Doris Jean Wiegand

Doris Jean Wiegand, 94, of East Peoria, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home, Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:20 AM, surrounded by family and friends. There will be a Celebration of Life conducted on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria, with visitation held one hour prior to the service. Doris will be laid to rest next to her husband, Paul Wiegand, at Fondulac Cemetery. Doris was born on November 1, 1926, to Albert and Ella Von Bergen in Fairbury, IL. She married Paul on June 29, 1946; he died on October 5, 1967. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Rosy Mowery and Alberta Hurt, and her brother Robert Von Bergen. She is survived by her brother Howard Von Bergen. She and Paul had two children—Paula (Fred) Kaufman of Evergreen, Colorado, and Steve (Ann) Wiegand of Morton, Illinois. In addition, she had four grandchildren—Scott (Deanna), Chad (Kylee), Erik (Steph), and Kyle (Brecken), eight grandchildren—Tristan, Trevor, Jacob, Will, Sidney, Jimmy, Morgan, and Tyler, and two great granddaughters—Estelle and Charlotte. In the early 1980’s, she gave her life to Jesus and was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church. She loved working with Paula and Little Lambs at Grace Presbyterian and with Steve, at Camp All-American in Atlanta, GA. She enjoyed studying God’s word and reading Charles Swindoll biographies of biblical heroes. Most of all, Doris loved being a wife, mom, and grandma. She especially enjoyed spending time with friends, family, and her Pastor. She connected with immediate and extended family and friends throughout the years – especially on their birthdays, Christmas and in between with thoughtful cards, visits, and phone calls. She enjoyed working in her gardens and embroidered 100’s of dish towels. She loved Facebook and the opportunity to stay connected. She was inducted into the Central Illinois Bowling Hall of Fame and taught junior bowling for years. Doris will always be best remembered for her gift of hospitality, entertaining an open-door policy. She loved her home on East Oakwood Road in East Peoria, IL. Over the years, she held family reunions, birthday and holiday parties, and entertained hundreds of people at her swimming pool. Doris spent quality time with her family in the final months of her life. When we asked her how she would want to be remembered, she said, “I hope everyone would know that I loved Jesus, Blake Shelton, the St. Louis Cardinals and my family and friends” She kept her love of life and keen sense of humor until the end. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be given to Camp of Champions USA, 403 1/2 NE Jefferson St, Peoria, IL, for scholarships for underprivileged children. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Doris Jean Wiegand

November 1, 1926 - February 27, 2021