Wilfred T. “Rocky” McKee, 66 of Piper City passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at his home. He was born on August 2, 1957 in Fairbury a son of Wilfred “Bill” and Joyce (Grohler) McKee. Bill and Joyce started raising their family in Decatur and Springfield before moving back and settling in Piper City to farm.
In 1974, the Piper City and Roberts-Thawville school districts consolidated to become Ford Central. The inaugural senior class that year fatefully introduced Rocky to the love of his life, Catherine Rock. They were married in St. Peter’s Catholic Church without air conditioning on a sweltering and humid August 13, 1977. She survives him.
Rocky was incredibly proud of the family and life that he built with Cathy: his two surviving daughters - Natalie (David Cate) McKee of Bloomington; Barbara (Alexander) Radcliff of Bloomington; his surviving son, Watson (Kilie Tilley) McKee of Dwight; and his two grandchildren – Riley Cate and Oliver Radcliff. Also surviving is one sister, Dawn (Mike) Branz, their son Ryan (Jonna) Branz and their children, Jarrett and Kaely, all of Blair, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rocky worked in and around agriculture his entire life. On the farm, he raised cattle, hogs, wheat, corn and soybeans. For a time, he grew sweet corn for Stokley. In addition to farming with his father, he worked at Tri-Ag, Inc. through all of the ownership changes until the plant’s closure under Heritage FS. Rocky then worked for Lee Farms & Excavating, Inc. until his retirement. He also found great satisfaction in planning and managing an annual garden every year with Cathy at the farm.
Outside of work, Rocky offered his time and talent to the community as a member of the Piper City Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and Piper City Big Days planning and production. He also supported his children’s activities through the years as a 4-H volunteer, softball coach, and anything else his kids roped him into, even into their adulthood. Rocky enjoyed driving fast cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Summers were often spent with friends and family boating and/or camping at Clinton Lake, Lake Shelbyville, Shaffer Lake, Rend Lake, and Current River. As the kids grew up, Cathy and Rocky found more time to travel further to visit their kids where they were and enjoyed exploring Florida, Colorado, Montana, Mexico, and Norway.
Visitation will be on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Roberts Gym. Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception of Mary Catholic Church in Roberts on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10:00 am with Fr. Mike Powell officiating. Burial will be in Brenton Twp. Cemetery in Piper City at a later date. If you are unable to attend the services, the family asks that you raise a glass and toast Rocky’s memory as he and Cathy did for those that went before him.
Memorials may be made to Elliott Fire Department, Melvin Fire Department, Piper City Fire Department First Responders, or Timber Pointe Foundation.
Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
