Wilbert L Owens

Wilbert L. Owens, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021, at River Crossing of Moline, IL.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 201 1st St, Colona, IL 61241.  Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd, Moline.  Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, where military honors will be conducted.  Memorials may be made to Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Colona, IL or to the American Cancer Society.

Wilbert was born on November 18, 1927, in Moline, the son of William and Anna (Johnson) Owens. Wilbert joined the Army in 1949 and is a veteran of the Korean War. He married Jane Busenbark on October 20, 1951. They lived in Cleveland, IL for many years where they raised their family of five children. Wilbert also served as a trustee for the Village of Cleveland. Wilbert was a member at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Colona, IL where he was an active member of the Holy Name Society. He was an avid bowler, hunter, and golfer. Wilbert was very proud of his four hole-in-one golfing achievements. He retired from John Deere, after 23 years of service as a welder, in 1989.

Survivors include his wife, Jane; four daughters, Carol Lidholm, Moline, Diane (Jeff) Frank, Colona, Mary Beth (Mike) Slonecker, Silvis, Betty (Greg) Wadsworth, Silvis; 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Owens; four siblings, Dick Owens, Denny Owens, Jerry Owens, Sally (Owens) Krol and daughter-in-law, Dennise Owens.

Thank you to Lyn Wignall for her many years of love and support.

Jane and the family would like to thank the staff of Compassus and River Crossing for their compassion and kindness.

Memories may be shared online by visiting the tribute wall.