Marie E. (Ils) Kerchner, age 89 of Freeport, IL, passed away Monday, February 13, 2017 at Manor Court in Freeport. She was born May 19, 1927 at Leaf River, Il to Conrad and Katherine (Homburg) Ils. She attended Leaf River High School and received her G.E.D. Diploma in 1962 in Freeport, IL. On June 28, 1945 she and Marvin P. Kerchner were married in the parsonage of the United Brethren Church in Freeport. He preceded her in Death April 20, 1991.

Surviving are two daughters, Judith K. Potter of Weeki Wachee, FL and Jean (Donald) Woodruff, Freeport, IL; four sons, James (Becky) Kerchner, Freeport, Il, Thomas Kerchner, Rockford, IL, William Kerchner, Bridegewater, NJ, Terry (Diane) Kerchner, Dakota, Il; ten grandsons, Steven, Daniel (Amy), David, Ryan (Kaylin), Nicholas (Ashley), Joseph (Megan), Kevin (Jennifer) and Bradley Kerchner, Travis and Ben Houghton; one granddaughter, Heather (Mike) Tumbleson; 6 great granddaughters, Ariana Kerchner, Anya and Allegra Tumbleson, Hailey and Lily Kerchner and Brooklyn Houghton; two great grandsons Andrew Florio and Joel Kerchner; one sister, Sarah Phillips of Pontiac, Il; sister-in-law, DorisIls of Lena, Il and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, John, George, Theodore and Joseph Ils and sisters, Amy Ruter and Margaret Gardner.

She was a farm wife and served as secretary of the Pearl City AMPI (Associated Milk Producers Inc.) for several years. She was involved with the U.S. Census in 1970, 1980, 1990 as well as serving as a Vanda Beauty Counselor for 45 years. She was also a member of the Eagles Auxillary Club. At Dakota Presbyterian Church she was a part of the Sunshine Committee and the Eveready Circle.

Services will be at Walker Mortuary on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 10:30 am at Walker Mortuary in Freeport. Visitation will also be at Walker Mortuary on Wednesday, February 15th from 3:00 to 7:00 pm also at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial has been established in her name.