Jeffrey L Isted

A celebration of life will be at 2pm, Saturday, July 19, at the American Legion in Towanda. Cremation rites will be accorded and a private interment in East Lawn Memorial Gardens will be at later date. Jeff was born December 5, 1977, in Bloomington, to Cheryl (Heggie) and Richard Isted. He married Bridget Logsdon, in Bloomington, on April 25, 2010. Survivors include his wife, stepdaughters, Jennifer and Jessica Arbuckle, Bloomington; stepson, Dalton Arbuckle, Bloomington; mother and stepfather, Cheryl Isted-Murphy and Tim Murphy, Towanda; sisters, Dawn Heggie, Normal, Stefani (Jimmie) Ledbetter, SD, Christina Isted, Bloomington; brother, Patric (Kristi) Pfister, Bloomington; stepbrother, Sean (Cheryl) Murphy, CA; nephews, Tristan Sutter, Normal, Kendall and Peyton Ledbetter, SD and Kyle Murphy, CA; nieces, Morgan and Cera Ledbetter, SD and Kaitlyn Murphy, CA; several cousins and his beloved pets: his dog, Ammo, and cats, Nancy and Black Cat. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dona and Stanley Heggie; paternal grandparents, Leslie and Jeanette Isted; sister, April Staley; uncles Karry Heggie and Donald Isted; aunt Judy Isted; and cousin Donald Isted, Jr. Jeff attended Unit 5 schools and obtained an associates degree in Horticulture from Eastern Community College in 2004.

Jeff had a strong work ethic and was not happy if he was not working. He was not afraid of physical labor and was willing to learn anything new. Among other things, Jeff was accomplished with drywall, framing, concrete, roofing, and painting. He greatly enjoyed his time at the Towanda Grain Company with Tracy Kessinger and the summer he spent roofing with Erik, Eric, and Jonny. Jeff was most proud of his job as an authorized climber with Steve Larkin and the crew, at Communication Construction, erecting cell phone towers. Most recently, he had taken up woodworking and enjoyed making gifts for his friends and family. Jeff enjoyed music, movies, collecting Hot Wheels and shot glasses, and caring for animals. He cherished time spent with family and knocking back a few with friends. He was very caring and would lend a hand to anyone who needed it.

The family wishes to thank the Comprehensive Care Unit staff at OSF, OSF Hospice and the nurses, CNAs, and staff at Asta Care Center for the compassion and care they provided to Jeff throughout this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to R.A.I.N. (Rescuing Animals in Need) of Central Illinois (www.rainci.org), your favorite animal charity, or the American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org).