Eloyd "Skip" Kiesling

“Skip” Kiesling was born in Bloomington, Ill. on May 13, 1925, the only son of Eloyd V. and Grace Lee Kiesling of Armington, Ill. He attended elementary and Hittle Township High School in Armington, Ill., graduating in the class of 1943. Three weeks after graduating, Skip joined the U.S. Army. After training, he was assigned to the Army Air Corps, repairing communications in various types of aircraft. He was then assigned to the 305th Bomb Wing and was selected to install instrument landing equipment on B-29 bombers at the factory in Marietta, Ga. He reenlisted several times, finishing his military service in the Air Force. After his military service, Skip returned to Armington, where he worked alongside his father in the family’s general store. He then opened and operated Skips’ D-X Service Station and café in Armington. In 1962, he joined the Illinois American Legion as a Field Representative and progressed to State Adjutant. In 1973, he became an owner-operator with a leasing arrangement with Mayflower trucking. Skip enjoyed the travel that being an independent trucker allowed. He retired from driving in 1996. After his retirement from driving, Skip enjoyed part-time jobs at Builders Square and Schrader Oil Company in Ft. Collins, Colo. He enjoyed the opportunity to meet many new friends in these jobs. He married Wanda Gresham June 20, 1954. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Bill (Dawn) Kiesling, Heyworth, Ill. and Curt (Susie) Kiesling, Fort Collins, Colo. Skip is also survived by four grandchildren, Eric (Elisa) Kiesling, Windsor, Colo., Jason Kiesling, Fort Collins, Colo., Jeff Kiesling, Bloomington, Ill., Steve (Ashley) Kiesling, Heyworth, Ill. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Bradon Kiesling, Fort Collins, Colo., and Faith Robb, Heyworth, Ill. Skip was a member of the American Legion being a charter member of Taylor-Eckhardt Post 913 in Armington, Ill. He was also a member of Cornet Masonic Lodge in Minier, Ill., and the Scottish Rite Consistory in Bloomington. Memorials may be made to the Armington Fire and Rescue Department, Armington, Ill. or Pathways Hospice, Fort Collins, Colo.

Eloyd "Skip" Kiesling

May 13, 1925 - February 5, 2014