Fred Stolley

Fred R. Stolley, 90, of Decatur, died at 8:19 PM Sunday at St. Mary's Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 5, 2015, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3800 E. Cerro Gordo St., with visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday in the church, with Masonic services conducted in the church at 7:30 PM by Stephen Decatur Lodge #979, A.F.& A.M. Burial will be in North Fork Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Fred was born on April 10, 1924, in Arcola, Illinois, a son of Earl and Clara Kruger Stolley. His high school yearbook stated, "He was a bubbling fountain of energy." Following high school, he entered the U.S. Army shortly after the outbreak of W.W. II. During his assignment in Europe, he saved a fellow soldier from drowning, and earned the Soldier's Medal. However, he did not receive the award until 2013, when it was presented to him by Congressman Rodney Davis. Following his discharge, Fred came back to Decatur, and entered Millikin University, receiving an Associate Degree in Finance, and then a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Millikin University in 1948. While at Millikin, he also worked nights, weekends, and between classes building houses and hauling water. Fred's father had started a water-hauling and termite control business in 1939; Fred entered the business in 1950, and took over the business in 1960 when his father died. On April 15, 1954, Fred married "Toni" Gross in Decatur, Il. She went to be with her heavenly father on September 19, 2004. Fred's hobbies included rabbit hunting, frog hunting (mostly because he could do it after dark), and fishing. He also enjoyed hosting many Republican Party picnics at "Stolley's Park." He was a devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church, a member of Ionic Lodge #312, later merging with Stephen Decatur Lodge #979, A.F. & A.M., Ansar Shrine Temple (50+ year member), and several other Masonic organizations. He is survived by one daughter: Debbie (Jeff) Freeman, of Decatur; one grand-daughter: Crystal Etnier, of Decatur; one grand-son: Chadd (Trena) Freeman, of Decatur; 4 great-grandchildren: Cody Richert, Lani Etnier, Connor Freeman, and Timothy Freeman, sister: Mary Baker; and one sister-in-law: Gloria Stolley. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and 3 brothers. Memorials: Wesley United Methodist Church. "
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