Obituary of Delbert Mansfield

Delbert Mansfield of Pekin Estates, formerly from Carlinville, died Friday, June 29, 2012 surrounded by his family. Delbert was born February 25, 1917 to Forrest and Maude (Reed) Mansfield in Waverly, Illinois. He married Martha Ilene Mansfield on February 1, 1939. She survives. He is survived by four children: Wanda Konneker(James) of Carlinville, IL; Ernest D. Mansfield(Judy) of Washington, IL; Ronald D. Mansfield (Jenene) of San Antonio, Texas; and Philip D. Mansfield (Cindy) of Pekin. He was a loving and attentive grandfather to Kim Crandall (Mark) of Morton, Jaci Mansfield of San Antonio, TX, Travis Mansfield (Cathy) of Washington, IL, Rachelle Konneker-Keck (David) of Carlinville, Brandon Mansfield (Lori) of Manito, Greta Cox (Kevin), April Mansfield of Austin, TX; Eric Konneker (Amanda) of Carlinville, Colleen Mansfield of Pekin, Daniel Mansfield of Pekin, Amy Mansfield of Pekin and Jack Mansfield of Pekin; and 11 great-grand children. He is also survived by one brother, Noel Mansfield of Carlinville and several nieces and nephews. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mildred Collins, Genevieve Lyrla, Twyla Lizenby, Violet Ludwig, and brothers, Melvin Mansfield, Kenneth Mansfield, Wayne Mansfield and grandson, Philip Michael Mansfield. Delbert worked hard all his life: first, as a farmhand in Waverly, Illinois for 15 years; then he handled a can milk route and retail milk route for Prairie Farms; Also worked with grain commodities for five years before moving to Caterpillar where he worked as a machinist, worked out of the pattern shop as a rigger in the foundry. He retired from Cat in 1981 after 16 years of service. Delbert enjoyed many years of retirement among his family and friends. He loved to bowl spending many years bowling in leagues in Carlinville and Sunset Lanes in Pekin. He loved to play golf and board games. He always came to win. Delbert was known for his quick smile and for feeding the squirrels; he was affectionately called "Grandpa Squirrelfeeder." Delbert will be remembered for his willingness to help someone. He was instrumental in the construction of the educational building for the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville where he was a Sunday school teacher and served as a Deacon. In more recent years he was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Pekin. Funeral Information Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 1,2012 at 11:30am at the Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will be in Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations Information Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or donor's choice. Directions Visitation: Davis Anderson in Carlinville Cemetery: Mayfield Cemetery