Donald T. "Baldy" Fiedler Jr., 86, of Thomasboro entered heaven Wednesday evening (Feb. 19, 2025) at Brookstone Estates, Rantoul.

He was born Dec. 12, 1938, in Urbana, a son of Donald and Catherine (Conners) Fiedler.  He married Linda Age on Feb. 28, 1987, at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Thomasboro. She survives.

Also surviving are five sons, Pat (Christie) Fiedler of Rantoul, Terry Fiedler of Rantoul, David (Marci) Fiedler of Landen, Ohio, Michael (Jane) Fiedler of Oshkosh, Wis., and Jeffrey Fiedler of Rantoul; two stepsons, Ric (Katie) Sleigh of Olathe, Kan., and Dale (Debbie) Sleigh of Fisher; two brothers, Mike (Fran) Fiedler and John Fiedler; 15 grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one stepgreat-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by two brothers; a sister; a grandson, Devin Fiedler; and a granddaughter, McKenzie Vaughn.

Baldy was a 1956 graduate of Rantoul Township High School. He farmed in the area all his life as well as owning and operating Fiedler Trucking out of Thomasboro. He served in Army National Guard.

He loved deer hunting and, well, just being Baldy!

He was a lifelong member of St. Elizabeth's, where he served on the cemetery board, the  Holy Name Society and as server until recently.

Published by The News-Gazette on Feb. 22, 2025.