Cecil Melvin Foertsch, 85, of Marissa, IL was born on August 17, 1934 in Tilden, IL and went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 14, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Cecil was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather to his family who he loved with all of his heart.  He was married to his wife Alice on July 23, 1955 it would have been their 65^th anniversary.  She was the flower of his heart.  He was a United States Army Veteran.

He started Foertsch Pest Control and Tree Service in 1963 which he successfully ran for 35 years.  In 1998 his son Jerry inherited the business which he currently owns and operates.  Cecil was a talented well known musician who was best known for his fiddle playing which he has played for over 75 years along with guitar and piano.  He was the oldest living member of the Tilden Coon Club and was a past member of the Rotary Club and Marissa Chamber of Commerce.  He enjoyed fishing, playing ball, pitching horseshoes, gardening and gathering with family and friends for musical entertainment.  He loved spending time with his loving and faithful canine companion Buddy of thirteen years.  He was a devoted Christian and active member of the First United Methodist Church of Marissa for 59 years.

Cecil was a kind and generous person who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Paul and Josephine, nee Mines, Foertsch.  His brothers – Raymond Foertsch; Paul Foertsch; Clifford Foertsch; Harry Foertsch.  His sisters – Freida Steele; Sophia Steele; Lucille Lackman; Ruth Weber; Violet Bleisch.

He is survived by his loving wife – Alice, nee Rednour, Foertsch.  His children – Jerry (Lesley) Foertsch of Marissa, IL; JoAnn (Eric)  Reinhardt of Marissa, IL.  His grandchildren – Ashley (Justin) Hergenroeder; Mallory Black; Julie (Erick) Klein; Trevor (Julie) Hudson.  His great-grandchildren – Lucius Hergenroeder; Hunter Elliot; Tanner Elliott; Brooklyn Hergenroeder; Wyatt Hergenroeder; Kaylee Hergenroeder.

Memorials may be made to the Marissa Fire Department or Marissa First Responders.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and on Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 9:00am to 11:00am.

Funeral: Services will be held at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 11:00am.

Interment: Burial will be held in the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Grace Finholdt says:

   07/19/2020 at 11:20 am

   I met Cecil, when he would ride his scooter out to my daughter and son-in-laws (the Pyeatt’s) he alway’s had a smile on his face and was alway’s laughing and talking with Denny. Sending prayer’s to his family and friends

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2. Linda/Richard Florreich says:

   07/16/2020 at 8:06 pm

   Sending condolences.
   Linda and Richard Florreich

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3. Dennis and Lisa Pyeatt says:

   07/16/2020 at 7:03 am

   Thank you for your friendship Cecil. So glad to have known you. Great boss, friend and Christian person. An honor knowing you. We know that your playing your fiddle with Charlie Daniels and having a big time! Heaven has gained another Angel 👼 RIP dear friend Cecil.

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4. Phillip and Toni Hoehner says:

   07/15/2020 at 8:20 pm

   So sorry for your lost. Loved to hear him play his fiddle. You are all in my prayers.

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5. Jane Jetter says:

   07/15/2020 at 8:07 pm

   My deepest sympathy!

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6. DEAN AND MARY LAUMBATTUS says:

   07/15/2020 at 5:55 pm

   Heaven will have a Hoe Down Today with Cecil’s beautiful fiddling. He was highly regarded, our deepest condolences.

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