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Obituary of Bernard W. “Bernie” McFarden

Princeville – Bernard W. “Bernie” McFarden, 68, of rural Princeville, died at 5:11 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2009, at his residence after a long battle with lung cancer and dementia.

Bernie was born August 12, 1941, in Peoria, the son of William B. and Loretta Ann Waldschmidt McFarden.  He married Phyllis J. Beckett on August 26, 1961, in Creve Coeur.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Terry (and Eva) McFarden of Laura, IL, and Tim (and Cheryl) McFarden of Brunswick, GA; 6 grandchildren, Tara Huntsman, Paige McFarden, Adam Furlong, Emilee Furlong, Bennett McFarden, and Grant McFarden; 1 great-granddaughter, Jovie McFarden; three brothers, Gary McFarden of Peoria, Mike (and Joy) McFarden of Marquette Heights, and Jim (and Mary Beth) McFarden of East Peoria; and three sisters, Marilyn (and Ron) Wilson of Pekin, Sue (and Rick) Vespa of Brimfield, and Diane Sweat of East Peoria.  His parents preceded him in death.

He worked as an assembler at Caterpillar for 37 years, retiring in 2000.

Bernie loved to ride motorcycles and enjoyed going to the Daytona 500 many years.  When he moved out into rural Princeville he traded his motorcycles for tractors.  He owned several antique tractors but loved his John Deere 4020.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Bernie never met a stranger.  Most important to him, though, was spending time with his family.

He also was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Brimfield, where a funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2009.  Father John Verrier will officiate.  Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2009, at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, with recitation of rosary at 8:00.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, rural Brimfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, American Lung Association or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Brimfield. 

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