Richard D. Schertz

Richard “Dick” D. Schertz, 76, of Delavan, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at his home.

He was born July 11, 1947 in Bloomington to Howard and Hazel Diegel Schertz.  He first married Joanne Heltsley.  He later married Kathleen Birky and she passed away November 15, 2018.

Surviving is one brother Denny Schertz of Washington; one sister, Rita Watts of Pekin;  two sons; Rick (Lisa) Schertz of Peoria and Bob Schertz of Wadsworth, Ohio; one daughter, Heather (Jay) Schertz of Delavan; two stepchildren, Missy Blanchett of Lincoln and Terry (Missy) Litwiller of Springfield, Ohio; and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Hazel Schertz; sisters, Mary Ann and Marilyn ”Jean”.

Dick graduated from Hopedale High School in 1965.  He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving from 1966 until 1972.  Once returning from service, Dick worked at Caterpillar for 40 years.  He also worked at Plaza Lanes in Washington as a mechanic until retiring in 2022.

Dick was an avid sports fan. He played baseball and basketball in high school.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed bowling, including a perfect game and a couple of 299 games.  He loved to mess with his family members and was a loyal friend to anyone who came to know him.

 A graveside service will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. There will be no visitation.  Military honors will be accorded by Delavan American Legion  and the United State Army. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome.  After the service, the family will host a reception at the American Legion Hall in Delavan.  They ask that you bring a side dish to share.  Meat will be provided.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials can be made to the Delavan American Legion Post 362 in Delavan

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