Joseph "Jeff" E. Feely, Ii

WATAGA--Joseph E. “Jeff” Feely II, 69, of Wataga, IL passed away at 12:50 a.m. Sunday, February 3, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.     Jeff was born September 3, 1949 in Galesburg, IL, the son of Joseph E. and Anna J. (Farrell) Feely.      Jeff married Linda Blickem on May 23, 1969 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Galesburg.      Survivors include Linda, his wife of almost 50 years, as well as four sons, Joseph “Jay” (Tricia) Feely III, of Galesburg, IL; Matthew (Amy) Feely of Cleveland, IL; Timothy Feely of St. Louis, MO; and James (Melinda) Feely of Safford, AZ.   Ten beloved grandchildren, Kathryn (A.J.) Bowton, Lauren, Christopher, Allison, Emma and Ashley Feely; Andrew and Grace Feely; Claire and Elizabeth Feely; as well as two great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Maci Bowton.      Two sisters, Sharon (Myron) Shreeves of Knoxville and Ellen (Bill) Milnamow of Wheaton; a brother-in-law, Gordon Nicklaus of Dixon and many nieces and nephews also survive.     Preceding Jeff in death were his parents; 2 infant grandsons, Joshua Paul Feely and Charles Joseph Feely; 3 sisters, Colleen Trask, Patricia Nicklaus and Sheila Crist.     He graduated from Costa High School in 1968. Jeff was a union pipefitter and a 38 year member of Local 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters in Rock Island, IL. He served his country in the US Army. Jeff was a member of St. Patrick's Church as well as the American Legion and the D.A.V.     A loving family man, Jeff was proud of his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them and attending their activities. He also enjoyed flower gardening (especially roses and tulips), Sudoku and watching old Westerns; he was an Olympic channel surfer. An animal lover, he is survived by his loyal canine companion Cheerio. Some of Jeff's favorite pastimes included entering sweepstakes, going to zoos and botanical gardens, and traveling in this country as well as Mexico, Canada, Ireland, England and France.      Jeff will be forever in our hearts.     Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 11, 2019 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at St. Patrick's Church. Rev. William T. Miller will officiate. Military rites will be conducted at the church after mass. Cremation rites will be accorded following mass and burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Toys for Tots or Pet Smart Charities.