John Philip "Phil" Wesch, 81, of Arcola, died at 7:55 AM Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the Arthur Home.

Funeral services will be held a 2:00 PM Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the Arcola Presbyterian Church with Rev. Donald Winch officiating. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM Saturday at Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust Street, Arcola.

Phil was born June 30, 1929 in Tuscola, the son of Fred A. and Grace Edgar Wesch. He was united in marriage to Catherine Whisnand in Arcola on August 1, 1954; she preceded him in death on June 19, 1993.

Survivors include 3 sons, Dan Wesch and wife Karen; Steve Wesch and wife Becky; Jim Wesch and wife Connie; 2 daughters, Debbie Dunagan and husband Doug; Lianne Myers and husband Jeff all of Arcola; 10 grandchildren, Ryan Komlertkul of Chicago; Craig Wesch and wife Sheena of Arcola; Alex Myers of Champaign; Emily Myers of Chicago; Brady Wesch of Charleston; Stephanie Wesch of Champaign; Adam Myers of Arcola; Aaron Wesch of Arcola; Casey Wesch of Charleston; David Myers of Champaign; and 1 great grandson, Canton Wesch of Arcola. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Jean Lambert.

Phil graduated from Arcola High School in 1947 and attended the University of Illinois until enlisting in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Arcola Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and deacon. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Arcola Coop for 12 years. He served as a Broomcorn Marshall in 2004 and loved being able to call Arcola home. He retired from farming but remained active in the seed business.

Phil was an accomplished gymnast, giving trampoline exhibitions throughout several states. He loved biking, running, swimming, diving, sailing, and being "outdoors". He was a dedicated Arcola Purple Rider fan and loved watching football.

Memorials are suggested to the Arcola Presbyterian Church or donor's choice.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com.