Lynn Harold Wertz

He was born to Harold Eugene and Leah E. (Eberle) Wertz on April 24, 1958 in Peoria. His parents preceded him in death.

Surviving are his brother, Mark (Kris) Wertz of Pekin, and two nieces, Alissa and Lauren, and a wealth of wonderful cousins and close friends.

Lynn aspired to an architecture career as a freshman in Mr. Brian’s Drafting class at Pekin Community High School. While at PCHS, Lynn played football, basketball, and baseball. He was also an active member of student council, including serving as West Campus Vice President and later as Intercampus President. After high school graduation in 1976, he attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies, graduating in 1980. Lynn was a Registered Architect, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and an officer of the Peoria Section of AIA.

His architecture design projects included the Pekin Park District DragonLand Water Park and the concept drawing for the exterior of the first two floors of the Janssen Building in Downtown Peoria, including the distinctive two-story arched windows and the entryway pediment. Lynn completed numerous projects for industry, health care, education and government in Illinois and New Mexico. He served as Tazewell County’s architectural consultant in the 1990s which included remodeling projects in the historic courthouse. He retired from State Farm Insurance in 2017 after 25 years of service.

Lynn was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and treasured game days at Lambeau Field. He was an avid golfer and rock music lover; he also enjoyed watching Illini sports, playing cards, and betting on horses.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and a former student of its school.

A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the patio at DragonLand Water Park, 193 Red Bud Memorial Drive in Pekin. In the event of inclement weather the gathering will be held at the 4-H Shelter, also located within Mineral Springs Park. Casual attire is encouraged. Private graveside services will be held in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with Father Michael Andrejek officiating. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or to Pekin Park Foundation, 1701 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

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