Rodney W. Horner

Rodney W. Horner, 84, of Manito, passed away at Hopedale Nursing Home, at 11:45 a.m., on Friday, February 16, 2024. He was born March 3, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, to Dorwin and Cornelia (Wade) Horner. He married Jeanette Mehlenbeck, who was also a graduate of Peoria Central High School, on February 9, 1963, in Peoria. Mr. Horner is survived by his wife, Jeanette; three sons: Glen Horner, of Pekin, Mark (Laura) Horner, of Lindenhurst, Illinois, and Craig Horner, of Manito; two granddaughters: Sarah (Tom) Reusché, of Libertyville and Ashley (Otis) Johnson, of Loveland, Colorado; as well as one sister, Karen Williamson, of Seattle, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Richard Horner, in 1994. Mr. Horner attended church at Manito Community United Methodist Church. He served in the US Army from 1963 – 1965, as a Medical Technician. He was later an active member of the Hill-Palmer American Legion Post #561, in Manito. He was also active with the Manito Popcorn Festival, and had played “Santa” in the community. He graduated from Bradley University in 1961, with degrees in English Literature and Biology. He worked for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, retiring after forty years as the Fisheries Pathologist at Jake Wolfe Fish Hatchery. He had served as Chairman of Great Lakes Fish Disease Commission. He enjoyed being outdoors, and was an avid hunter, fisherman, gun enthusiast, and Firearm Safety Instructor. He also loved the Spoon River Drive, antiques, and reading in his spare time. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Manito Community United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior to the services. Rev. Steve Oaks will officiate. Burial will follow the services at Meadowlawn Cemetery, in Manito. Military rites will be provided at the graveside by Hill-Palmer American Legion Post #561. Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Tazewell County Resource Center. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.

Rodney W. Horner

March 3, 1939 - February 16, 2024

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