Freeman Shoemaker, Sr., 87 of Keithsburg, Illinois died Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Brookstone of Aledo. Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded. As Freeman’s wife Arlene passed away during Covid restrictions…the family will now celebrate the lives of both Freeman and Arlene at 12 p.m., Saturday, October 22, with visitation 2 hours prior, at Keithsburg First Christian Church. A time of food and fellowship will follow the service. Private burial will be in Greenmound Cemetery. Memorials may be left for American Cancer Society. Dennison Funeral Home, Aledo, assisted the family.
Freeman was born July 4, 1935 in New Boston, Illinois, a son of Freeman and Helen Howard Shoemaker. On July 3, 1959, he married Mary Arlene Sweet in New Boston. They were married for nearly 61 years, before she passed on May 7, 2020. Freeman worked at International Harvester, retiring after 27 years. He was a member of Keithsburg First Christian Church and the former Oquawka Eagles. In his younger days, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved to sing, shoot pool, and watch NASCAR.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son: Freemie Shoemaker; grandchildren: Randy Goodrick, Heather Roberts, Zac Brock, Jade Grawet, Seth House, Freemie Shoemaker, Hallie Shoemaker, Brandon Abbott, and Kelli Abbott; seven great grandchildren; one great great grandson; siblings: Rick (Donna) Shoemaker, Tim (Becky) Shoemaker, Barb Gaylor, Jeanie Briles, Vickie (Terry) Crisel, and Jeri Sargeant; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter: Carmie Shoemaker House; sons: Gerry Brock and Kevin Abbott; granddaughter: Amanda Abbott; and siblings: William “Boot” Shoemaker, Benjamin Shoemaker, and Tina Byrd.
Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.
M. Arlene Shoemaker (from May 2020)
Mary Arlene Shoemaker, 80, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020 with her husband and son by her side at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst.
Arlene was born October 27, 1939 in New Boston, Illinois the daughter of Orville and Violet Gaines Sweet. She married Freeman Shoemaker, Sr., July 3, 1959 in New Boston. Arlene worked at the former Wilsons in Monmouth and The Pottery in Monmouth. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball with the woman’s league in Keithsburg. She also enjoyed working puzzles and playing cards. She especially enjoyed playing Bingo.
Survivors include her husband: Freeman Shoemaker, Sr.; son: Freemie Shoemaker; grandchildren: Randy Goodrick, Heather Roberts, Zac Brock, Jade Grawet, Seth House, Freemie Shoemaker and Hallie Shoemaker; five great grandchildren and one great great grandson; brother: Robert Sweet; and sister: Joyce Paschal.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; daughter: Carmie Shoemaker House; son: Gerry Brock; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.