BYRON — Henry “Hank” R. Ebert III, 62, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. He was born on December 23, 1961, in Woodstock, IL, the son of Henry R. Ebert & Barbara Allen. Hank graduated Byron High School in 1980 and began his life in the agricultural world. He married the love of his life, Penny Snapp, at All Saints Lutheran Church of Byron, IL, on August 7, 1993. He owned and operated a dairy farm near Leaf River for much of his life before moving into Byron and working for Stillman Valley Transportation as a bus driver. He loved the students that he would drive. He was a very happy and social person which led him to being very active in his community. He merged his love of farming and community involvement by being active in many organizations. He was President of the Byron FFA Alumni, he was on the Byron Township board, Dairy Herd Improvement Association board, JC’s member, and the Leaf River Grange. Hank’s first and fore most thought in life, however, was his family, and to Hank family extended to everyone. His friends and neighbors alike were family to him.
He is preceded in death by his father Henry, step-mother Eileen, mother Barbara, and sister Shelly Williams.
He is survived and missed dearly by his loving wife Penny of Byron, IL; son Steve (Kate) Katra of Ogles Ville, IN; nephew Charles Williams of Rockton, IL; nephew Jon (Deb) Williams of Rockford, IL; and granddaughters Evie & Emily.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024, between the hours of 11:00am and 1:00pm at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Byron, IL. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Brad Pittman beginning immediately following the visitation at 1:00pm at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Byron. Hank will be laid to rest near his parents in Byron Township Cemetery of Byron, IL. Memorial donations are established in his name and may be directed to his family. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree in his honor please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com
