Bernard "Barney" Stees 82 of McConnell, IL entered eternal rest June 10, 2016. He was born April 17, 1934 to Vernette and Frances (Carroll) Stees of Stockton, IL. Later moving to the Dakota area. He graduated from Dakota High School in 1952.
He married Katherine Christin Nov. 27, 1954 at the First Methodist Church in Dakota. IL
He and his wife farmed together in the Dakota & Freeport areas. Barney also worked at Fairbanks, Structo, and Modern Plating in Freeport IL, and Taylor Freezer in Rockton, IL. Later in life Barney enjoyed working in "The Shop" creating small furniture pieces for his children and many wooden toys for his grand-children. He also made many craft items for Katherine to paint, stain, finish, and sell at craft stores. He also loved working in the garden and watching for the first ripe tomato. Working with his hands was one of his greatest joys.
They were blessed with 3 children: Floyd (Cheri) Stees, Lena, IL Carol(Stephen) Ruegsegger, and Mary(Robbie Peterson)Hagen both of South Wayne, WI
He is survived by his wife, Katherine of McConnell, IL, and children along with grandchildren; Jenny (Aaron) Ils, Michael (Tina) Folgate, Nicole (Jon Jay) Lewis, Carl (Liz) Ruegsegger, Marcus Hagen, Elizabeth "Bittzy" Hagen, step-grandchildren Valerie (Kurtis) Heidenreich, Rae (Tate Radmaker) Randecker , Russell (Sheila)Ruegsesgger, Clayton (Chris) Ruegsegger, Tracy Fry, Travis (Judy Cleasby ) Hagen, Toby (Lisa) Hagen, and Terese (Mat) Derrico, and eight great-grandchildren, 20 step great-grandchildren and one step great-great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Lamm; and son-in-law, Richard F. Hagen.
Also waiting to greet him in heaven is granddaughter Christina Marie Folgate in January 15, 2000, twin grandsons Aiden Floyd and Peyton Lee Ils, Dec. 29, 2010.

Barney will be remembered as a kind and true friend to many. When greeted by "Have a nice day," he always replied, "And you have a better one!"
Cremation rites have been accorded.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Daughenbaugh Funeral home in Dakota. There will be a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home. Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
Please leave a message in Barney's guestbook at www.daughenbaughfh.com.