Kenneth Brewer

Kenneth Brewer, 65, of Cresco, IA, previously of Port Byron, IL, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Per Ken’s wishes, there will be no services.  A private family burial will take place at a later date. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory- Geneseo Chapel is assisting with arrangements.  In lieu of a memorial, please consider donating to your local Alzheimer’s Association or to the Patty Elwood Center, Cresco, Iowa, in memory of Ken.

Ken was born on March 9, 1955, in Rock Island, IL, to William Dale and Shirley Ann Pierson Brewer. He was educated in the Sherrard and Orion school districts. Most of his childhood was spent fishing and swimming in Lake Matherville with his brother, Jim and cousin, Bobby and working at the family restaurant in Matherville.

Ken was a graduate of Orion High School and Black Hawk College. He was a heavy machine operator with a local union.  In his spare time, he liked to spend time in his garden, he loved his many varieties of lilies.  He also liked to spend time with his grandchildren, watching Star Trek, John Wayne and Star Wars movies, and loved to watch the Denver Broncos.

He was a hardworking, caring and supportive father.  In his younger years, if he was not working long days, he was coaching his daughters’ softball team and attending his sons’ football games. He especially loved being a Papa.  He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and teaching them how to grow flowers, how to play video games, or just spoiling them.  Unfortunately, due to how quickly Alzheimer’s took over his life, he missed out on precious time with five of his ten grandchildren, but was very proud of each one of them.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Debi, and a brother, James Brewer, Springfield, MO. His children are Traci (Aaron) DeSplinter, Atkinson, IL; Staci (Tom) Sipp, Geneseo, IL; Chad Brewer, Rock Island, IL; and Wade (Kayleigh) Brewer, Cambridge, IL.  His grandchildren are Shyanne, Hunter, Parker, Carter, Kholby, Addison, Madison, Walker, Dylan and Blayke.  He was proceeded in death by his father, William Brewer, and his mother, Shirley (Pierson) Johnson.

The family would like to sincerely thank the caregivers of the Patty Elwood Center of Cresco, IA, for their many years of care and compassion.  A special thank you to Lori, his favorite nurse. Her countless hours caring and worrying about dad and open communication with his family over the years will be cherished.  She is a true blessing and became part of our extended family. Her patients become her family.  She is a compassionate, caring and devoted care giver. There are no words for how thankful we are, and dad was, to have her in his life.