If you ever met Lisa Kemerling, you already know. You can still hear the laugh. You can still see the smile. That's the kind of person she was — the kind you don't forget.

Lisa, age 70, of Neponset, IL passed away on May 15, 2026, at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL, following a tragic medical emergency. She was born July 22, 1955, in Kewanee, IL to John (Jack) and Shirley (Stabler) Pickering.

She married Mark Kemerling on May 24, 1975, and they built nearly 51 years of great life together. She attended Patricia Stevens College in Milwaukee and went on to do window retail design at Gerwigs and Black's True Value, worked as a teller at Neponset Bank for over 15 years, and later served as an assistant librarian at Neponset Library. She also owned BoardedUP, a barn board painting business she absolutely adored. She served as School Board President and was a member of the Neponset Village Board for years.

She was endlessly proud of her kids — both small business owners, both people she raised to show up and work hard. She was looking forward to traveling with her adult kids this summer. The trips were planned. She was ready.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Mark Kemerling of Neponset; her children, Janelle (Justin) Williams of Oswego, IL and Derek (Melissa) Kemerling of Neponset, IL; her grandson, Asher Kemerling; her brother, Gregg (Kim) Pickering of Kewanee, IL; her sister, Pam (Ron) Currier of Belton, MO; and her many nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Shirley Pickering.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 27 at the Neponset Community Building.

Open house with sandwiches and snacks served from 11-3. The family hopes to see you there to honor Lisa's life.