Cora Lee Casteel, 81, of Illiopolis, IL passed away at home on Wednesday October 21, 2026. Cora was born in Niantic, on April 28, 1945 the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy Shartzer. She married Don (Jared) Casteel on September 29, 1973.

Cora was a lifelong resident of the Illiopolis area and everyone knew her. She was passionate about her Illiopolis community, especially the kids. Cora ran an in-home Daycare in Illiopolis for more than 30 years. During this time, she touched many lives.

She also liked fast cars, working in her yard, and reading Amish and Mystery books on her front porch.

Cora loved her family and especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents; daughter, Jan; brothers Bud and Darrel; and daughter in law, Terri Casteel.

Cora is survived by her children, Jerry (Robin) Casteel, Jeff Casteel, Jeanna Casteel, Don Casteel; sisters, Sue Ballinger and Marg Norris; brother, Rick Shartzer; grandchildren, Keri (James) Kemp, Chris Rucker, Joe (Nicole) Hunsley, Amy Hunsley, Chase Casteel, Kaiden Damery, Korey Damery, Kynzie Damery, and Wyatt Lovelace; great grandchildren, Ruth Gibbon, Abie Hunsley, Nathon Hunsley, Silas Manners, Mavis Rucker, Jack Rucker, Taylena Kemp, and Ember Kemp; and great great grandchildren, Cerenity and Freya; plus several bonus grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday October 27, 2026 at Fullenwider Park Funeral Home, 432 7th Street, Illiopolis, IL 62539 from 4:00pm till 6:00pm. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday October 28 at the funeral home at 11:00am.

Cora will be laid to rest at Riverside cemetery outside of Illiopolis.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Illiopolis/ Niantic Public Library

website: https://www.illiopolisniantic.lib.il.us/

Park Funeral Homes of Illiopolis, Illinois is in charge of arrangements

Website: www.parkfuneralhomesinc.com