Donald Illers

Donald Illers, 83, of Jackson died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home.

He was born March 4, 1930, at Jackson, to William August and Mabel L. Rice Illers. He and Joan H. Miller were married June 5, 1949, and she survives.

Don was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church and New McKendree United Methodist Men's Club. He was a graduate of Jackson High School.

Don worked as a repairman for the Natural Gas Pipeline of America. He also owned and operated Illers Berry Farm more than 35 years.

He is survived by his wife, Joan of Jackson; two sons, David (Gloria) Illers of Cape Girardeau and Chris Illers of Jackson; a daughter, Susan (Dan) Wells of Chapin, S.C.; a daughter-in-law, Donna Illers of Jackson; a brother, Harold (Becky) Illers of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Aleene Sander and Doris (Ed) Eltzroth, both of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren, Kelly (Heather) Illers, Julie (Doug) Spooler, Staci (Chris) Pike, Ami Illers, Colby Illers, Kyle Wells and Danielle Wells; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Dennis.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may be made to New McKendree United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at cracraftmiller.com.