Added by his daughter Deb to Facebook on 10/28/2021--
89 years ago today a set of twins were born, Merle and Mary Edith. They were born at home on the farm and, of course, no one was expecting twins. Maybe they should have - among their first cousins on my Grandma's side there were four other sets of twins as well.
Bud & Sis, as they became known, and their big brother, Harold, attended a 1-room school house called Mud Acre. They rode horses, worked on the farm and had many hobbies. From their humble beginnings, they both went on to graduate from WIU with degrees in Education. Both later got their Master's Degrees in Education. These two farm kids worked hard but never forgot their roots.
I wish them both a Happy Birthday in heaven today where they are no doubt taking care of all the animals that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge! ❤
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born: October 28, 1932
Died: November 18, 2020
BUDA – Merle Robert Horwedel, 88, of Buda, died on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.
Mr. Horwedel was born on October 28, 1932 in Vermont, IL to Bernard and Leona
(Aten) Horwedel. He attended college at Western Illinois University in Macomb, then
served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He completed his studies
at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Upon graduation, he began his career in education as ag teacher at Buda High School.
Four years later, he became the first principal at Western High School in the
Buda/Sheffield consolidated district and was a fixture there for many years, also
serving as golf coach, assistant football coach, bus driver, and assistant superintendent
before retiring in 1990.
Merle married Ruth Ann Powell on August 11, 1957 in Rushville, IL. She survives along
with their two children, Deb Horwedel McCreight of Annandale, MN, and Dan (Jane)
Horwedel of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kyle and Kevin
McCreight, Carrie (Drew) Feipel, and Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel, and three greatgrandchildren, Anna, Bennett & Caleb Feipel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold, and twin sister, Mary Edith.
Merle loved children, animals, the outdoors, and volunteering in his community.
He also had many hobbies. He wrestled in college, played fast-pitch softball way too
long, was an avid golfer and hunter, and trained dogs and horses.
He was a charter member of the Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, served on the fire
department and American Legion in Buda, coached and umpired ball teams, taught
first aid classes, hunter safety courses, and worked to support wildlife. He was a
member of the Buda United Methodist Church until it closed and then Bunker Hill
Church in Buda.
He had an influence on many people during his life, and always had a smile and a bit of
wisdom to share. He believed in family, community, and helping out wherever and however he could.
Merle will be missed, but he lived life well and full.
Due to precautions regarding the coronavirus pandemic, private funeral services will be
held with military rights in Vermont, IL, with his brother-in-law Morris McClelland
officiating.
Memorials or donations may be made to Bunker Hill Church or the Buda American
Legion. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
From 1 Aug 2017 Bureau County Republican-
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Horwedel of Buda will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Merle Horwedel and the former Ruth Ann Powell were married Aug. 11, 1957, in the Methodist church in Rushville. They have spent their married life in Buda.
She is the daughter of the late Gale and Theda Powell. He is the son of the late Bernard and Leona Horwedel.
Ruth Ann retired from Morris Foundations in Buda after working there for many years. She also served as a teacher's aide at Western Elementary School in Buda.
Merle retired from Western High School, where he served as the high school principal for 33 years. He began his career as the ag teacher for Buda High School and is a veteran of the Korean War.
Both Merle and Ruth Ann have been avid golfers over the years competing in and winning many tournaments at Coal Creek and Hidden Lake Country Club. Merle has also enjoyed hunting and horseback riding while Ruth Ann enjoys working in the yard and doing various crafts. Both of them have been very active in their community and have spent many hours volunteering at church and the Red Cross.
They have two children, Deb McCreight of Annandale, Minn., and Dan (Jane) Horwedel of Fort Wayne, Ind. They have four grandchildren, Carrie (Drew) Feipel of Fort Wayne, Ind., Kyle (Lia) McCreight of Sarasota, Fla., Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Kevin McCreight of Red Wing, Minn. They also have three great-grandchildren, Anna, Bennett and Caleb Feipel.
The couple celebrated their anniversary with a small family gathering at their home in July. Cards and notes of congratulations may be sent to them at: P.O. Box 243, Buda, IL 61314.
25 Nov 2020, Bureau County Republican-
Horwedel remembered as an educator, friend
BUDA
BY KEVIN HIERONYMUS
[email protected]
Merle Horwedel was the first principal at Western High School when the former Buda
and Sheffield school districts merged in 1960.
He served for 33 years, shaping many young lives along the way with stern, but fair
discipline, mentoring his staff along the way.
Horwedel, who passed away Nov. 18 at the age of 88, is being remembered for being a
caring educator and a friend to those he worked with and mentored.
Vince Gelsomino of Princeton taught music at Western from 1966- 78. He said
Horwedel was one of the reasons he decided to accept the position at Western.
"Merle treated teachers and students fairly all the time. He believed in discipline and
was respected for that trait," Gelsomino said. "He was a mentor to me and he backed
my music program.
He was my administrator, but also a lifelong friend. He served the Buda and Sheffield
community brilliantly and will be forever remembered."
Horwedel was the first principal for many a Western teachers, including Dale Donner,
Charlie Yelm and Terry Gutshall.
Donner came to Western to teach math in December of 1984 and said Horwedel really
helped him early in his career.
"I loved that guy," Donner said.
"He was always fair and good to talk walk with. He was always very supportive and had
a great sense of humor."
Donner coached track and Horwedel, who had an affection for track, was the starter for
many years.
Donner, who retired from teaching at Bureau Valley in 2018, said he always enjoyed
running into Horwedel at the Casey's in Buda and "catching up."
Yelm came to Western in 1974, teaching driver's ed, health and some PE, and taught
under Horwedel for 17-18 years.
"I was young and didn't know anything and he was always patient with us. Kind of let
us grow and would steer us in the right direction.
He was a good leader for us," Yelm said. "We had a good group of people there and he
made it that way. Worked very hard at that.
"He did things socially with us that not all administrators did and I think it got us to
know each better and we were closer as a group because of that."
Yelm said Horwedel convinced him he would make a good track coach and later a girls
basketball coach. He also filled in for Horwedel as golf coaching during regionals
because the principal was tied up in homecoming events, which led to a 30-year tenure
for Yelm capped at Bureau Valley.
Gutshall grew up just four houses away from the Horwedels in Buda.
He went full circle with the Western principal, first as a student at Western (Class of
'76) to becoming a teacher there, "much to the amazement of some of the teachers
there," he joked.
Gutshall went on to become the last principal at Western and first principal at Bureau
Valley.
"He was a good mentor. I started going into administration under his tutelage. I am
forever indebted to Merle," Gutshall said. "He was there always to support. He was a
loyal Western Ram, but he became just a strong Bureau Valley Storm supporter."
Horwedel, Gutshall said, "was just a fine gentlemen and a good principal. He liked the
kids, liked education."
Gutshall said Horwedel was very sympathetic when he missed a day of school as a
student to go deer hunting, because the Western principal was a hunter himself, but
still had to take disciplinary actions.
"I remember he came in and said, 'Well Terry, I'm going to have to give you a week of
detention for missing last Friday,'" Gutshall said. "I looked at him and smiled, 'Well,
you better put me down for two weeks, because I'm going second season, too.'"
Vicki Litherland, a Buda girl from the Class of '76, was another one of Horwedel's
former students who went into education.
She describes "Mr. Horwedel" as kind, hardworking and fair with a love of people, the
community, his church, his horses and golf.
"He was just a great person. He just left a footprint with every one," she said.
Litherland remembers Horwedel for his tireless efforts in taking part in Memorial Day
services with Buda American Legion every year. He was also a charter member of the
Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, and served on the fire department.
Yelm remembers Horwedel would often run out of the building, if he could, to answer
the calls for the Buda Rescue Unit and Fire Department.
"He was involved in so many things it was unbelievable," Yelm said.
An avid golfer, Horwedel once got a hole in one years ago, even though he admitted
that he never saw it because of his poor sight.
Yelm routinely golfed with Horwedel up until about five years ago and said they would
help steer Horwedel to his ball after he hit it.
Horwedel used yellow golf balls to help follow the ball better.
"Any time I found (a yellow ball), I gave it to him. After a few years, he returned the
favor and gave me a dozen white ones back, because he said, 'You've probably given me
two or three dozen yellow ones,'" Yelm said.
Yelm also said that while Horwedel may not have been able to hit the ball far after two
shoulder injuries, he was always hit them straight as an arrow.
"He'd take a nice gentle swing and hit it straight down the fairway, and would do it the
next time and the next time and would end up having a pretty good score," Yelm said.
The next time Yelm finds a yellow golf ball, he will pick it up and smile, thinking of his
dear friend.
89 years ago today a set of twins were born, Merle and Mary Edith. They were born at home on the farm and, of course, no one was expecting twins. Maybe they should have - among their first cousins on my Grandma's side there were four other sets of twins as well.
Bud & Sis, as they became known, and their big brother, Harold, attended a 1-room school house called Mud Acre. They rode horses, worked on the farm and had many hobbies. From their humble beginnings, they both went on to graduate from WIU with degrees in Education. Both later got their Master's Degrees in Education. These two farm kids worked hard but never forgot their roots.
I wish them both a Happy Birthday in heaven today where they are no doubt taking care of all the animals that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge! ❤
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born: October 28, 1932
Died: November 18, 2020
BUDA – Merle Robert Horwedel, 88, of Buda, died on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.
Mr. Horwedel was born on October 28, 1932 in Vermont, IL to Bernard and Leona
(Aten) Horwedel. He attended college at Western Illinois University in Macomb, then
served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He completed his studies
at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Upon graduation, he began his career in education as ag teacher at Buda High School.
Four years later, he became the first principal at Western High School in the
Buda/Sheffield consolidated district and was a fixture there for many years, also
serving as golf coach, assistant football coach, bus driver, and assistant superintendent
before retiring in 1990.
Merle married Ruth Ann Powell on August 11, 1957 in Rushville, IL. She survives along
with their two children, Deb Horwedel McCreight of Annandale, MN, and Dan (Jane)
Horwedel of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kyle and Kevin
McCreight, Carrie (Drew) Feipel, and Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel, and three greatgrandchildren, Anna, Bennett & Caleb Feipel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold, and twin sister, Mary Edith.
Merle loved children, animals, the outdoors, and volunteering in his community.
He also had many hobbies. He wrestled in college, played fast-pitch softball way too
long, was an avid golfer and hunter, and trained dogs and horses.
He was a charter member of the Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, served on the fire
department and American Legion in Buda, coached and umpired ball teams, taught
first aid classes, hunter safety courses, and worked to support wildlife. He was a
member of the Buda United Methodist Church until it closed and then Bunker Hill
Church in Buda.
He had an influence on many people during his life, and always had a smile and a bit of
wisdom to share. He believed in family, community, and helping out wherever and however he could.
Merle will be missed, but he lived life well and full.
Due to precautions regarding the coronavirus pandemic, private funeral services will be
held with military rights in Vermont, IL, with his brother-in-law Morris McClelland
officiating.
Memorials or donations may be made to Bunker Hill Church or the Buda American
Legion. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
From 1 Aug 2017 Bureau County Republican-
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Horwedel of Buda will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Merle Horwedel and the former Ruth Ann Powell were married Aug. 11, 1957, in the Methodist church in Rushville. They have spent their married life in Buda.
She is the daughter of the late Gale and Theda Powell. He is the son of the late Bernard and Leona Horwedel.
Ruth Ann retired from Morris Foundations in Buda after working there for many years. She also served as a teacher's aide at Western Elementary School in Buda.
Merle retired from Western High School, where he served as the high school principal for 33 years. He began his career as the ag teacher for Buda High School and is a veteran of the Korean War.
Both Merle and Ruth Ann have been avid golfers over the years competing in and winning many tournaments at Coal Creek and Hidden Lake Country Club. Merle has also enjoyed hunting and horseback riding while Ruth Ann enjoys working in the yard and doing various crafts. Both of them have been very active in their community and have spent many hours volunteering at church and the Red Cross.
They have two children, Deb McCreight of Annandale, Minn., and Dan (Jane) Horwedel of Fort Wayne, Ind. They have four grandchildren, Carrie (Drew) Feipel of Fort Wayne, Ind., Kyle (Lia) McCreight of Sarasota, Fla., Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Kevin McCreight of Red Wing, Minn. They also have three great-grandchildren, Anna, Bennett and Caleb Feipel.
The couple celebrated their anniversary with a small family gathering at their home in July. Cards and notes of congratulations may be sent to them at: P.O. Box 243, Buda, IL 61314.
25 Nov 2020, Bureau County Republican-
Horwedel remembered as an educator, friend
BUDA
BY KEVIN HIERONYMUS
[email protected]
Merle Horwedel was the first principal at Western High School when the former Buda
and Sheffield school districts merged in 1960.
He served for 33 years, shaping many young lives along the way with stern, but fair
discipline, mentoring his staff along the way.
Horwedel, who passed away Nov. 18 at the age of 88, is being remembered for being a
caring educator and a friend to those he worked with and mentored.
Vince Gelsomino of Princeton taught music at Western from 1966- 78. He said
Horwedel was one of the reasons he decided to accept the position at Western.
"Merle treated teachers and students fairly all the time. He believed in discipline and
was respected for that trait," Gelsomino said. "He was a mentor to me and he backed
my music program.
He was my administrator, but also a lifelong friend. He served the Buda and Sheffield
community brilliantly and will be forever remembered."
Horwedel was the first principal for many a Western teachers, including Dale Donner,
Charlie Yelm and Terry Gutshall.
Donner came to Western to teach math in December of 1984 and said Horwedel really
helped him early in his career.
"I loved that guy," Donner said.
"He was always fair and good to talk walk with. He was always very supportive and had
a great sense of humor."
Donner coached track and Horwedel, who had an affection for track, was the starter for
many years.
Donner, who retired from teaching at Bureau Valley in 2018, said he always enjoyed
running into Horwedel at the Casey's in Buda and "catching up."
Yelm came to Western in 1974, teaching driver's ed, health and some PE, and taught
under Horwedel for 17-18 years.
"I was young and didn't know anything and he was always patient with us. Kind of let
us grow and would steer us in the right direction.
He was a good leader for us," Yelm said. "We had a good group of people there and he
made it that way. Worked very hard at that.
"He did things socially with us that not all administrators did and I think it got us to
know each better and we were closer as a group because of that."
Yelm said Horwedel convinced him he would make a good track coach and later a girls
basketball coach. He also filled in for Horwedel as golf coaching during regionals
because the principal was tied up in homecoming events, which led to a 30-year tenure
for Yelm capped at Bureau Valley.
Gutshall grew up just four houses away from the Horwedels in Buda.
He went full circle with the Western principal, first as a student at Western (Class of
'76) to becoming a teacher there, "much to the amazement of some of the teachers
there," he joked.
Gutshall went on to become the last principal at Western and first principal at Bureau
Valley.
"He was a good mentor. I started going into administration under his tutelage. I am
forever indebted to Merle," Gutshall said. "He was there always to support. He was a
loyal Western Ram, but he became just a strong Bureau Valley Storm supporter."
Horwedel, Gutshall said, "was just a fine gentlemen and a good principal. He liked the
kids, liked education."
Gutshall said Horwedel was very sympathetic when he missed a day of school as a
student to go deer hunting, because the Western principal was a hunter himself, but
still had to take disciplinary actions.
"I remember he came in and said, 'Well Terry, I'm going to have to give you a week of
detention for missing last Friday,'" Gutshall said. "I looked at him and smiled, 'Well,
you better put me down for two weeks, because I'm going second season, too.'"
Vicki Litherland, a Buda girl from the Class of '76, was another one of Horwedel's
former students who went into education.
She describes "Mr. Horwedel" as kind, hardworking and fair with a love of people, the
community, his church, his horses and golf.
"He was just a great person. He just left a footprint with every one," she said.
Litherland remembers Horwedel for his tireless efforts in taking part in Memorial Day
services with Buda American Legion every year. He was also a charter member of the
Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, and served on the fire department.
Yelm remembers Horwedel would often run out of the building, if he could, to answer
the calls for the Buda Rescue Unit and Fire Department.
"He was involved in so many things it was unbelievable," Yelm said.
An avid golfer, Horwedel once got a hole in one years ago, even though he admitted
that he never saw it because of his poor sight.
Yelm routinely golfed with Horwedel up until about five years ago and said they would
help steer Horwedel to his ball after he hit it.
Horwedel used yellow golf balls to help follow the ball better.
"Any time I found (a yellow ball), I gave it to him. After a few years, he returned the
favor and gave me a dozen white ones back, because he said, 'You've probably given me
two or three dozen yellow ones,'" Yelm said.
Yelm also said that while Horwedel may not have been able to hit the ball far after two
shoulder injuries, he was always hit them straight as an arrow.
"He'd take a nice gentle swing and hit it straight down the fairway, and would do it the
next time and the next time and would end up having a pretty good score," Yelm said.
The next time Yelm finds a yellow golf ball, he will pick it up and smile, thinking of his
dear friend.
Added by his daughter Deb to Facebook on 10/28/2021--
89 years ago today a set of twins were born, Merle and Mary Edith. They were born at home on the farm and, of course, no one was expecting twins. Maybe they should have - among their first cousins on my Grandma's side there were four other sets of twins as well.
Bud & Sis, as they became known, and their big brother, Harold, attended a 1-room school house called Mud Acre. They rode horses, worked on the farm and had many hobbies. From their humble beginnings, they both went on to graduate from WIU with degrees in Education. Both later got their Master's Degrees in Education. These two farm kids worked hard but never forgot their roots.
I wish them both a Happy Birthday in heaven today where they are no doubt taking care of all the animals that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge! ❤
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born: October 28, 1932
Died: November 18, 2020
BUDA – Merle Robert Horwedel, 88, of Buda, died on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.
Mr. Horwedel was born on October 28, 1932 in Vermont, IL to Bernard and Leona
(Aten) Horwedel. He attended college at Western Illinois University in Macomb, then
served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He completed his studies
at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Upon graduation, he began his career in education as ag teacher at Buda High School.
Four years later, he became the first principal at Western High School in the
Buda/Sheffield consolidated district and was a fixture there for many years, also
serving as golf coach, assistant football coach, bus driver, and assistant superintendent
before retiring in 1990.
Merle married Ruth Ann Powell on August 11, 1957 in Rushville, IL. She survives along
with their two children, Deb Horwedel McCreight of Annandale, MN, and Dan (Jane)
Horwedel of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kyle and Kevin
McCreight, Carrie (Drew) Feipel, and Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel, and three greatgrandchildren, Anna, Bennett & Caleb Feipel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold, and twin sister, Mary Edith.
Merle loved children, animals, the outdoors, and volunteering in his community.
He also had many hobbies. He wrestled in college, played fast-pitch softball way too
long, was an avid golfer and hunter, and trained dogs and horses.
He was a charter member of the Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, served on the fire
department and American Legion in Buda, coached and umpired ball teams, taught
first aid classes, hunter safety courses, and worked to support wildlife. He was a
member of the Buda United Methodist Church until it closed and then Bunker Hill
Church in Buda.
He had an influence on many people during his life, and always had a smile and a bit of
wisdom to share. He believed in family, community, and helping out wherever and however he could.
Merle will be missed, but he lived life well and full.
Due to precautions regarding the coronavirus pandemic, private funeral services will be
held with military rights in Vermont, IL, with his brother-in-law Morris McClelland
officiating.
Memorials or donations may be made to Bunker Hill Church or the Buda American
Legion. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
From 1 Aug 2017 Bureau County Republican-
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Horwedel of Buda will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Merle Horwedel and the former Ruth Ann Powell were married Aug. 11, 1957, in the Methodist church in Rushville. They have spent their married life in Buda.
She is the daughter of the late Gale and Theda Powell. He is the son of the late Bernard and Leona Horwedel.
Ruth Ann retired from Morris Foundations in Buda after working there for many years. She also served as a teacher's aide at Western Elementary School in Buda.
Merle retired from Western High School, where he served as the high school principal for 33 years. He began his career as the ag teacher for Buda High School and is a veteran of the Korean War.
Both Merle and Ruth Ann have been avid golfers over the years competing in and winning many tournaments at Coal Creek and Hidden Lake Country Club. Merle has also enjoyed hunting and horseback riding while Ruth Ann enjoys working in the yard and doing various crafts. Both of them have been very active in their community and have spent many hours volunteering at church and the Red Cross.
They have two children, Deb McCreight of Annandale, Minn., and Dan (Jane) Horwedel of Fort Wayne, Ind. They have four grandchildren, Carrie (Drew) Feipel of Fort Wayne, Ind., Kyle (Lia) McCreight of Sarasota, Fla., Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Kevin McCreight of Red Wing, Minn. They also have three great-grandchildren, Anna, Bennett and Caleb Feipel.
The couple celebrated their anniversary with a small family gathering at their home in July. Cards and notes of congratulations may be sent to them at: P.O. Box 243, Buda, IL 61314.
25 Nov 2020, Bureau County Republican-
Horwedel remembered as an educator, friend
BUDA
BY KEVIN HIERONYMUS
[email protected]
Merle Horwedel was the first principal at Western High School when the former Buda
and Sheffield school districts merged in 1960.
He served for 33 years, shaping many young lives along the way with stern, but fair
discipline, mentoring his staff along the way.
Horwedel, who passed away Nov. 18 at the age of 88, is being remembered for being a
caring educator and a friend to those he worked with and mentored.
Vince Gelsomino of Princeton taught music at Western from 1966- 78. He said
Horwedel was one of the reasons he decided to accept the position at Western.
"Merle treated teachers and students fairly all the time. He believed in discipline and
was respected for that trait," Gelsomino said. "He was a mentor to me and he backed
my music program.
He was my administrator, but also a lifelong friend. He served the Buda and Sheffield
community brilliantly and will be forever remembered."
Horwedel was the first principal for many a Western teachers, including Dale Donner,
Charlie Yelm and Terry Gutshall.
Donner came to Western to teach math in December of 1984 and said Horwedel really
helped him early in his career.
"I loved that guy," Donner said.
"He was always fair and good to talk walk with. He was always very supportive and had
a great sense of humor."
Donner coached track and Horwedel, who had an affection for track, was the starter for
many years.
Donner, who retired from teaching at Bureau Valley in 2018, said he always enjoyed
running into Horwedel at the Casey's in Buda and "catching up."
Yelm came to Western in 1974, teaching driver's ed, health and some PE, and taught
under Horwedel for 17-18 years.
"I was young and didn't know anything and he was always patient with us. Kind of let
us grow and would steer us in the right direction.
He was a good leader for us," Yelm said. "We had a good group of people there and he
made it that way. Worked very hard at that.
"He did things socially with us that not all administrators did and I think it got us to
know each better and we were closer as a group because of that."
Yelm said Horwedel convinced him he would make a good track coach and later a girls
basketball coach. He also filled in for Horwedel as golf coaching during regionals
because the principal was tied up in homecoming events, which led to a 30-year tenure
for Yelm capped at Bureau Valley.
Gutshall grew up just four houses away from the Horwedels in Buda.
He went full circle with the Western principal, first as a student at Western (Class of
'76) to becoming a teacher there, "much to the amazement of some of the teachers
there," he joked.
Gutshall went on to become the last principal at Western and first principal at Bureau
Valley.
"He was a good mentor. I started going into administration under his tutelage. I am
forever indebted to Merle," Gutshall said. "He was there always to support. He was a
loyal Western Ram, but he became just a strong Bureau Valley Storm supporter."
Horwedel, Gutshall said, "was just a fine gentlemen and a good principal. He liked the
kids, liked education."
Gutshall said Horwedel was very sympathetic when he missed a day of school as a
student to go deer hunting, because the Western principal was a hunter himself, but
still had to take disciplinary actions.
"I remember he came in and said, 'Well Terry, I'm going to have to give you a week of
detention for missing last Friday,'" Gutshall said. "I looked at him and smiled, 'Well,
you better put me down for two weeks, because I'm going second season, too.'"
Vicki Litherland, a Buda girl from the Class of '76, was another one of Horwedel's
former students who went into education.
She describes "Mr. Horwedel" as kind, hardworking and fair with a love of people, the
community, his church, his horses and golf.
"He was just a great person. He just left a footprint with every one," she said.
Litherland remembers Horwedel for his tireless efforts in taking part in Memorial Day
services with Buda American Legion every year. He was also a charter member of the
Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, and served on the fire department.
Yelm remembers Horwedel would often run out of the building, if he could, to answer
the calls for the Buda Rescue Unit and Fire Department.
"He was involved in so many things it was unbelievable," Yelm said.
An avid golfer, Horwedel once got a hole in one years ago, even though he admitted
that he never saw it because of his poor sight.
Yelm routinely golfed with Horwedel up until about five years ago and said they would
help steer Horwedel to his ball after he hit it.
Horwedel used yellow golf balls to help follow the ball better.
"Any time I found (a yellow ball), I gave it to him. After a few years, he returned the
favor and gave me a dozen white ones back, because he said, 'You've probably given me
two or three dozen yellow ones,'" Yelm said.
Yelm also said that while Horwedel may not have been able to hit the ball far after two
shoulder injuries, he was always hit them straight as an arrow.
"He'd take a nice gentle swing and hit it straight down the fairway, and would do it the
next time and the next time and would end up having a pretty good score," Yelm said.
The next time Yelm finds a yellow golf ball, he will pick it up and smile, thinking of his
dear friend.
89 years ago today a set of twins were born, Merle and Mary Edith. They were born at home on the farm and, of course, no one was expecting twins. Maybe they should have - among their first cousins on my Grandma's side there were four other sets of twins as well.
Bud & Sis, as they became known, and their big brother, Harold, attended a 1-room school house called Mud Acre. They rode horses, worked on the farm and had many hobbies. From their humble beginnings, they both went on to graduate from WIU with degrees in Education. Both later got their Master's Degrees in Education. These two farm kids worked hard but never forgot their roots.
I wish them both a Happy Birthday in heaven today where they are no doubt taking care of all the animals that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge! ❤
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Born: October 28, 1932
Died: November 18, 2020
BUDA – Merle Robert Horwedel, 88, of Buda, died on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.
Mr. Horwedel was born on October 28, 1932 in Vermont, IL to Bernard and Leona
(Aten) Horwedel. He attended college at Western Illinois University in Macomb, then
served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He completed his studies
at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Upon graduation, he began his career in education as ag teacher at Buda High School.
Four years later, he became the first principal at Western High School in the
Buda/Sheffield consolidated district and was a fixture there for many years, also
serving as golf coach, assistant football coach, bus driver, and assistant superintendent
before retiring in 1990.
Merle married Ruth Ann Powell on August 11, 1957 in Rushville, IL. She survives along
with their two children, Deb Horwedel McCreight of Annandale, MN, and Dan (Jane)
Horwedel of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kyle and Kevin
McCreight, Carrie (Drew) Feipel, and Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel, and three greatgrandchildren, Anna, Bennett & Caleb Feipel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Harold, and twin sister, Mary Edith.
Merle loved children, animals, the outdoors, and volunteering in his community.
He also had many hobbies. He wrestled in college, played fast-pitch softball way too
long, was an avid golfer and hunter, and trained dogs and horses.
He was a charter member of the Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, served on the fire
department and American Legion in Buda, coached and umpired ball teams, taught
first aid classes, hunter safety courses, and worked to support wildlife. He was a
member of the Buda United Methodist Church until it closed and then Bunker Hill
Church in Buda.
He had an influence on many people during his life, and always had a smile and a bit of
wisdom to share. He believed in family, community, and helping out wherever and however he could.
Merle will be missed, but he lived life well and full.
Due to precautions regarding the coronavirus pandemic, private funeral services will be
held with military rights in Vermont, IL, with his brother-in-law Morris McClelland
officiating.
Memorials or donations may be made to Bunker Hill Church or the Buda American
Legion. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
From 1 Aug 2017 Bureau County Republican-
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Horwedel of Buda will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Merle Horwedel and the former Ruth Ann Powell were married Aug. 11, 1957, in the Methodist church in Rushville. They have spent their married life in Buda.
She is the daughter of the late Gale and Theda Powell. He is the son of the late Bernard and Leona Horwedel.
Ruth Ann retired from Morris Foundations in Buda after working there for many years. She also served as a teacher's aide at Western Elementary School in Buda.
Merle retired from Western High School, where he served as the high school principal for 33 years. He began his career as the ag teacher for Buda High School and is a veteran of the Korean War.
Both Merle and Ruth Ann have been avid golfers over the years competing in and winning many tournaments at Coal Creek and Hidden Lake Country Club. Merle has also enjoyed hunting and horseback riding while Ruth Ann enjoys working in the yard and doing various crafts. Both of them have been very active in their community and have spent many hours volunteering at church and the Red Cross.
They have two children, Deb McCreight of Annandale, Minn., and Dan (Jane) Horwedel of Fort Wayne, Ind. They have four grandchildren, Carrie (Drew) Feipel of Fort Wayne, Ind., Kyle (Lia) McCreight of Sarasota, Fla., Isaac (Ricci) Horwedel of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Kevin McCreight of Red Wing, Minn. They also have three great-grandchildren, Anna, Bennett and Caleb Feipel.
The couple celebrated their anniversary with a small family gathering at their home in July. Cards and notes of congratulations may be sent to them at: P.O. Box 243, Buda, IL 61314.
25 Nov 2020, Bureau County Republican-
Horwedel remembered as an educator, friend
BUDA
BY KEVIN HIERONYMUS
[email protected]
Merle Horwedel was the first principal at Western High School when the former Buda
and Sheffield school districts merged in 1960.
He served for 33 years, shaping many young lives along the way with stern, but fair
discipline, mentoring his staff along the way.
Horwedel, who passed away Nov. 18 at the age of 88, is being remembered for being a
caring educator and a friend to those he worked with and mentored.
Vince Gelsomino of Princeton taught music at Western from 1966- 78. He said
Horwedel was one of the reasons he decided to accept the position at Western.
"Merle treated teachers and students fairly all the time. He believed in discipline and
was respected for that trait," Gelsomino said. "He was a mentor to me and he backed
my music program.
He was my administrator, but also a lifelong friend. He served the Buda and Sheffield
community brilliantly and will be forever remembered."
Horwedel was the first principal for many a Western teachers, including Dale Donner,
Charlie Yelm and Terry Gutshall.
Donner came to Western to teach math in December of 1984 and said Horwedel really
helped him early in his career.
"I loved that guy," Donner said.
"He was always fair and good to talk walk with. He was always very supportive and had
a great sense of humor."
Donner coached track and Horwedel, who had an affection for track, was the starter for
many years.
Donner, who retired from teaching at Bureau Valley in 2018, said he always enjoyed
running into Horwedel at the Casey's in Buda and "catching up."
Yelm came to Western in 1974, teaching driver's ed, health and some PE, and taught
under Horwedel for 17-18 years.
"I was young and didn't know anything and he was always patient with us. Kind of let
us grow and would steer us in the right direction.
He was a good leader for us," Yelm said. "We had a good group of people there and he
made it that way. Worked very hard at that.
"He did things socially with us that not all administrators did and I think it got us to
know each better and we were closer as a group because of that."
Yelm said Horwedel convinced him he would make a good track coach and later a girls
basketball coach. He also filled in for Horwedel as golf coaching during regionals
because the principal was tied up in homecoming events, which led to a 30-year tenure
for Yelm capped at Bureau Valley.
Gutshall grew up just four houses away from the Horwedels in Buda.
He went full circle with the Western principal, first as a student at Western (Class of
'76) to becoming a teacher there, "much to the amazement of some of the teachers
there," he joked.
Gutshall went on to become the last principal at Western and first principal at Bureau
Valley.
"He was a good mentor. I started going into administration under his tutelage. I am
forever indebted to Merle," Gutshall said. "He was there always to support. He was a
loyal Western Ram, but he became just a strong Bureau Valley Storm supporter."
Horwedel, Gutshall said, "was just a fine gentlemen and a good principal. He liked the
kids, liked education."
Gutshall said Horwedel was very sympathetic when he missed a day of school as a
student to go deer hunting, because the Western principal was a hunter himself, but
still had to take disciplinary actions.
"I remember he came in and said, 'Well Terry, I'm going to have to give you a week of
detention for missing last Friday,'" Gutshall said. "I looked at him and smiled, 'Well,
you better put me down for two weeks, because I'm going second season, too.'"
Vicki Litherland, a Buda girl from the Class of '76, was another one of Horwedel's
former students who went into education.
She describes "Mr. Horwedel" as kind, hardworking and fair with a love of people, the
community, his church, his horses and golf.
"He was just a great person. He just left a footprint with every one," she said.
Litherland remembers Horwedel for his tireless efforts in taking part in Memorial Day
services with Buda American Legion every year. He was also a charter member of the
Buda Rescue Unit and Buda Jaycees, and served on the fire department.
Yelm remembers Horwedel would often run out of the building, if he could, to answer
the calls for the Buda Rescue Unit and Fire Department.
"He was involved in so many things it was unbelievable," Yelm said.
An avid golfer, Horwedel once got a hole in one years ago, even though he admitted
that he never saw it because of his poor sight.
Yelm routinely golfed with Horwedel up until about five years ago and said they would
help steer Horwedel to his ball after he hit it.
Horwedel used yellow golf balls to help follow the ball better.
"Any time I found (a yellow ball), I gave it to him. After a few years, he returned the
favor and gave me a dozen white ones back, because he said, 'You've probably given me
two or three dozen yellow ones,'" Yelm said.
Yelm also said that while Horwedel may not have been able to hit the ball far after two
shoulder injuries, he was always hit them straight as an arrow.
"He'd take a nice gentle swing and hit it straight down the fairway, and would do it the
next time and the next time and would end up having a pretty good score," Yelm said.
The next time Yelm finds a yellow golf ball, he will pick it up and smile, thinking of his
dear friend.
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