Carl Leroy Adolphson, 89, of Knoxville, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Leroy was born on July 7, 1934, near Williamsfield. He was the son of Carl E. and Anna (Johnson) Adolphson. He married Lucille Kitch on July 19, 1953, in the Federated Church, Avon, with Rev. Marvin E. Maris officiating.
Surviving are his wife of 70 years; one son, Kevin (Mary) Adolphson of Knoxville; one daughter, Deanna (Jim) Egeland of Knoxville; seven grandchildren, Cory (Jamie) Adolphson of Washington, Cara (Keegan) Jones of Rock Island, Chris (Hayley) Adolphson of Peoria, Lindsey Egeland (Tom) of West Salem, Wisconsin, Garett Egeland of Duluth, Minnesota, Marissa Egeland of Broomfield, Colorado, and Tyler Egeland of Portland, Maine; four great-grandchildren, Kylie Adolphson, Bradley Adolphson, Lucas Adolphson, and Charlotte Jones; one brother, Raymond (Connie) Adolphson of Avon, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and two brothers.
He graduated from Avon High School in 1951, served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, moved to Knoxville in 1960, and graduated from Carl Sandburg College with an associate degree. He worked at Maytag Corporation for over 40 years as a maintenance electrician, retiring in 1992, then worked as a messenger and driver for Brinks Corporation.
He was a charter member of Knoxville Jaycees, Boy Scout leader, little league coach and director, veteran of the United States Army, member of IAM 2363 International Machinists Union, former member of Illinois Stock Horse Association, and a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville.
He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Illini fan as well as all of his grandchildren’s and family members activities. He enjoyed gardening and sharing produce with his family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, with a visitation from 10 a.m. until time of services at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes in Knoxville, Illinois, with Rev. Katie Gallagher officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Knox County Honor Guard. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials will be made to Grace Lutheran Church of Knoxville, Illinois.
On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
