Leo L. Woolever, 85, of Winnebago, IL, passed away Tuesday evening, December 3, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family, after a battle with cancer. He was born January 17, 1939 in Linden, Wisconsin, the son of Robert and Nyna (Hunt) Woolever. Leo married Donna Jean Bokker on January 22, 1961 in Rockford, IL. He started working on his family farm, running carnival rides and on a ranch in Glendive, Montana. After coming back to Illinois, he worked several jobs and went on to work for Rockford Blacktop for 34 years. He retired and started his horse business. His favorite job of all was being a grandpa to his six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Leo was a member of several Saddle Clubs and held office in most of those clubs. He enjoyed driving horses, driving semi trucks, camping with family and friends. Leo had the most fun camping with the horses. He was a loving man and will be missed.
Leo is survived by his son, Jeff Woolever of Winnebago; daughter, Cheryl Woolever of Winnebago; grandchildren, Cierra (Rudy) Evans of Durand, IL, Cole (fiance, Kallie Coleman) Woolever of Pecatonica, IL, Jackie (fiance, Nathan Cunningham) Woolever of Lost Nation, IA, Jennifer (Kevin) Black of Durand, IL, Jessica (Ryan) Reuterskiold of Janesville, WI, Jason (Kristy) Katzman of East Troy, WI; great-grandchildren, Hadley Knapper, Desiree Clankie, Vanessa Black, Austin Black and Lucas Black; goddaughter, Linda Woolever Geddes; sisters, Esther Bohnet of Black River Falls, WI and Beverly Sarrel of Schertz, TX; numerous nieces and nephews.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Donna Woolever, brothers Robert (Jane) Woolever, Herbert (Delores) Woolever, William (Marilyn) Woolever, Gerald "Tom" Woolever, Raymond (Gloria) Woolever, Helen (Chris) Strausenberg, Forest (Florence) Woolever and Neil (Millie) Woolever, brother-in-laws Walter Sorrel and Robert Bohnert.
A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Friday, December 13, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machensey Park, IL 61115. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home. Entombment to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family invites you to a luncheon following the burial at the Pecatonica American Legion Post 197.