Edwin "Jeff" Jeffery Kuhlman

Edwin Jeffery "Jeff" Kuhlman, 84, of Metamora, IL passed away at 12:00 noon on Friday, August 2, 2024, at his residence.

He was born on June 23, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to Edwin J. and Marie E. (Moninger) Kuhlman. He was baptized on July 14, 1940 in Chicago and confirmed on May 13, 1951 in Springfield, IL. He married Sharon Oltz on April 22, 1967 at St. Philomena's Catholic Church in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Sharon of Metamora; children, Stephanie (David) Belvery of East Peoria, IL, Timothy (Natalie) Kuhlman of Germantown Hills, IL, and Christine Casey of Peoria, IL; six grandchildren, Kayleigh (Ben) Lopez, Jacob (Emily) Belvery, Rebecca (Ray) Ferro, Keylee Kuhlman, Caleb Kuhlman, and Luci Casey; six great-grandchildren, Carter and Luca Ferro, Nora and Eliza Belvery, and Ezra and Judah Lopez; sister, Kathleen Murray of Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Bill Murray.

Jeff was a U.S. Army Veteran from August 1960 through August 1963, serving during the Vietnam War Era. He attended basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He served at Camp McCoy, WI, returned to Ft. Leonard Wood with the 5th Engineer Battalion (Combat), and then with the 10th Ordance Company in Giessen, Germany. He enjoyed his time in the Army and sight seeing while in Germany. He was a member of the Metamora American Legion Post 89. He graduated from St. Philomena School and Spalding Institute, both in Peoria, and also the Caterpillar Machinist Apprentice program in East Peoria, IL.

He began his career in 1959 for Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria for 33 years as a machinist apprentice, machine repairman, and toolmaker, retiring in 1992. He was a member of United Auto Workers Local 974 and served as a steward and chief steward. He was also a bus driver from 1967 until 2015, driving for Peoria schools and last driving for Metamora Township High School for a total of 48 years. He was also a member of Amalgamated Transit Union, Division 416.

Jeff was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora, the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree, and a past eucharistic minister and lector. He enjoyed gardening, camping all over the United States, volunteering at Snyder Village driving the bus for the residents, delivering Meals on Wheels, and was a Cubs fan. He was also a former Metamora Precinct Committeeman, registering voters, running polls, and appointing election judges.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Eric Bolek officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel. Burial will be in St. Mary of Lourdes Cemetery with military rites accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund
1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora IL 61548