On the beautiful afternoon of Tuesday, August 24, 2021, William (Bill) K. DeVena passed peacefully at his home with family at his side after suffering a long illness.
Bill was born July 23, 1945, in Peoria, IL, the son of Ralph K. and Mary Lucille (Pilgrim) DeVena. He attended school in Galesburg, IL graduating from Galesburg High School in June 1963. He attended Western IL University in Macomb, IL. He was a member of the AGR Fraternity. His education was interrupted by service in the U.S Army and Army Reserves. He returned to his studies at WIU and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics in July 1970.
Bill married Barbara A. Stegall on April 5, 1969. They have 2 sons, John M. and Jeffrey D. DeVena. Bill and Marilee Miller were married on December 10, 1994, and were blessed with a daughter, Ellaina Marie.
Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents. He is survived by his wife Marilee, his sons John (Traci) of Scottsbluff, NE, Jeffrey (Midna) of Galesburg, daughter Ellaina of Cameron, IL, 8 grandchildren Seth Luper, Kenzie Pierce, Tanner DeVena, Kalie Wallace, Payton, and Hunter DeVena, and Lluvia and Christopher Lopez. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn (Alphonse) Peplinski of East Peoria, IL, and their children Angela Kruis, Robert Peplinski, and Michele Peplinski.
Bill was a farmer, a gunsmith, and was employed for 30 years at Admiral/Maytag of Galesburg. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and generally being out of doors. He was an avid and talented woodworker making many treasures for his family. Most of all, Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Knox County Farm Bureau Bldg, 180 S. Soangetaha Road, Galesburg, IL. Memorials may be made to the family for medical expenses.