Royce L. Farber

Royce L. Farber, 80, of Geneseo, passed away Friday, May 27, 2016 at Unity Point-Trinity, Rock Island.  A Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, June 1st at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo.  Father Michael Pakula will celebrate.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, May 31st at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory in Geneseo, where a Moose Service with the Pilgrim Degree will be held at 7pm.  Memorials may be made to the Royce Farber Memorial Fund, to be distributed amongst several local organizations.

Royce was born on April 3, 1936 in Munson Township, Geneseo, IL, the son of Leonard and Ann (Vandersnick) Farber.  He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1954 and was united in marriage to Phyllis J. Fowler on June 5, 1954 in Geneseo.  She preceded him in death on November 30, 2014.  Royce farmed in rural Geneseo for 47 years, retiring in 1997.

Royce was a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church, where he was a Lector, Commentator, Usher, and served on the Parish and Finance committees.  He also was a playground supervisor for St. Malachy’s School for many years.  He was a member of the Geneseo Moose Lodge #990 and served as Governor, Treasurer, and Trustee.  He earned his Pilgrim Degree of the Moose which is the highest Degree in the Moose Lodge.  Royce was well known for being the caller for the Moose bingo nights and was part of the Moose Lodge Ritual Group.  He had been the membership Chairman for the Illinois Moose Association and Treasurer of district #5.  Royce was a member of the Legion 112, where he served as past President as well as the fellowship Degree.  He had also been on Edford Township Trustee for many years.  He enjoyed going for drives, sightseeing around the town and country, and his weekly visits with family and friends.

He is survived by his children: Russell (Kathryn) Farber of Geneseo, IL, Lenny (Kim) Farber of Geneseo, IL, Debbie (Brian) Neil of Fort Pierce, FL, Connie (Stuart) Barnhorst of Columbus, IN; 19 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and brother: Henry “Duke” (Lois) Farber of Geneseo, IL.

He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents, and his daughter Linda Farber.

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