Bill D. Ikemire, age 94, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Friday evening, May 16, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

      He was born August 12, 1930, in Louisville, the son of Everet and Irene (Farris) Ikemire.  He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Kittle on December 7, 1950, in Cisne, and together they shared 74 wedding anniversaries until her recent passing on March 19, 2025.

      Bill served as Vice President and General Manager of Louisville Seed House for 45 years.  He was a hardworking and gentle man who deeply loved his family and passed along his strong work ethic to his children.  Fulfilling a long-time dream, Bill and Mary Ellen spent their winters in Florida, a season of life they truly treasured.  His passion for sports never faded.  Bill continued playing in a slow-pitch softball league in Florida right up until the age of 80.  He was a dedicated Lakers fan and member of the Louisville Methodist Church. 

      He is survived by his children: Bill (Becky) Ikemire of Clay City, Diane (Jerry) Frye of Louisville, Myrna (Joe) Etchison of Flora, and Greg (Debbie) Ikemire of Effingham; 10 grandchildren: Scott (Elizabeth), Melissa, Mike (Angie), Derek (Sydney), Brock (Tiffany), Mackenzie, Bryce, Carson, Kendall, and Will (Kenzie); 10 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters-in-law: Mary Katherine Kittle of Flora and Kathryn Kittle of Flora.  

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; his wife: Mary Ellen Ikemire; 2 daughters: Nancy Butler and Pam Casolari; 2 grandchildren: Meagan Casolari and unborn Baby Butler; 5 sisters: Evelyn Toliver, Virginia Welch, Lillian Ikemire, Betty Wattles, and Helen Bible; 2 brothers: Dean Ikemire and Jean Ikemire; a sister-in-law: Geneva Block; and 3 brothers-in-law: Lawrence Kittle, Don “Red” Kittle, and Everette Kittle.  

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Thursday at the funeral home.  Rather than purchasing flowers or other gift items, the family suggests the most meaningful way to honor Bill’s memory is through a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com