William "Willy" J. Grebner

William J. “Willy” Grebner, 80, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 7:15 am on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Grand View Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on May 8, 1943, in Peoria, IL, to Edmund and Anna (Nauman) Grebner. He married Mary Jo Welte on August 1, 1970 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Metamora, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Jo of Germantown Hills; children, Bill (Alyssa) Grebner of Las Vegas, NV and Joy (Todd) Maynor of Congerville, IL; grandchildren, T.J. Maynor and William Maynor; and siblings, Jim (Karen) Grebner of Romeoville, IL and Rosie (Larry) Christ of Lowpoint, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Lucille Grebner, Barbara Abel, Marty Grebner, Helen Best, Harland Grebner, and Ralph Grebner.

Willy was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a Mechanical Engineer and had worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 45 years. He was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora.

Willy attended St. Mary’s School and Metamora Township High School. He was active in many clubs in school. He played football, basketball, track, baseball, and was a member of the student council, band, and choir. He was a 1977 graduate of Bradley University. He loved attending Bradley Basketball games and the Missouri Valley Tournament with friends.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 89 and the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Sorrows Council 3060. He served on the Emergency 116 board. He was a member of Tall Oak Country Club in Toluca where he loved spending time with a great group of golf buddies. He was a Bear and Cubs fan and enjoyed attending games. Most of all he loved traveling and spending time with friends, family, and especially his grandsons. They were the light of his life.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 21, 2023 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Eric Bolek officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his mass, also at the church. Burial of Ashes will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Metamora. A Celebration of Life will follow at Lourdes Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614 or to Emergency 116 Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 36, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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