Eugene L. Gothard , age 91, of Stockton, IL passed away June 18, 2017 at Manor Court in Freeport, IL. Eugene was born on January 31, 1926 to the late Orin and Pearl (Coppernoll) Gothard. He was the 12 ^th child of a family of 13. He attended Stockton Schools.

Eugene married Phyllis Rife on May 26, 1946. He grew up on a farm. He hauled petroleum for the Farm Bureau and milk into Kraft Cheese Co. in Stockton. He milled grain at the Stockton Coop. One summer he helped build new houses on Hillcrest Ave in Stockton. He retired in March of 1988 after 23 years of service at Atwood Automotive in Stockton. After retiring he and his wife traveled. They enjoyed visiting State and National Parks in the west and southwest.

In 2002 they moved to Freeport and spent 15 years there. May of this year they celebrated 71 years of married life. Eugene enjoyed fixing up old trucks and motorcycles. He also enjoyed taking care of his lawn, flowers and garden.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Phyllis Gothard; children, Gene Jr (La Rae) Gothard of Savanna, Robert (Janet) Gothard of Lena and Philip Gothard of Freeport; brother, Leon Gothard of Terry, MT; sister, Helen Raab of Red Oak; many nieces and nephews; 17 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren and 7 step great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Orin and Pearl; children, Pamela Glastetter, Christine Dayton, and Alan Gothard; one grandson, Michael John Gothard.