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 61231.
Kenneth was born on September 8, 1924, in rural Milan, Illinois, the son of Frank and 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 Corp 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.