Neil E. Antoine

Mt Morris, IL - Neil E. Antoine passed away peacefully Saturday March 15, 2025 at the age of 81. He was born October 8, 1943 to Stanley and Birdella (Smythe) Antoine in Belvidere, IL. He was in the farming industry most of his life starting with dairy from 1962-1971. He then went on to beef from 1971-1978 and then pork from 1978-2005. In his younger years, Neil was an avid bowler winning many trophies. Then later, he found a passion for golf which was indicated by the innumerable amount of golf balls he collected to help pay his club dues during retirement. He missed his mark to become a professional golfer! He made approximately 10 holes-in-one during his life. He loved to watch different sports on TV, including NASCAR. He even attended a few races in Talledega and Atlanta with his family. Neil had a sense of humor with his goofy faces and always wanted to elicit a smile out of someone to receive one in return. Neil married the love of his life, Loba Reinders, on December 22, 1961. He was a devoted husband to her for 63 plus years, never remarrying after her passing in 1997. Neil is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, his father-in-law and mother-in-law (Max & Callista {McMullen} Reinders), son-in-law Robert (Smitty) Smith and nephew, Aaron Antoine. He is survived and missed by his children Dawn Ledbetter (Pierre Rosales) of Chattanooga, TN; Diane Smith of Oregon, IL; Scott (Jodi) Antoine of Mt. Morris; Kim (Doug) Leffelman of Island Lake, IL; Barry Antoine of Mt. Morris, IL; and brother Kenneth (Joyce) Antoine of Ridott, IL. Neil is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Neil started a legacy with his 5 children who then blessed him with 15 grandchildren and 29 (plus 2 on the way) great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street, Oregon, IL with Chaplain Lance Mennen officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at the funeral home from noon to 2:00 PM. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery near Oregon. A memorial fund has been set up for Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. 

https://serenityhospiceandhome.org