Longtime Knoxville Farmer Kevin E. Terpening Dies at 75

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Kevin E. Terpening, a 75-year-old lifelong farmer from rural Knoxville, Illinois, passed away on February 23, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Terpening is survived by his wife, two sons, and a grandson, as well as his brother. He was involved in numerous local agricultural organizations over the years, including the Kirkwood Masonic Lodge, Warren and Knox Counties 4-H, Kirkwood FFA, Knox County Farm Bureau, Spoon River Antique Agriculture Association, and Maple City Tractor Club.

Why it matters

Terpening's passing marks the end of an era for the rural Knoxville farming community, where he was a well-known and respected figure for his decades of involvement in local agricultural organizations and activities. His death highlights the changing landscape of small-town farming communities as older generations pass on.

The details

Terpening was born in Monmouth, Illinois in 1950 and was raised in rural Kirkwood. He married Nancy Engstrom in 1982 and the couple settled in rural Knoxville, where Terpening farmed for his entire life. In addition to farming, he also worked for many years at Nutrien Ag. Terpening was known for his involvement in a variety of local agricultural groups, serving on the Knox County Farm Bureau board and participating in the Spoon River Antique Agriculture Association and Maple City Tractor Club.

• Terpening passed away on February 23, 2026.
• Visitation will be held on March 2, 2026, with Masonic services at 7 p.m.
• Funeral services will be held on March 3, 2026 at 10 a.m.