Somonauk, IL. 60552
815-498-2363