Colleen Weir
Colleen Weir, 90, formerly of Atwood, IL passed away on March 28, 2020 at Eberhardt Village in Arthur, IL. She was surrounded by her loving Eberhardt family.
Born November 27, 1929, in Swanville, Minnesota, to Harley Earl and Anna Eileen (Roughton) Wildman, she spent her childhood in the rural Atwood area, swinging from grapevines, befriending farm animals, working on the depression era farm, and attending country schools. As a freshman in high school she met the love of her life, Gene Weir, and they remained faithful to one another for more than 75 years. They graduated from Atwood High School in 1948 and were married on August 20, 1950 at Lake Fork Church, Atwood. He preceded her in death, just 6 months ago. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Phyllis (John) Rayburn.
She is survived by their five children, Kathleen Weir of Bloomington, IL., Rebecca (Steve) Maier of Fayetteville, NC, Jennifer (Rick) Bauersfeld of Funks Grove, IL, Suzanna (Andy) Weir-Birkey of Bloomington, IL, and David (Colleen) Weir of Raymond, IL, 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, one sister, Doris “Susie” (Gano) Cornwell of Ozark, MO, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Colleen attended Eastern Illinois University, where she studied elementary education. After marriage, she dedicated her life to her husband, in the military and on the farm, and to raising their 5 children. They moved to Columbia, MO, Coon Rapids, IA, and finally back to the Atwood area.
She was a faithful member of local churches and PEO sisterhood, and worked for the United States Postal Service for 24 years, retiring at age 79. Colleen was an immaculate house keeper who welcomed everyone into her home, an accomplished seamstress, excellent cook, and detailed gardener. She provided her family with homemade bread and rolls, and home canned fruits and vegetables the year round. Each Christmas, she coordinated the family tradition of delivering over 30 kinds of homemade cookies and candies, to neighbors and friends. She was a longtime blood donor, contributed to charitable organizations, and worked tirelessly for Relay for Life. She refinished wood, created scrapbooks for her children, and drove tractors and grain trucks, while tackling life’s challenges with strength and grace. Colleen was well known for her sharp wit with a zest for fun in life. She loved practical jokes and being the brunt of them.
Gulf Shores, AL was a favored travel destination, while family time, country music, puzzles, games, the World Series, chocolate pie, peanut brittle, and popcorn with apples were other personal favorites. She impacted countless lives with her servant’s heart… giving selflessly to ones she loved as well as strangers and those on the margins of life.
Bird watching was a highlight for Colleen and Gene and cardinals held a special meaning for them. Shortly after her passing, a male and female cardinal were seen outside their window, providing a sweet reminder that they are together again, at last.
Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Hwy 36, Atwood, Illinois 61913, is assisting with arrangements and cremation rites.
Graveside services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Fork United Church of Christ, Atwood, IL, Eberhardt Village, Arthur, IL, or Chapter DW PEO, Coon Rapids, IA.
Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com
