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T. Eileen Kniery
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BLOOMINGTON - T. Eileen Kniery, 80, Springfield, died Friday (Oct. 26, 2007) at St. John's Hospice, Springfield.

Eileen was born May 11, 1927, in Odell, the daughter of Frank and Teresa Wolf Stahler. They preceded her in death. She married Edward J. Kniery on Sept. 24, 1949, in Bloomington.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Helen and Rita, and four brothers, Lyle, Alvin, Harold and Frank.

Eileen retired in 1992 from the State of Illinois, working for the Attorney General's office, and serving as secretary for numerous senators, including Paul Simon. She had also worked for Farmer's Union and State Farm Insurance Cos.

Eileen's family and faith were both very important to her. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church funeral choir; the Saturday Night Dance Club; the Women's Auxiliary Club; the United Commercial Travelers; St. Louise de Marollac Guild, serving as their treasurer; and the Red Hat Society.

She volunteered at the St. John's Bread Line, and as a hospital eucharistic minister at Memorial Medical Center. She enjoyed volunteering as well as playing bridge, dancing and walking. Eileen was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and was known to be a wonderful cook.

Eileen is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Edward; four sons, Stephen (Bonnie), Scottsdale, Ariz.; Mark (Connie), Chatham; John (Debbie), Springfield; and James (Penne), Chandler, Ariz.; one daughter, Mary (Kevin) Kennedy, Danville; 13 grandchildren, Heather, Ryan, Gwen, Shannon, Krista, Jake, Scott, Brian, David, Caitlin, Michael, Amanda and Mark; five great-grandchildren; one brother, George (Virginia) Stahler, Pontiac; two sisters, Vera (late husband, Donald) Gernentz, Pontiac, and Marjorie (Gary) Grafton, Cayahuga Falls, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

The family welcomes friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be at noon Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Springfield, with the Rev. David Hoefler officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, IL 62704.

Please visit Eileen's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to leave condolences.

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