Paul Shoemaker

On November 6, 2018, Paul Shoemaker, 66, journeyed on to be with his Lord and Savior.  He leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, friendship, and sharing his faith in Christ.  Growing up in the countryside north of Geneseo, Paul cultivated a love and appreciation for nature, wildlife, and all of God’s creations that would last throughout his life.  During his early years, Paul enjoyed playing ball with cousins, fishing, hunting, life on the farm, hunting morel mushrooms, and spending time with family.  Paul was also a great storyteller, and later in life loved sharing tales of his many adventures afield with family and friends.  He had a boundless love of music and always seemed to have a song to share.  Paul developed many friendships around town over the years, walking the streets of Geneseo daily to share a few laughs and songs with friends along the way, always with a worn out Bible in tow.  He was never shy about his love for Christ and sharing the Gospel message.  Paul was one of a kind.  His sense of humor, his laugh, his stories, and endless passion for the Lord will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched.

Paul was preceded in death by parents, John and June Shoemaker; sister, Patricia VanHerzeele; and brother, Charles Shoemaker.  He is survived by nieces and nephews Kathy VanHerzeele, Atkinson; Bruce VanHerzeele, Geneseo; Jason Shoemaker, Prophetstown; Michelle Rolley, Bloomington; and Justin Shoemaker, Geneseo; sister-in-law Gloria Shoemaker; and sister-in-Christ Linda Schillinger and family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, November 9, at New Life/Watermark Church, 807 W. Elk St., Geneseo, IL.  A lunch will follow at the church, then inurnment at Ebenezer Cemetery.  Friends and family are welcome to attend.