Joseph “Joe” Edward Leezer, 68, of Galesburg, died at 10:03 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017 at home.
He was born September 10, 1948, in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, the son of Mark and Mable (Garrity) Leezer. He married Connie L. Eifert June 20, 1969, in Mt. Sterling.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Connie; two daughters, Tammy (and Gary) Purchase and Stacey (Leezer) Motz, both of Galesburg; his mother-in-law whom he loved with all his heart, Monica “Mammy” Eifert of Mt. Sterling; five grandchildren, Trey, Skylar, Dylan, Kylee, and Blayze, all of Galesburg; a step brother, James (and Nina) Schafer of Missouri; three half-brothers, Dave, Jack, and John Means; two brothers-in-law, Marc (and Cindy) Eifert of Macomb and Stan (and Deanne) Eifert of Clayton, Illinois; three half-sisters, Lacey and Leona Means and Cyndia Avis; and a sister-in-law, Carolyn (and the late, Jim) Leezer of Springfield, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his devoted companion, Julio (his dog) and by many beloved family and friends.
Joe was a welder at Butler Manufacturing Company for 33 years, retiring in 2005. He also worked at Blick Art Materials for the past 11 years. He was of the Catholic faith and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Mt. Sterling in 1968. He had lived in Galesburg since 1972.
Joe was an avid sports fan. He loved baseball, NASCAR, bowling, and his Chicago Bears. He enjoyed spending time with the love of his life, Connie, his girls, his son-in-law, and grandkids. He loved his dogs, Julio and Izzy.
Joe was an honor and gift to everyone he encountered. He was always smiling and cracking jokes. He was the perfect father, grandfather, and husband. He was kind to anyone who had the time to talk to him. “Woosh”
Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Sean Eifert and Mike and Kara Anderson officiating. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Hospice or to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
