Lanny LaMar Deemer

Lanny LaMar Deemer, age 80 of Jacksonville, IL passed away at his home Friday, October 17, 2025. He was born August 13, 1945, in Battle Creek, MI to Glenn L. and Bernadine D. Wheeler Deemer.

Lanny is survived by his partner of 47 years, Joan McQuillan; mother-in-law, Wanda Miller; brothers-in-law, Fred (Sue) Miller, Jay Miller, Steven (Jane) Miller, Kevin (Michele) Miller, Kent Miller, and Kerry (Lia) Miller; several nieces and nephews; and special family members, Taylor Miller, Abby Miller, Peter (Kristen) Chenoweth, Donna Chenoweth, and Meghan Chenoweth.

Lanny graduated from East Pike High School where he enjoyed music and played the coronet. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Illinois College. Lanny served his country in the United States Army as a neuropsychiatric specialist and after his honorable discharge in October 1973, he earned his teaching certificate from Illinois College. He taught for Jacksonville District #117 for 30 years at Franklin Elementary School teaching 5th and 6th grade. Math and science were his favorite subjects to teach. During his teaching career, Lanny attended UIS in Springfield earning his Master of Arts degree.

Lanny cherished memories from his high school years with good friends, Jim Ottwell and Kenny Rongie. He was passionate about all music, especially jazz, new age, and symphonic. Lanny’s other interests included audio, video, photography, cooking, computers, and other technologies. Lanny appreciated time spent in his music studio in his home, which he lovingly called his “listening room.” Over the years, he and Joan enjoyed traveling to the East Coast and Canada and took delight in their trips to Blue Lake. Lanny was a creative and jovial guy who loved to tell jokes. He had a big laugh with animated gestures, was well organized and energetic, but cherished his privacy and alone time.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, A.T. and Gladys Nelson and Paul and Virginia Wheeler; parents, Glenn and Bernadine Deemer; aunts, Velma Katelinek and Jacqueline Gallaher; and cherished Illinois College friends, Mark Chenoweth, Teddy Rammelkamp, and Bill Hood.

Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to be made to Memorial Home Hospice, Simmons Cancer Institute, or Illinois College to benefit students traveling abroad or students enrolled in the education program. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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