Emery 'Kirb' Kirby Jr., age 85 of Mendota passed away at 10:30am on Friday, January 10th, 2025 at Goldwater Care in Princeton, where he had been a resident for the past few years. He was born on August 8th, 1939 in Champaign, IL to Emery Kirby, Sr. and Beatrice Jane Strater.

In 1962, Emery married his high school sweetheart, Catherine McCollum, with the two recently celebrating 62 years of marriage. A long-time resident of Mendota since moving here in 1961 from Monticello, IL where Emery taught for 2 years before arriving to Mendota Public #289 to teach seventh grade science at Northbrook Elementary School for some 38 years. In addition to this, during the summer months he advocated for supplemental education through teaching migrant students at Holy Cross School. A man of faith, Emery was a long-standing member of the Mendota Bible Church.

Emery is survived by his wife, Catherine; their four sons (and their wives): Brent & Laurie Kirby of Hudson, IL; Matthew & Kelly Kirby of Sycamore, IL; Stuart & Maria Kirby of St. Augustine, FL; and Stephen Kirby of Winterset, IA. Emery was the proud grandfather of seven granddaughters: Hannah, Grace (Dustin), Lilly, Gabriela, Neva, Olivia and Cloe. Emery was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice (Schwartz, nee Strater) Nelson.

Mr. Kirby was a proud University of Illinois fan who enjoyed supporting and attending their football & basketball games. Emery knew no stranger and was friendly to all he came into contact with. He enjoyed his morning coffee out at Ziggie's or McDonald's where he would begin most days conversing with local farmers, neighbors and friends. Emery will be missed.

A celebration of life service for Emery will be announced and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family of Emery Kirby has asked that donations be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association or the Illinois Education Association (IEA).