Linda L. Feely, 73, of Galesburg, IL passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at her home.
Linda was born October 24, 1949 in Monticello, IL, the daughter of Vernon J. “Joe” Sr. and D. Wanda (Brown) Blickem.
Linda married Joseph E. “Jeff” Feely II on May 23, 1969, followed by a formal ceremony at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galesburg the following year.
Linda is survived by four sons, Joseph “Jay” (Tricia) Feely III, of Galesburg, IL; Matthew (Amy) Feely of Cleveland, IL; Timothy Feely of Sioux Falls, SD; and James (Melinda) Feely of Galesburg, IL. Eleven beloved grandchildren, Kathryn Bowton, Lauren (Drew) Claeys, Christopher, Allison, Emma and Ashley Feely; Andrew and Grace Feely; Claire, Elizabeth and Scarlett Feely; two great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Maci Bowton. Linda is survived by one sister, Mary (Bill) Higgins, of Knoxville, IL; as well as two sisters-in-law, Sharon (Myron) Shreeves (nee Feely) of Knoxville, IL, and Ellen (Bill) Milnamow (nee Feely) of Wheaton, IL; a brother-in-law, Gordon Nicklaus of Dixon, IL, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Linda in death were her parents and husband; 2 infant grandsons, Joshua Paul Feely and Charles Joseph Feely; 3 brothers, Norman, Vernon “Joe” Jr., and William “Bill” Blickem.
In her youth, Linda bopped around K-ville in her parents’ T-Bird with her twin sister Mary. She won the Betty Crocker Award and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1967.
Linda was a loving matriarch and a steadfast friend. She was proud of her sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always made time for her family and enjoyed going to their games, recitals, and birthday parties. She loved creating magic for her grandchildren with Easter egg hunts and setting up epic Christmas village displays.
She was a gifted artist; drawing, painting and photography came naturally for her.
Like her late husband, she was a true lover of animals, big and small. Her loyal canine companion Cheerio survives. Some of Linda’s favorite pastimes included touring zoos and botanical gardens, and traveling in this country as well as Mexico, Canada, England, Ireland and France.
Linda found her strength in Jesus Christ, and radiated that love on to others.
Linda will be forever in our hearts. Her legacy is ever-present in the smiles and laughter of all her children, who were blessed to be the center of her world.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Burial will be a private graveside service at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to RedRover Charities (redrover.org) or Waterkeeper Alliance (waterkeeper.org).
