Keith Nofziger

Keith Arnold Nofziger, 81, of Le Roy, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2026 at 5:45 pm surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 17, 1944 to Willis and Lillie (Short) Nofziger. On November 5, 1963, he married Marlene Fenner and she survives. Also, surviving are his children, Julie (Ed) Banta of Mahomet, IL, Kenny (Laura) Nofziger of Dahinda, IL, and Gail (Todd) Johnson of Mahomet, IL; six grandchildren, Lindsay (Brenden) Bernardi, Andrew (Morgan) Banta, Kenny (Molly) Johnson, Marlena Johnson, Allison Nofziger, and Kyle Nofziger; seven great grandchildren, Lily Bernardi, Lucy Bernardi, Juliana Bernardi, Eli Bernardi, Zoey Bernardi, Jaxon Banta, and Sadie Banta; siblings Donald (Ann) Nofziger and Shelba Nofziger; brothers in law-Mick Belcher and Larry Fenner; sisters in law Loretta Nofziger, Jo (Butch) Bond, Carole Nading, Janice (Al) Knox; He was proceeded in death by his parents and two brothers Delmer and Marvin, three sisters Gayle Jolene Leichty, Connie Frey and Linda Belcher.

Born and raised on a farm, he began working hard from a young age, especially after the loss of his own father at age 12. Early on, he found a passion for livestock, starting as a hand to learn the trade. This dedication led him into a lifelong career in the livestock industry, including roles at Lugbill's Archibold Bros Auction, Delta Livestock in Delta, Ohio, and at just 21, running Delta Livestock in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He continued his work at Delta Livestock in Pittsfield, IL, Adams County Livestock in Payson, IL, and finished his career as a cattle buyer for Melvin Koehler Livestock, attending auctions throughout Illinois and Missouri. After retiring at age 55, he moved to Mahomet to be close to his kids and grandkids.

He continued to impact his community as a school bus driver, touching the lives of many children. He also enjoyed being a golf starter at Lake of the Woods Golf Course and owned a local car wash. He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, kindness, and the positive influence he had on everyone who knew him. He didn't know a stranger.

After retiring from his "hobby jobs," he and his beloved wife moved to Florida, where they cherished many sun-filled years together. The warmth and relaxation of Florida became a treasured chapter in their lives filled with love, family and adventure. After surviving two hurricanes, they returned to Illinois in November of 2023.

He was a devoted husband of 62 wonderful years, sharing that the secret to a happy life is to find the right one.' His love for his wife and family was both deep and constant. As a Dad and Papa, he was the heart of our family-caring for his children, grand and great grandchildren, and the many Brazilian exchange students who found a home with him over the years. His gentle spirit and generosity touched everyone he met, and he took pride in making sure that everyone around him was loved, supported, and well-fed. Family was always at the center of his life, and his kindness extended far beyond his home. He will be missed more than words can express by his family and friends.

Earlier this year, he and Marlene welcomed Arnie, their two-year-old Yorkshire terrier, into their lives. Arnie quickly became a beloved member of the family, bringing immense comfort and joy to them over the last eight months.

Honoring his wishes, a private celebration of life with immediate family will be held on Saturday, January 10th. In his memory, the family kindly requests that any memorial contributions be made to Pet Central Helps, 360 Wylie Dr, Suite 720, Normal, IL 61761.

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