Leroy Donald Deering, 81 of Huntley, died peacefully at his home May 19, 2020 with his family by his side.
Services and celebrations will take place later this summer. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Willow Creek Church Huntley. Everyone is encouraged to share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.defiorefuneral.com
Leroy was born October 25, 1938, the son of Herman and Emma Deering. In 1957, he married Suzanne. They were married for over 61 years. They lived in Palatine and had more recently moved to Huntley. He worked as the Grounds Superintendent at Inverness Country Club and founded his own company Leroy’s Lawn in the early 1960’s. He enjoyed working in the business with his sons until his last days. He had a love for music and was inducted into the Concertina Hall of Fame. He played his concertina from a young age for family, friends, local churches and as part of a church nursing home ministry. Some would say he always had a smile ready and a song in his heart. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. He loved Jesus and has found his final rest in heaven.
He is survived by his wife, Susie, his children, Bob (Cyndi) Deering, Connie (Terry) Palmberg and Rick (Courtney) Deering, by his grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda), Tim, Christopher, Brett (Hannah) and Trent (Lindsey) and by his 3 great granddaughters, Nora Grace, Ruby Grace and Alice. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn (John) Nielsen and sister-in-law, Sandy Deering (Melvin).
Leroy was preceded in death by his brothers, Louie, Melvin and Edward (Ruth).
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772.
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On behalf of the World Concertina Congress I would like to express our most sincere condolences to the family of Leroy Deering. Leroy was a member of the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame Class of 2001. When I think of Leroy, the song Here I am Again comes to mind which he played with so much feeling. We will miss him.
I was so sad to read about Leroy's passing. He played for Polka Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church for many, many years, and it was always a delight to hear his music and know how much he loved providing it. It was always a joy when he'd bring his "roadies" with him. Prayers of peace and comfort for you and your family, Susie, as you grieve this great loss. I'm grateful he's in God's arms.
It is is with sincerest sympathy that we wish to extend our condolences to Susie and the entire Deering family. The picture in the obituary is how I will always remember him. He was such a talented musician, so easy and pleasing to listen to, a blessing to all he touched with his music. Beth and I along w the rest of the "Schaumburg gang " will miss him at our breakfast gatherings.
Hail to the Chief! I will miss him and his music!
Our sympathies to Sue & family. His music & memories will always be in our hearts.
Leroy brought so much joy to the residents of the nursing homes and as well as to those who served beside him. I will miss him! Praying for peace and comfort for Susie and all his family.
Sorry hear of Lee's passing. He had a wonderful life with family and friends. Will always remember his smile and music.
We were lucky to have a talented, caring, thoughtful, and willing to participate cousin in LeRoy. His love for the concertina and always having it handy to play for any occasion. My Mom and Dad; Uncle George and Aunt Virginia were married for nearly 74 years, they met at a dance and fell in love on the dance floor. From that time on they went to many dances with friends and siblings. When LeRoy was maybe 12 years old, His Dad, brothers and Lee would play music in the house and the Aunts and Uncles would dance. From that time on I can remember Lee playing at every milestone Anniversary of my folks. And it was beautiful. After years went along he started a hymn ministry with his concertina. He brought his music to nursing homes and it was beautiful. He brought his music to visitations of loved ones, and it was beautiful. He loved his family and loved his wife, Susie. It was beautiful to see. When I called Lee and Susie to tell them my Mom, Aunt Virginia passed in March, Lee reminded me that she was his baptismal sponsor, and she always remembered him at his birthdays and other occasions, and even had the Afghan she crocheted for him. And I know she prayed for him. I only heard him say good about everyone. The Love of Jesus has been shown through and through. I don’t know if he can play a harp or trumpet, but I am sure he will find Uncle George and Aunt Ginny and they will be dancing to Lee’s music. We will miss you Lee.
Sorry to hear of Leroy passing, I always enjoyed talking to him and really liked listening to him play his concertina. My deepest sympathy
I am truly sorry for your family's loss. I read about Leroy in the newspaper. I know we have lost touch since my father, Leroy and mother Shirley Reuter passed away. My father and Leroy really hit it off and became such good friends through their love of music, and the concertina playing especially. My father really enjoyed working with him as well. My mother Shirley also always spoke so highly of Susie and Leroy alike. My sincere condolences, Mary Kay Martino Daughter of Leroy and Shirley Reuter