Bernard Phillip DeKezel

Bernard "Bernie" DeKezel, 85, of Geneseo, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Hillcrest Home, Geneseo. Per his wishes, he will be cremated and a celebration of life luncheon will be held this Saturday, April 29th from 11-1 at 548 N Meadow St. Geneseo, IL, all are welcome. No services will be held. Memorials may be made to the family.

Bernie was born May 30th, 1937 in Geneseo, IL, the son of Edward and Edna DeKezel (Coopman.) He was the first born of their two children.

He graduated from J.D. Darnall Senior High School and later began a position at Hulting Hybrid.

Bernie married Carol (McAvoy) Platter in 1958 where they farmed in the Geneseo area for 19 years, raising dairy cattle, pigs, and horses. Together, they raised three children, Karen, Tom and Tim DeKezel.

He began a position as Road Commissioner for Munson Township for several years and later drove trucks hauling grain for local farmers. In 2006, he met Ann Lizotte. The two of them spent many happy years together traveling and sharing an immense love for their cats. They enjoyed attending their grandchildrens' activities. Along with his love of farm animals, he added raising alpacas to the list in 2016. He was a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church as well as the Moose Chapter of Geneseo.

Survivors include his children, Karen DeKezel, East Moline, Tom (Charlene) DeKezel and Tim (Lona) DeKezel all of Geneseo; 5 grandchildren, Ryan DeKezel, Geneseo, Abby DeKezel, Golconda, IL, James DeKezel (Nicole), Waukee, IA, Layodesi DeSmith (Kyle), Grimes, IA, Laykyn Blackburn (Justin), Frankfort, IL; 4 great grandchildren, Payzley, Drayven, Cayson, and Ryker; His Brother, Kenneth DeKezel (LaRae), Geneseo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carol Platter, and his sweet Annie, (Ann Lizotte) who he loved very much.