D. Jonie Fesler

Delilah Joan “Jonie” Fesler, age 82, of Barry, IL passed away quietly Thursday, April 9, 2020 in her home after a 5-1/2 year battle with cancer.  Jonie was born January 1, 1938 in rural Hull, IL to Lester and Helen Spencer Hill.  She married John A. Fesler December 29, 1957.  He proceeded her in death in 2014, having been married over 56 years.
Jonie lived nearly her entire life in the Barry area.  As she was growing up, she held several different part-time jobs.  One she reminisced about frequently was wrapping trees for Stark Bros. Nursery.  After graduating from Barry High School, Jonie attended Western Illinois College for a few years until she started a family.  Many years later, after her kids were grown, she was able to return to WIU to complete her degree in English.
As an adult, Jonie focused her attention on raising her six children, especially devoting countless hours to caring for her daughter, Julianne.  In 1968, when John began farming, Jonie was there right beside him helping in whatever way she could, not only in the fields but also with all the livestock.
Jonie was a member of the Barry United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years.  She loved gardening, canning and sharing her produce with friends and family.  Jonie was a great cook and especially loved making pies for her loved ones and friends.  She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, and helping with the cows.  Most of all Jonie enjoyed spending time with and feeding her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
Jonie is survived by five children:  Jon (Marry) Fesler, Jeffrey (Cindy) Fesler, Jerilynn (Robert J.) Legate, Joey (Karen) Fesler, and Jaynalee Hively; and 15 grandchildren:  Brome and Marica Fesler; Andy, Cameo, and Luke Fesler and Tabitha Bennett; Kayri Reynolds, Kaydi Grote, Kayci Sackmann, and Kayli Legate; Noah and Avah Fesler; Izack, Aleck, and Erick Hively.  She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and 2 sisters, Lenora Luecke and Hilda Christison.  
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her daughter, Julianne; and 2 sisters, Helen Elizabeth Ratcliff and Kelsia Peacock.
A Graveside Service will be held privately at Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.  Memorials are suggested to be made to Park Lawn Cemetery, Barry Public Library, or Donor’s Choice.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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