Kenneth Neil Statzer

TUSCOLA. Kenneth Neil Statzer, born July 16, 1938, to Frank and Merle Reedy Statzer in Villa Grove, Illinois, died February 2, 2018. He was athletic, creative, and had a quick sense of humor. Neil was passionate about golf, ceramics, and cheering on the Illini, as well as socializing with family and friends. He had a natural love of teaching, which was his first profession. Neil was a dedicated student who never missed a single day of school. He graduated from Villa Grove High School in 1956 and was awarded a bachelors degree in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1964.

In 1960, Neil married his high school sweetheart, Carol Lynn Jones Statzer. They were married for 52 years. Neil and Lynn were blessed with two daughters, Misty McGlynn of Palatine, Illinois, and Mary Statzer of Tempe, Arizona. Other cherished family include: brother Richard (Red) Statzer; grand children Andy McGlynn and Kate McGlynn; sons-in-law Tim McGlynn and Gene Kadish; nieces, Vickie Brooks and Lori Statzer Giordano; and nephews, Dr. Shawn Statzer, Todd Statzer, Scot Statzer, Don Hammett, Jim Ware, and Bob Ware.

Neil was a member of Rotary and Lions Club in Tuscola, as well as a deacon at First Christian Church in Tuscola, where he also served on the board. In his professional life, Neil worked for King and Wills Insurance, Douglas County Abstract Company, and University of Illinois. At U of I, he worked as a Risk Manager, a new field at that time. In retirement, he returned to his roots as a teacher, assisting Lynn at East Prairie Middle School in Tuscola.

In 2006, Neil and Lynn moved to Champaign. They wintered in Arizona many times and moved there permanently in 2011. At his death, Neil was living at Sunshine Village Memory Care Community in Phoenix. Those who preceded Neil in death include his wife Lynn, his mother and father, one brother, Dr. Darrell Statzer, and three nephews, Rick Hammett, Darrell Statzer, Jr., and Bob Ware.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Tuscola Community Foundation, Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix (1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014, www.hov.org), or a charity of the donor’s choosing. A memorial service celebrating Neil’s life will be held in Tuscola in the spring.