LaVern Moliske, 85

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LaVern “Moe” Moliske, 85, of Taylorville, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, at 4:05 a.m. at Life’s Journey Senior Living in Taylorville.

He was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, due to the pandemic. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family.

Mr. Moliske was born Sept. 18, 1935, in Tovey, the son of Walter and Evonne (Deckens) Moliske. He married his high school sweetheart, Gayla Wilson on June 29, 1957, in Kincaid, and she survives.

A  graduate of Kincaid High School, he served his country in the Illinois Army National Guard. He retired in 1995, as a coal miner in Farmersville and Coffeen. In his retirement years, he started “Moe and Mick’s Detail” with his son.

He loved the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting, fishing and gardening. He and his wife enjoyed 20 years of wintering in Florida. He also enjoyed spending many mornings at McDonald’s with his coffee group. He had an artistic gift, enjoying woodcarving and creating watercolor paintings of landscapes, wildlife and lighthouses.

More than anything,  he was devoted to his family, who will remember him as the solid rock. The values he instilled in his children and grandchildren made them who they are today.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Julie (Mike) Mayer, Cathy (Tad) Craggs and Mick (Lori) Moliske, all of Taylorville; grandchildren, Sean Moliske, Jason (Deanna) Mayer, Maxx (Emily) Craggs, Tiffany Moliske, Jenni Mayer and Caitlin (Clay) Walker; great-grandchildren, Iris Craggs and Kenton Mayer; and sister-in-law, Pam (Frank) Lanzotti.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s School or the Taylorville Food Pantry.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.