Fred Sr. Mehler

Fred Mehler, Sr., 60, of Hutsonville, IL, died at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson. He was born October 16, 1955 in Robinson, IL, the son of Byrl & Betty McDaniel Mehler, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard Alan Mehler; by his sister, Cynthia Connor; by his step-son, Charles Strong II; and very recently by his dog and faithful companion, Buford. He married Carol Burton on December 13, 2014, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, J.R. Mehler & Christan Belle (Hutsonville, IL); his daughter & son-in-law, Nikki & Thomas (Mehler) Garcia (Chandler, TX); his step-daughter, Chastity Gillen (Robinson, IL); his step-son, Chad Strong (Robinson, IL); by his grandson, Noah Garcia; by four step-grandchildren, Taylor Amburgey, Laney Gillen, Macy Rae Strong, and Kingston Charles Strong; by his step-great-grandson, Jayden Amburgey; by his sister & brother-in-law, Karen & Chuck Young (York, IL); by his brother, Wayne “Shotgun” Mehler (Hutsonville, IL); by his nephews, Kyle Young & girlfriend Allisen Richards (York, IL), Corey Wayne Mehler (Hutsonville, IL), and Dominic Ramsey (Robinson, IL); and by his niece, Cara & Alex Stout (Vienna, IL). He graduated from Hutsonville High School in the Class of 1973. He went on to become a truck driver for over 20 years, having drove to every state in the continental United States. He also logged for a few years in Avenger, TX, having run his own pulp wooding business. He worked with his father for a few years with Mehler & Sons, and ended up going off on his own. He was a lifelong farmer, having worked the field since he could reach the tractor pedals. He had a true entrepreneurial spirit, having been self-employed for most of his life. He will long be remembered for his positive, upbeat nature, and the selfless care and love he gave to others. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 21st at the funeral home with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating the service. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Locks of Love, with envelopes available at the funeral home.