Doris G. Kohlenberger

Doris G. Kohlenberger, 89, of Galesburg, formerly of Sterling, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, Saturday, February 3, 2018, 2:27 AM, at Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg. Doris was born on August 23, 1928 at Murphysboro Hospital, Murphysboro, IL. She was the daughter of Claude and Bessie (Collier) Cox. Doris met the love of her life, Bobbie Kohlenberger, at a dance hall in southern Illinois and then married him on August 19, 1949. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing on August 21, 2009. Doris is survived by her loving children, Mike (Felicia) Kohlenberger of Oak Park, Illinois and Cindy (Joseph Homco) Beadles of Galesburg; four grandchildren, Jackson and Jessica Kohlenberger of Oak Park, Clinton Beadles, of State College, Pennsylvania and Kayla Beadles of Galesburg. Along with her husband Bobbie, Doris was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Pamela Kay; a sister, Colleen Leavitt; and two brothers, Pat and Eugene Cox. Doris was raised in Gorham, Illinois where she attended school, and graduated from Gorham High School in 1946. She worked as a laborer at Harper Wyman in Princeton, IL and Wahl Clipper in Sterling for many years. Before retiring, she also worked as the Assistant Manager of a Walden's Book Store in Sterling. Doris was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Sterling and in Galesburg for over 50 years. At the Presbyterian Church in Sterling, she served as a Deacon, a Trustee, as a lead volunteer in her beloved Meals on Wheels Program, and on various other church committees. Doris was a community advocate who always fought for the underdog. She was kind, generous and had special compassion for those less fortunate or in need of a helping hand. Doris was a loyal democrat and an active, hard-working individual. She was an awesome cook and enjoyed playing bingo and cards with her dear friends. She watched and followed her grandkid's school, extracurricular and sports activities, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals and other sports on TV. Upon her move to Woodridge, she was responsible for forming the “Beatle-Bomber Club” as an outlet for her unique sense of humor. Most importantly, Doris cared deeply for her family and friends. Graveside services for Doris will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, in Ava, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted with Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials in Doris’ honor may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the Barb Brown Memorial Fund at www.paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/barbbrownfund/ . Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.