2 weeks Ago
May 5, 1950 - April 16, 2025 Walter "Walt" J. Coussens, 74, of Cordova, IL, died Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron, IL, with a Christian Wake Service at 7:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, April 24th at St. John's Catholic Church in Rapids City, IL. Interment will be at 11:00 am Friday, April 25th at St.
Mary's Cemetery, East Moline. Memorials may be made to St. John's Church, Rapids City, IL, or the family.
Walt was born on May 2, 1950 in Moline, IL, to Remy and Alma (Maertens) Coussens. He married Jill A. Mitton on October 13, 1973 at St.
John's Church in Rapids City, IL. He was in the first graduating class of the current Riverdale High School in 1969. Walt worked for Growmark Inc.
for 47 years in Sales and as an Energy Specialist. His last 30 years were with Insight FS in Jefferson, WI, from where he retired in 2019. He also owned Timber Lane Acres and bred miniature donkeys with his wife Jill.
Walt enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He loved the outdoors, farming, and taking care of his many animals, including horses, rabbits, miniature donkeys and his prized potbelly pig, Molly. He found peace and solitude mowing the lawn and taking care of the acreage.
Over the years, Walt and Jill attended numerous shows where they exhibited their miniature donkeys. Walt was passionate about educating the kids. He belonged to the Jefferson County Agri Business where he started the 4th grade farm tours.
He taught CCD and was on the School Board at St. John's Church in Jefferson, WI. Walt is survived by his wife Jill; son, Casey Coussens, Mendota Heights, MN; siblings, George (Nadine) Coussens, Pekin, IL, Thomas (Carole) Coussens, Rapids City, IL, Lawrence (Barb) Coussens, Washington, IL; sisters Jilleen (John) Wagner, Normal, IL, Judy (Lee) Thomas, Galva, IL; sister-in law, Sarah Coussens, Bountiful, UT; 16 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Clifford Coussens. Walt's family would like to sincerely thank his very special in home care ladies – Cinamen, Shelby, Robin and Veronica. Share a memory or condolence at www.
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