Published in the Peoria [Illinois] Journal Star, December 3, 2008

Wenona — Alvin David Woerner, 82, of Wenona died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at his son’s home [in] Magnolia, Ill.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall in Wenona. A short memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Suzann Barr at 7 p.m.

Hurst Funeral Home of Wenona is in charge of arrangements.

Alvin was born June 12, 1926, to Carl and Christine Kieser Woerner. He married Margaret Simonton on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1948, in Magnolia. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Also surviving are three sons, David (Sandy) of Granville, Ohio, Dan of Columbus, Ohio, and Doug (Beth Jacobs) of rural Magnolia; and three daughters, Debbie (Jay) Loeffler of Normal, Diana (Bob) Wroczynski of rural Magnolia and Dena (Mike) Stone of rural Magnolia.

A daughter, Dorothy Woerner, preceded him in death on May 1, 2008.

He leaves 12 grandchildren, Lia and Jake Woerner, Amy Krischel, Lisa (Josh) Sopiarz and Kelly (Bryan) Haigh, Amanda (Aaron) Palmore, Justin Martin, Nick and Jenna Woerner, Shelby Wroczynski, Christopher and Drew Stone; and four great-grandchildren, Ellison Sopiarz, Arilynn and Avram Palmore and Caleb Lynch. Also surviving are his brother, Edgar Woerner of Morton; and sisters, Mildred Weyland of Seattle, Wash., and Lillian (Richard) Dallinger of Morton; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Gordon Taylor, Evelyn Spear, Jack and Marge Kays, Bill and Marlene Simonton; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

His parents; one brother, Louis; and two sisters, Marie Schick and Emma Taylor, preceded him in death.

Alvin was born and raised on a farm in Allentown, Ill.

He attended Allentown Grade School, Morton High School and Bradley University.

He served two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

In 1950, he moved near Magnolia, where he farmed, milked cows, raised his family, and in his spare time played cards. He also worked at J&L (LTV) Steel in Hennepin for more than 20 years, where he shared his love of cooking with his co-workers.

For the majority of his retirement, he spent summers on his farm in Illinois and winters at his home near Toledo Bend Lake in Louisiana. Al loved an active life, always working on projects, helping out friends and family, playing more cards and riding his bike. He looked forward with enthusiasm to the annual bike ride across Iowa (RAGBRAI). He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and sharing his catch with family, friends and neighbors. Oh, and yes, he was a die-hard Cubs fan and anxiously looked forward to next year.

There will be a private family graveside service at Cumberland Cemetery near the family home.

Sincere appreciation is extended to St. Margaret’s hospice for their care and support during Al’s battle with cancer.

Memorials may be sent to Cumberland Cemetery Association in Wenona, Ill.