Edna Mae Willson-Kehl

Edna Mae Willson-Kehl, of Freeport, formerly of Mt. Carroll, passed away Sunday, July 13, at Liberty Village in Freeport. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, at The Mt. Carroll Church of God. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at the church as well as one hour prior to the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers friends are invited to bring canned goods and food to be donated to the food pantry in honor of Edna’s love of helping others.

Edna was born January 3, 1932, in Stanley, Wisconsin, to Chris and Rozella (Braton) Christensen. She was one of eleven children. Her family later moved to Freeport, Illinois, where she graduated from Freeport High School in 1949. She married Fred Willson in 1951 and together they raised five children. Later in life, she married John Kehl in 2002, sharing two loving years before his passing.

Edna had a strong work ethic and spent many years remodeling homes, often alongside her sister. She was known for her determination and could still swing a sledgehammer well into her 80s. Her strength and spirit made a lasting impression on her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed catching up with friends over hot fudge sundaes at Dairy Queen.

Her faith was central to her life. A devoted member of the Mt. Carroll Church of God since 1952, Edna was active in many aspects of church life and made sure her children grew up rooted in faith. She found deep joy in helping others and was always ready to lend a hand.

Edna will be dearly missed by her three sons, Ron (Kay) Willson of Stockton, IL, Robert (Julie) Willson of Mt. Carroll, and Brad Willson of Pearl City; two daughters, Diane (Jim) Calhoun of Mt. Carroll, and Patti (Pat Wilson) Willson of Freeport; nine grandchildren, Lindsay, Amy, Jamie, Tony, Lacey, Josh, Brian, C.J., and Jace; three step-grandchildren, Tristan, Keegan, and Savannah; seven great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; three step-children, Mike (Marsha) Kehl of Mt. Carroll, Deb (Harry) Gates of Indiana, and Kathy (Ron) Rasmussen of Mt. Carroll; special friend, Margaret Althoff of Mt. Carroll; and many nieces and nephews. Edna is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, six sisters, her first husband Fred, and her late husband John.

Edna will be fondly remembered for her strength, faith, and unwavering love for her family.