James F. "Jim" Wyffels

James F. “Jim” Wyffels, 84, of Geneseo, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018, at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo. Father Pakula will celebrate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Don Cherry VFW Post, following the Mass, at the church. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 20, 2018, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo Chapel. The Rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded to follow the Funeral Mass. A private inurnment will take place on Tuesday, May 22, at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. Memorials may be directed to the James Wyffels' Memorial Fund and will be given to several local charities.

Jim was born on September 9, 1933, the son of Alphonse and Blanche (Vandersnick) Wyffels, in Geneseo, IL. He was a graduate of J.D. Darnell High School in 1951. Jim married Elizabeth A. “Betsy” Nowers on October 4, 1958, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Atkinson, IL. He was in the lawn & turf industry as a sales and service representative for 4 years, for numerous companies that served in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. Jim spent many years volunteering to work on the Geneseo football field because of his expertise in lawn care and gardening. He put on seminars at lawn and gardens shows in Peoria and Rockford. After retirement from C.D. Ford and Sons, Jim was employed as a greeter at Walmart in Moline for five years. His love of visiting with people shined through. Jim enjoyed vacationing in Colorado and Branson, MO. He donated his collection of IH farm tractors to the Branson Toy Museum. He loved spending time with his family, gardening, fishing, and quite obviously, Jim loved taking care of his lawn. He HATED dandelions! Jim was a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church. He served for many years as a lay minister, past president of Parents’ Club and on Parish Council. He was a life-time, true blue, #1 Notre Dame fan.

Those left to cherish memory include his wife, Betsy; and children, Kim (Bill) Parker, Wyanet, IL, Michael (Betty) Wyffels, Eldridge, IA, Matthew Wyffels, Geneseo, Jim (Krista) Wyffels, Coal Valley, IL and Susan (Eric) Horner, Wilmette, IL. His grandchildren are Megan (Justin) Williams, Jenny Wyffels, Scott (Terra) Smith, Steven (Amy) Smith, Alexis Wyffels, Adam Wyffels, Katy Wyffels, Ally Wyffels, and Charlotte Horner; and great-grandchildren, Alaina, Aleigha, Sydney, and Blaine. Jim is survived by his sister, Arlene Goebel Seeds, Moline, IL.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, Alphonse and Blanche; and brothers, Marvin, Edward, and Vernon Wyffels.