PEKIN ~ Harry W. Wickert, 85 of Pekin, passed away at 9:10 a.m. Saturday, August 11, 2012 in the emergency room at Pekin Hospital.

Born February 11, 1927 in Peoria to Harry A. and Mildred (Yess) Wickert, he married Lois May Ritchie on October 20, 1956 in Pekin.  She preceded him in death on Febuary 5, 2007 in Pekin.

Surviving are one daughter, Teri Wickert of St. Charles; one son, Scott Wickert of Normal; one brother, Jerry (JoAnn) Wickert and one sister, Mary Stafford, both of Peoria.

He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Harry served in the United States Navy during WWII from January, 1945 until July, 1946.

Harry was a truck driver for the Peoria Journal Star from 1956 until 1978.  He then worked for Central Illinois Dock for nine years before retiring in 1992.

He was a member of the Pekin Moose Family Center #916 since 1972.

Harry enjoyed doing yard work and being outside and going to the park to watch softball games.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.  The Rev. Gary Ford will officiate.  Cremation will be accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made American Diabetes Association, 2850 Federal Drive, Suite 403, Decatur, IL 62526 or to Mooseheart Child City and School, Mooseheart, IL 60539.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com