Kenneth F. DeSchepper

Kenneth F. DeSchepper, 101, of Viola, died Saturday, August 1, 2026, at his home. Per his wishes, there is no visitation or funeral service. Private family burial will be in the Viola Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Viola Fire Department and can be sent in care of Speer Funeral Home, PO Box 27, Aledo, Illinois.

Kenneth was born on September 8, 1924, in rural Milan, Illinois, the son of Frank & Helen (Bosold) DeSchepper. He married Kathleen Schmidt in April 1946. She preceded him in death in November 1958. Kenneth married Mary Grimm on August 8, 1960, in Aledo, Illinois at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.

Kenneth served in the United States Marine Core during World War II. He dedicated his life to farming in the Viola area and serving on several boards, including, Viola Home Telephone Company, Viola Fire Department, and St. John’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 66 years, Mary; daughters, Diane (Gary) Hutton, and Sharon (Tom) Breen; sons, Daniel (Pamela) DeSchepper and Michael (Jill) DeSchepper; daughter-in-law, Lisa DeSchepper; grandchildren, Molly, Tim, Brooke, Brock, Emma, Ellie, and Chance; as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded by his parents, first wife, Kathleen, a sister, Grace Lohse, and sons, Russell Hunt and David DeSchepper.