Kenneth J. Bidstrup, 83, of Earlville, IL passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025 at his home in rural Earlville surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 6, 1941 in Mendota, IL the son of Jack and Asta (Linn) Bidstrup. He married Nancy J. Helm on November 11, 1961 in Earlville, IL. Ken farmed in the Earlville area his entire life and loved the land. He raised cattle, pigs, and poultry. Ken was a lifetime member and elder of the United Presbyterian Church of Earlville and helped serve the youth at the church’s Awana program. Ken was very fond of his support for the Mariner’s Group which aided in charity for the church, camps, and the community (assisting with the lemonade and food stands for Earlville Fun Days). He also was a groundskeeper at Rollo Park and baseball diamonds for 10 years. Ken enjoyed watching NASCAR and high school basketball finals. He loved playing cards and had a deep affection for animals, especially dogs and cats. Ken learned how to play the accordion at an early age and enjoyed playing for the family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, one daughter Wendy (Randy) Keller; two sons, Kenneth “Tim” (Nancy) Bidstrup and Christopher Bidstrup, all from Earlville, IL; nine grandchildren, Craig, Crystal, Kevin, Christopher, Douglas, Aimee, Heather, Chris and Nick; and eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Twait and Linda Ceresa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson Kenneth “Douglas” Bidstrup and one brother-in-law Roderick Twait.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the United Presbyterian Church of Earlville. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the church with Chaplain Rick Eldred officiating. Burial will follow at Precinct Cemetery in rural Earlville. Memorials may be directed to Precinct Cemetery. For more information or to sign the online guestbook please visit
www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
PO Box 808,
Earlville, IL 60518
(815) 246-6491