Carolee L. Unsicker

She was born on a farm east of Metamora, IL to Alpheus and Lena (Sauder) Leman on February 7, 1929. She married Melvin S. Unsicker on December 10, 1950, who preceded her in death on August 1, 1986. Also preceding her in death are her parents, sister Marjorie (Rich) Rocke, and five brothers, Walter, Milton, Ivan, Loren, and Gerald Leman.

Carolee is survived by her children: Terry (Norm) Wettstein of Eureka, Rebecca Unsicker of Peoria, Linda (Tim) Martin of Eureka, Denny (Becky) Unsicker of Dunlap, Margie (Steve) Sauder of Eureka and Amy (Dean) Kaisner of Delavan.

Her precious grandchildren include Carolyn Yau, Kathleen Harter, Nicole Wettstein, Abby Inpanbutr, Emily Miller, Erin King, Lindsay Korljan, Jesse Unsicker, Steve Sauder, Josh Sauder, Kelsey Abiera, Judah Kaisner, Astrid Kaisner, Joseph Kaisner, Anne Kaisner, Joel Kaisner, Jackson Kaisner and John Kaisner. She also has 23 great grandchildren.

Also surviving is her brother, Roy (Wanda) Leman of Eureka.

She was an active member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Peoria, IL. She supported many through years of teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, serving alongside her husband during his years as a church trustee, and loving her many friends and acquaintances.

Her beautiful soprano voice was often heard singing in the church choir or in funeral services in support of others. Additionally, music became a big part of her home as the family sang hymns together around the piano.

Carolee loved to have fun and laugh and enjoyed being with others, sharing in Bible studies with trusted friends, playing baseball in the yard with children and grandchildren, and fishing and camping with Mel and the family. They traveled extensively within the US, often camping with her sister Marge’s family or her parents.

She reached out her hands to the needy by often sharing homemade soups and other nourishing foods to those experiencing sickness or grief.

Following her husband’s death, she helped with the Berean Prison Ministry serving first, as assistant chaplain and later as chaplain. For years she supported the Haitian Hearts Program caring for the needs of children and making several trips to the country. She shared her time volunteering for a Peoria-based hospice care program.

She was an exceptional farm wife in tending to vegetable and flower gardens while providing and preserving food for her family, teaching them to appreciate God's abundant provision. Carolee supported her husband in the various duties for the farm including delivering meals to the field and sometimes assisting with driving equipment.

She devoted her time to prayer and rearing up her six children teaching them the value of hard work and the necessity of contentment and modeling the joy of serving others.

More than anything she desired to love her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and shine His light by serving those around her. She leaves a legacy of deep and abiding faith for all who knew her.

Visitation will be Monday, July 6, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church. Additional visitation will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services on Tuesday at the church.

Burial will be in the Peoria Apostolic Christian Cemetery near Edwards.

Memorials may be made to the Berean Prison Ministry.

Condolences and tributes may be made on the funeral home website at Woolsey-Wilton.com