Born: March 27, 1955 - Deceased: September 28, 2024
Keith Ray Eilers, 69, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, March 27, 1955, in St. Louis, MO, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Hawn State Park in St. Genevieve, MO.
Keith was a retired Tool & Die Maker for PTL Manufacturing Inc. in Belleville, IL. He was a member of Hope Chapel where he served as Elder. He was also a member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace workers, Belleville RC Flyers, Academy of Model Aeronautics, and Freeburg Men’s Bible Study.
Keith loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his family, and his Hope Chapel church family. He enjoyed time at his cabin and the wild life there. It was his happy place. He was Mr. Fix-It; always helping to keep things running and coming to the rescue. He loved Sunday family dinners, camping, riding his motorcycle, bicycling, and in the past bowling and softball. He was a gifted athlete and set many track records at BTHS East High School. He was a talented tool and die maker, mechanic and craftsman, utilizing these skills with his passion for restoring old vehicles. His favorite being his yellow 1948 Chevy Pick-up.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, son-in-law, son and friend. He was involved in the lives of so many as a mentor and discipler from teens to adults. There will be a hole because he left us before we were ready, but we know he is resting in the arms of his Savior, safely home.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Father: Donald J. Eilers
- Mother: Sheila, nee Phipps, Eschenfelder
- Sister: Beverly Staudt
- Nephew: Mark Staudt
- Great nephew: Jaxon Miller
Surviving are his:
- Loving wife of 49 years: Karen D., nee Recklein, Eilers of Belleville, IL
- Children
- Angela (Ryan) Foree of Freeburg, IL
- Ross (Rachel) Eilers of Swansea, IL
- Neal Eilers of Carlyle, IL
- Grandchildren
- Autumn Foree
- Amber Foree
- Roman Foree
- Reed Eilers
- Macy Eilers
- Mother-in-law: Martha Recklein of Fairview Heights, IL
- Nieces
- Nicole (Joe) Rogers
- Natalie (Chris) Miller
- Sister-in-law: Donna (Keith) French of Elgin, IL
- Extended family: Brenda Eschenfelder
- Great nieces and cousins
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Hope Chapel, 2726 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 4, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL and from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. David Raynaud officiating. Interment will follow at Green Mount Protestant Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
8 Comments
Keith was my best friends brattie little brother. His family became more like family through the years. Karen and Angie. My thought and prayers are with you.
We were saddened to hear of Keiths passing. He was such a great neighbor. Please accept our sympathy.
Mike & I are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all.
Love,
Mike & Connie Warfield
I’m so sorry to hear this about Keith. Hugs and prayers for your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family.
Hugs to you,
Bob and Patty McAnally
We are deeply saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and support of family and friends.
With deepest sympathy,
Bryan and Lauren
We were so sorry to hear about Keith. Condolences during this difficult time. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom & Lezlie
Keith was my neighbor , though we had our differences (like loudly working on his 48 chevy ,glad he finally got that running though, I’m pretty sure he worked on that since I was a very small child) he wasn’t a bad neighbor or person and he was pretty kind and willing to help with car issues. I was good friends with Neal as a kid , and I hate to hear that his dad passed away. My deepest condolences to Karen , his kids, and grandkids. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.