Rodney "Butch" Witherell

Born June 20, 1938 in Peoria to Samuel K. and Virginia A. (Webb) Witherell, he first married Annette Staes. He later married Joanne E. Jones on August 13, 1982 in Peoria. Together they enjoyed 43 years of marriage. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Denise Griffin of East Peoria; one stepson, Dan (Dixie) Brooks of Pekin; one stepdaughter, Vickie Walker of Vierra, Florida; three grandchildren, Katie Griffin, Gunnar (Nayeon “Naya”) Griffin and Garrett Griffin; five step-grandchildren, Rob (Mandy) Woll, Tara (Matt) Vaughn, Toni (Bobby) Cassidy, Tanna (Shane) Layton and Tori (Kevin) Downs; fourteen step-great-grandchildren; five step-great-great grandchildren and one niece, Rhonda (Jerry) Bateson-Pyatt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Barbara Hoopengarner and three nephews, Doug Bateson, David Hoopengarner, and Mark Hoopengarner.

A 1957 graduate of Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, he was active in sports while there and later was inducted a member of the Limestone Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements in football, basketball and track and field.

He retired from Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville.

In retirement, he enjoyed riding his bicycle and visiting with new friends he made in his neighborhood. He also enjoyed frequenting garage sales. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, stepfather, and step grandfather.

Now that Rodney has passed into the arms of our Lord. We should remind ourselves that while this is the end of Rodney’s physical life on Earth, it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him.

His memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Judy Doyle will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637, or Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com