Willard Lee Birge

Willard was born September 14, 1928 in Tompkinsville, Kentucky the son of William Clayton & Sally Pauline (Bryant) Birge.

He married Evelyn Medema in Albany, IL on April 27, 1990.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years; his children, Michael Medema of Ventura, CA, James (June) Medema of Davenport, IA, Vicki (James) Diffendal of Chicago, and Barbara (Richard) Taylor of Rockland, CA; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents.

He worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 30 years at the Mossville Plant in the Engine Division as an Engineer.

Willard was a graduate of Bradley University in Peoria.

Funeral Services will be Monday June 4, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Visitation will be from 3:00-4:30 p.m. prior to services also at the funeral home.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

Burial of ashes will be in Fondulac Township Cemetery in East Peoria at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Davenport, IA.

Please visit Willard's story at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com.