Barry L. Kohlbecker Obituary (1959 - 2018)

Mr. Barry L. Kohlbecker, 59, left this world in the early morning on Saturday, December 8, 2018. He was born on Wednesday, April 15, 1959, in Decatur, IL, son of Bernard "Sonny" Kohlbecker and Janet (Hock) Kohlbecker. Barry graduated from Mt. Zion High School in 1977 and became a machinist before earning his high school degree. He married the love of his life, Celeste (Lombardo) Kohlbecker of Decatur on August 22, 1981. Preceded in death by his father Sonny. Surviving are his wife: Celeste, daughters: Nicole Kohlbecker of Denver and Rachel Kohlbecker Smith (Mike Smith) of Shirley, IL; mother: Janet Kohlbecker of Long Creek, brother: Brian Kohlbecker of Long Creek, and sister: Amber Kohlbecker of Decatur. Barry loved his work, fixing things, family, cruising in his truck, football, the Fighting Illini, reading the newspaper, and relaxing on the weekends. He was a good man, a brave cancer fighter, a brilliant problem solver, an expert deer hunter, a master at smoking ribs, enjoyed "golfing" with his work buddies, and could cut a rug. A Machinist / Toolmaker by trade, for 21 years he worked at Hydro-Gear in Sullivan as the Senior CNC Programmer. Barry was a wonderful husband, dad, and fur child grandfather. Celebration of Life will be held at Long Creek Township Center 2610 Salem School Rd, Decatur, IL 62521 (previously Salem Elementary School) on Friday, December 14th from 12:00-4:00 pm. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family www.dawson-wikoff.com. Memorials sent to www.glioblastomafoundation.org.