LaVern "Moe" Moliske Obituary (1935 - 2020)

LaVern "Moe" Moliske, 85 of Taylorville, passed away at 4:05am on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Life's Journey Senior Living in Taylorville. He was born on September 18, 1935 in Tovey, the son of Walter and Evonne (Deckens) Moliske. Moe graduated from Kincaid High School and married his high school sweetheart, Gayla Wilson on June 29, 1957 in Kincaid. He served his country as part of the Illinois Army National Guard. He retired in 1995 after a long coal-mining career at mines in Farmersville and Coffeen. In his retirement years, he started "Moe and Mick's Detail" with his son. Moe loved the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting, fishing, and gardening. Moe and Gayla enjoyed 20 years of wintering in Florida. He enjoyed his many mornings spent at McDonald's with his coffee group. Moe had an artistic gift, he enjoyed wood carving and creating watercolor paintings of landscapes, wildlife, and lighthouses. More than anything, he was devoted to his family. He will always be remembered as the solid rock of his family. The values he instilled in his children and grandchildren made them what they are today. LaVern is survived by his wife: Gayla Moliske; children: Julie Mayer (Mike), Cathy Craggs (Tad), and Mick Moliske (Lori) all of Taylorville; grandchildren: Sean Moliske, Jason Mayer (Deanna), Maxx Craggs (Emily), Tiffany Moliske, Jenni Mayer, and Caitlin Walker (Clay); great grandchildren: Iris Craggs and Kenton Mayer; and sister-in-law: Pam Lanzotti (Frank). He was preceded in death by his parents. Moe will be cremated, and due to the pandemic, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials in his honor may be left to St. Mary's School or the Taylorville Food Pantry. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.