Obituary: Evelsizer

Dennis Lyle Evelsizer, 85, of Danforth formerly of Forrest passed away at 12:48 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Prairieview Lutheran Home, Danforth.

Cremation rites have been accorded with memorial service at 2 pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Forrest.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Forrest or Prairieview Lutheran Home, Danforth.

Visitation will be 12 – 2:00 pm, prior to the service also at the church in Forrest on Wednesday.  A private family inurnment will take place in Danforth Lutheran Cemetery, Danforth at a later date. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Evelsizer was born on December 29, 1940, in Watseka; the son of Raymond and Lorene (Johnson) Evelsizer. He married Elsie Wilken on June 17, 1962, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Danforth. His wife Elsie survives in Danforth. 

Other survivors include one son; Jason Evelsizer of Champaign; one brother, Darwin Evelsizer of Maryville; brother and sister in-law, Steve and Linda Sweeney of Manteno; four grandchildren, Mark (Leslie) Evelsizer, Leah (Danny Hernandez) Evelsizer, Alex (Kevin) Tarter, Morgan (Jackson) Steidinger; daughter in-law, Tammy Tull; six great grandchildren, Milly, Olivia, Liam, Elliott, Lincoln, Larae and one great-grandchild on the way. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Joel Evelsizer, daughter in-law, Jodi Evelsizer, sister in-law, Linda Evelsizer and infant brother in-law, Billy Wilken.

Dennis was a graduate of Morton High School. He then attended Illinois State University, Normal; where he received his Master’s Degree in Education.  He retired from teaching at Fairbury-Cropsey & Prairie Central High Schools after 32 years.

Mr. Evelsizer was a 4-H Leader: Dairy Goat Breeder, Beekeeper; and motel desk clerk for over 13 years, after retirement.  The Evelsizer’s provided a temporary home for unwed mothers and numerous foster children through the years. Served on Livingston County Youth Council as President; showed dairy goats in the Midwest; shipped breeding stock to other countries; enjoyed working on the home computer & reading; he also enjoyed many years as a meticulous model maker; but most of all, he loved caring and spending time with his grandchildren.