Larry L. Eilers, age 85 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Parkview Home in Freeport. He was born August 29, 1940, in Anamosa, IA; the son of the late Renk and Lois (Kuhns) Eilers. He graduated from the University of Iowa in Iowa City with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. In 1968, he moved to Freeport to work at Kelly Springfield and served as an industrial engineer for 30 years until he retired. Larry was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Freeport and the Golden K Kiwanis Club.

Larry was a true gentleman. Always well dressed with a warm smile to offer, he was a man of integrity with a wry sense of humor. Larry was reliable and loyal always. He enjoyed being around people whether at church, the coffee shop, or the local hardware store.

Larry found value in discarded treasures, meticulously restoring them and giving them new life in a different and often artistic form. He was passionate about collecting antiques, including clocks, metal toy trucks, oil cans, plum bobs, and antique tools. His workshop was his happy place. He loved cars, new and old, but most of all, riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.

Larry met his wife, Ruth, in 1984 and they married on October 16, 1993. They lived in Freeport and shared a love for creating beautiful garden landscapes at their home.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and her children: Angela Chaplin Gorman, Tracy Chaplin, Leslie Chaplin, and Mike Chaplin; Larry's children from his first marriage, Stephanie Eilers Drury and Michael Eilers, and their mother Susan Hetzler; his 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, his sister Judy O'Daniels, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Earl Eilers.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Parkview Home in Freeport. Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Condolences may be shared with his family at www.walkermortuary.com.