Warren Lyle Zehr, 87, of Fairbury, IL, passed away at 8:20 pm, March 23, 2025, at Serenity Villa, Fairbury.
Warren was born December 5, 1937, the son of Samuel and Lydia (Waibel) Zehr in Fairbury, IL. He married Dolores (Meiss) Zehr on October 30, 1960, in Fairbury; she survives. Also surviving are their five children, LaRae (Dewayne) Dill, Mendota Heights, MN, Quinn (Joan) Zehr, Fairbury, IL, Wendy (Brian) Waibel, Mahomet, IL, Nelson (Amy) Zehr, Fairbury, IL, Sarah (Alan) Schambach, Remington, IN; 19 grandchildren: Meg (Dill) Koch, Ben Dill, Claire Dill, Joe Dill, Rose Dill, Blake Zehr, Reid Zehr, Tess (Zehr) Steffen, Thane Zehr, Hannah (Waibel) Herrmann, Leah (Waibel) Dreste, Seth Waibel, Addie Waibel, Laura (Zehr) Manz, Micah Zehr, Abram Zehr, Rustin Schambach, Shelby Schambach, and Levi Schambach; 39 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joann “Auntie” Zehr, Fairbury, IL; one brother-in-law, Carlos (Jane) Meiss, and one sister-in-law, Rosemary (John) Hartman, both of Fairbury, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Roy Zehr, in-laws Eli and Della Meiss, brother-in-law Marion Meiss and his wife Barbara, and one granddaughter, Carrie Jo
Waibel.
Warren graduated from Fairbury-Cropsey High School in 1955. He was a dedicated farmer, tilling the soil, caring for his livestock, and nurturing the land that has been in his family for generations. In addition to farming, Warren enjoyed supporting and working alongside the community, his neighbors, and area farmers through his business as a seed dealer, tax assessor, and serving on the SELCAS board. He lived his life with integrity; working faithfully and diligently, sowing seeds of goodness and helping others grow.
In Warren's journey with Parkinson's, he walked through this time patiently facing each day with quiet strength and unwavering faith. He cherished the simple blessings of life, finding joy in the love of family, trips to the farm, and the comfort of his faith.
Warren was a devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather, whose legacy of faith will continue to comfort and strengthen those he leaves behind. He was an active member of the Fairbury Apostolic Christian Church.
His funeral will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Apostolic Christian Church, Fairbury, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian South Side Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at the Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 21225 East 670 North Road, Fairbury, IL, and 9:00 to 9:45 am Thursday at the church. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials can be made to Fairview Haven (Serenity Villa) Retirement Community, SELCAS, or charity of donor's choice.
