Richard Litz, Sr.

Born September 30, 1935 in South Pekin to George Albert and Ruth A. (Bohn) Litz, he married Nedra S. Wilkinson on September 13, 1954 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Richard (Cindy) Litz, Jr. of Marquette Heights and Randall Litz of Pekin; one daughter, Jeanne (Frank) Squire of Pekin; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, George (Gloria) Litz, Jr. of Manito; three sisters, Jean Fries and Virginia (Dale) Tripp, both of Pekin, and Susan Gebhart of Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Ruth Lohmann), and one brother (Robert Litz).

Dick was a 1953 graduate of Pekin Community High School.

He served in the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard for 9 years.

Dick worked for the City of Pekin as a police officer for 30 ½ years, retiring November 11, 1988.  Following his retirement, he was a school bus driver for Hoyle Transportation on the Rankin School route.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #105 in Pekin and the Illinois Police Association.  He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin.

Dick enjoyed watching NASCAR racing.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  The Rev. Michael McLeod will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Dillon Cemetery in rural Tremont.  Police honors will be accorded by the Pekin Police Department Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Food Pantry, 921 Caroline Street, Pekin, IL 61554.