Larry M Wilhelm

Born February 4, 1948 to Clifford and Natalie (Vaughn) Wilhelm in Peoria, he married Sandra K.Schappaugh on September 24, 1995 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Michael Wilhelm of Canton, Jon Wilhelm of Morton, Chris (Vera Sue) Goolsby and Matt Goolsby, both of Pekin; two daughters, Joylynn (Brett) Chilton and Joy Ellen Goolsby, both of Pekin; six grandchildren, Trevor, Dale, Andrew, Michael, Adrianna and Madison; two great-grandchildren, Edward James and Nicky Wyatt; one brother, Tom (Bev) Wilhelm of Loveland, CO; one sister, Barb (Bob) Hofmann of Morton; three nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Ashley Mendenhall.

Larry worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 37 years as a customizing welder, retiring in 2002. He then began working for RPM Industries in 2003, last working Tuesday.

He was a past member of Empire Lodge 126, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Pekin and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter Z.

Larry enjoyed woodworking, welding and his Ford Mustang. He was family orientated, his grandkids and great-grandkids were his light.

He was a member of God and Country Independent Baptist Church in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Rev. Jim Dawson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to God and Country Independent Baptist Church, 10 White Pine Ln, P.O. Box 1084, Pekin, IL 61554.

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