James DeWerff, 92, Nokomis

March 20, 2024 83

NOKOMIS — James Louis “Jim” DeWerff, 92, of Nokomis, passed away Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024, at his residence.

Visitation service for Mr. DeWerff took place on Saturday, March 16 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Nokomis. Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home of Nokomis assisted the family with arrangements.

James was born October 22, 1931, in Pana to Louis George and Josephine (Donaldson) DeWerff. He was a graduate of Nokomis High School with the Class of 1948. Jim went on to serve our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

He and Elizabeth Durbin were united in marriage on August 20, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Litchfield and were married for 68 years. She survives. He was a grain and dairy farmer.

His family shared that Jim was a devoted, loving, family man, a good provider for their seven children, and loved farming. His church was a very important part of his life, and he enjoyed volunteering for the fish fries during Lent. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife Elizabeth, he is survived by his children Kevin (Kathy) DeWerff of Bloomington, Dennis (Vickie) DeWerff of Normal, Nancy (Rick) Roberts of Bloomington, Kathryn Finley of Nokomis, Timothy (Shell) DeWerff of Nokomis, and Christina (Brad Whalen) DeWerff of Farmersville, 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way, sisters Mary Lou Bertolino of Witt and Karel Ann (Bob) Bost of Witt, and brother Michael (Diane) DeWerff, of Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Mr. DeWerff was preceded in death by parents, son Stephen J. DeWerff, grandson Zach DeWerff, brother Jeff DeWerff, sister Debbie Bowers, son-in-law Ed Finley, and brother-in-law James Bertolino.

Memorials in Jim’s memory are suggested to AMVETS Department of Illinois (Springfield), 2206 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703, or Calvary Cemetery, 19396 North 21st Avenue, Nokomis, IL 62075.

Obituaries can be sent to us directly via email at [email protected].