Joseph F. Probst (91) of Island Grove

Joseph F. Probst, 91 of Island Grove, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Island Grove, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorial donations may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. To view online click here.

Joseph was born at home in Island Grove on September 30, 1929 to Joseph Sr. and Theresia (Luchtefeld) Probst.  Joseph married Bernice (Donsbach) on Feb. 10, 1954 and was married for 42 years until Bernice passed away on March 24, 1996. He married Inis (Meyer Kistner) on June 26, 1999, she survives him.  

Joe graduated from Newton Community High School in 1947, was a lifelong member of St. Isidore Parish at St. Joseph Church in Island Grove and a member of the Knights of Columbus #665 in Effingham. 

Joe began a dairy and grain farm in Island Grove with 11 cows and increased the herd to 380 cows with his family.  Joe had served as a director on the Prairie Farms Board for 43 years, and a director of the following boards; the American Dairy Association, El Paso Illinois of Midwest Dairy, the St. Louis District Dairy Council, Prairie State Select Sires Breeding Corporation, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and the Health Improvement Association. Joe also received the 2012 Illinois Stewardship Farm Family of the Year award at the Illinois State Fair Agriculture Day.  He also received the Dairy Industry Service Award from the Illinois Milk Producers’ Association. Joe was an avid gardener and fruit grower where his children and grandchildren shared in picking the produce. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and going to dances with family and friends.   

Joe is survived by his children Diann (Ralph) Ruholl of rural Teutopolis, the late Mark (Patty) Probst of rural Dieterich , Alan (Lavonne) Probst of Wheeler, Kevin “Moose” Probst of Effingham, Kent (Julie) Probst of Wheeler, Susan (Jerry) Vogt of Sigel, Gary (Lisa) Probst of Wheeler, Toby (Margie) Probst of Wheeler, Phillip (Angie) Probst of Wheeler, Steve Probst of Westlake, TX, Karen (Ted) Genders of Effingham, and Laurie (Dirk) Bohnhoff of Effingham, 39 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild on the way, and 6 step-children, 19 step-grandchildren, 9 step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

Joe was preceded in death by son Mark Probst, grandson Tony Probst, granddaughter Maria Ruholl,  brothers Ed (Clara) Probst, Bernard (Florence) Probst, and sisters Frieda (Fritz) Weishaar, Hilda Nieman, Marie (Bud) Bloemer, Alma Probst, Martha Probst, twin brother Frank Probst in infancy, and brother-in-law Louis (Barbie) Donsbach.