Wilbur E. Eeten

Wilbur E. Eeten, 88, of Delavan, passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at Unity Point Health Methodist in Peoria. 

On April 25, 1934, a very special person Wilbur Eeten, was born the second son of Ernest and Jennie Luken Eeten.  At the age of 2, the family moved to Irish Lane, where they continued to farm for 70 years.  Wilbur worked on the farm then went to Caterpillar Inc. where he retired after 30 years of service. He also owned Eeten’s Gulf Service in Green Valley for several years. 

He later met and married Juanita Coates.  Together they had three children, Jacque, Shelley, and Dennis.  On March 8, 1975, he married Janet Hoffman at Forest City, and she survives. Also surviving are six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; two brothers, Duane (Diane) Eeten and Harry (Carol) Eeten; and one sister, Esther Janet Eeten. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Alfred. 

Wilbur took great pride in his city of Delavan, where he served as Alderman and the Zoning Board. He was a member of the Illinois National guard for nine years.  He was co-founder of the Delavan Optimist Club and a former member of the Green Valley Fire Department. 

Wilbur will be missed by all who knew him. He loved life and always had a joke or story to share. 

He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden, where he served on the worship and music committees. He was born, raised and baptized in his church. 

His funeral will be at 11:00 am Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden.  Pastor Keith Ray will officiate.  Visitation will be from 3 to 6 pm Wednesday at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan. Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. 

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden. 

To express condolences online visit www.davisoswaldfh.com.

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