Karl Rebman

Karl Lee Rebman, age 94, returned to the throne of his Creator on January 21, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. His son, Greg was by his side.

He is survived by his wife Nancee of 68 years; son Greg (Judy) of Frederick, daughter Julie (Doug Stillman) of Coastal Oregan; granddaughters Megan Zimny (Chris) and Mandi Ratay of Frederick and Tara Akers of St. Peters, MO. Grandsons Tom Strong (Claudia) of Belleville, Andrew Strong (Jessica) of Wildwood, MO, and Kyle Strong (Megan) of Mt. Sterling, IL; Great-Grandson Ezra Akers; Owen and Landon Ratay; Alejandro and Christian Strong; and great-granddaughter, Aniya Akers of Columbia, MO.

He was born to Ida (Burrell) and Herman Blaine Rebman of Frederick, IL, on September 22, 1930. He grew up in Frederick and attended Frederick Elementary School to 8th grade and High School in Beardstown, IL., graduating in the class of 1948. In addition to helping his parents on their dairy and grain farm, he was employed at the Frederick Brickyard in his youth. The family farm is a certified Centennial Farm in Illinois established in 1899 by B.F. Rebman. Karl attended Frederick Christian Church and was active in First Christian Church in Beardstown with his wife, Nancee.

Karl was a true patriot, enlisted in the National Guard while in high school, and was assigned to Company F 123rd Infantry Regiment 44th Division. He was a combat veteran in the Korean War, deployed overseas in September 1952, and returned home in July 1953. He trained as a forward air observer and navigator and was a member of the 6147th TAC.CON.GP 5th Air Force, the squadron was known as the "Mosquitoes" and was scared and respected by the enemy. He marked the targets with smoke rockets and then proceeded to direct attack aircraft by radio. He exceeded the number of standard missions by 50 to 150 total missions. Karl and Nancee attended many Mosquitoes reunions throughout the country until they ended.

Karl and Nancee married on November 17, 1956, at the United Methodist Church in Beardstown and made their first home in Frederick, then Beardstown until the present day. Karl was a farmer all his life. He brought his son Greg into the operation in 1977. He farmed around Frederick in the Illinois River Bottom, Schuyler County. He served his community on many boards and committees. Notable as a director of Farmers Terminal Grain, now a Cargill facility, a commissioner for decades for Coal Creek Drainage and Levee District, director of Beardstown Rural Fire Association, and farm manager for the First National Bank of Beardstown, to name a few.

A good word to describe Karl in his family life was devoted. He took care of his mother after his dad's passing and sought to include older family members in holidays and meals. He was a servant in every sense of the word. He was very active in his children's and grandchildren's lives. He attended every family function he could and led by example. Megan and Mandi, his nearest granddaughters, took great joy in having family events and taking him to veteran events and school reunions. He and Nancee faithfully visited his daughter every Thanksgiving until age prevented travel. He made himself available for all home projects. He even assisted his son in building a cabin so he could leave home. He was a voracious reader on many topics, fiction and non, and especially enjoyed Military history. In his younger years, he and Nancee enjoyed a pinochle club that met regularly in their home. He has been a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Karl was iconic in his incisive, blunt responses, expressions, and overall personality. He was a role model and trusted advisor to his family and friends. We will miss him and the care and joy he brought us all dearly. He is at Jesus' throne, being shown the new room his Father had prepared for him.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Monday, January 27, 2025, at First Christian Church in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 9 AM until the time of services. A private family burial will be held at Messerer Cemetery in Frederick with military honors conducted by the Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Rushville High School FFA memo: Karl Rebman memorial scholarship. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com