Paul G. Holevoet

Paul G. Holevoet, 69, Atkinson, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Atkinson, IL. Reverend S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Cremation will be accorded following the Funeral Mass and a private inurnment will be in the Annawan Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Atkinson Chapel. Memorials may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association or the St. Joseph Indian School. Family requests that casual attire be worn for services, jeans are preferred.

Paul was born March 15, 1949, in Geneseo, the son of George and Georgette Holevoet. He grew up on the family farm outside of Atkinson. He graduated from J.D. Darnall High School, Geneseo, in 1968. He married the love of his life Kathy Stohl, on November 21, 1970, in Davenport, IA. He and his wife farmed together in Atkinson, Cambridge, and Mineral. He raised Chester White hogs. Even though he had to leave the farm, he remained a farmer in his heart until his last day and he continued to work in agricultural product sales for many years. He had a brief, but legendary, stint as a satellite television salesman, working with his sons. He was a frequent volunteer at Good Samaritan Village in Geneseo for many years. He was a proud member of the Antique Engine & Tractor Association. He cherished the International Harvester tractors from his dad and his collection of farm toys. Paul loved life and interacting with all kinds of people. He was always ready to share a story or crack a joke. 

Paul is survived by his wife, Kathy; two daughters, Beth Beaulieu, Normal, IL and Brenda (Vince) Steenhoek, Mingo, IA; two sons, Scott (Eva) Holevoet, Carbondale, IL and John (Ken) Holevoet, Lake Mills, WI.; brother, Art Holevoet, Atkinson, sister, Marylou Robinson, Cambridge, IL, eight nieces and nephews, 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Helen Foote. 

Spend more time with your family, be good to animals, take a walk in the countryside and care for one another. That is what Paul would want for all of us.