Donald J. Grebner

Metamora ? Donald J. "Donnie" Grebner, 75 of Metamora, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Snyder Village, Metamora with his beloved family by his side. For 17 years he fought a brave fight with Myasthenia Gravis and inspired all with his perseverance and courage. Donnie was born on May 15, 1938 to Clarence J. and Josephine O. (Krumholz) Grebner. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Stahl on February 17, 1968 at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church in Princeville, IL. He is survived by his devoted family, Tony (Jeanita) Grebner of Epworth IA, Ileen Grebner of Metamora, and Clarence (Sarah) Grebner of Spring Bay; 8 grandchildren, and seven brothers and sisters, Bernice (Milton) Scheirer, Mary (Clarence) Mitzelfelt, Raymond Grebner, Evelyn (Tom) McCormack, Christine (John) Gilles, and Eugene (Connie) Grebner; and one sister-in-law, Helen Grebner. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Mark Andrew, and one brother, Bernard Grebner. He worked for George Hoffman and Sons for 20 years and retired from Caterpillar with 25 years of service as a Test Operator. He served in the Army and Army Reserves from 1961-1967 at Ft Leonard Wood and Ft Monmouth. He was a member of International Order of Forresters, American Legion Fred Herring Post 89, UAW Local 974, Woodford County Farm Bureau, Operating Engineer Local 649, 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary of Lourdes Men?s Club. He was awarded the St. Isidore Rural Family Life Award from the Diocese of Peoria in November 2007. He was a farmer first and foremost. His love and care of the land was passed on to his children. He had a deep sense of faith and family that he instilled in those he came into contact with. A special thank you goes out to all of the medical, pastoral care and hospice staff for taking such great care of Donnie through the years and also to all who came to visit. Your thoughtful actions, caring words and loving hands never went unnoticed. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, Metamora with Fr. Neri Greskoviak officiating. Visitation will be held from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, October 23 with rosary at 3:30pm at Mason Funeral Home, Metamora Chapel. Interment will be at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery with military rites accorded by his American Legion Post #89. Memorial contributions may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, Inc. 310 W. Lake Street Suite 111 Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 or St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com