Kenneth L. Bicksler - 88
5/10/1920 - 12/10/2008

Leaf River - Kenneth L. Bicksler, 88, of Leaf River went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, in Swedish-American Hospital, Rockford, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 10, 1920, in Freeport, the son of Archie and Orelda (Brandt) Bicksler. He married Lillian Unger on July 12, 1941, in Rochelle; she died Dec. 11, 1968. He married Leatrice Lynch on Jan. 2, 1970, in Lanark; she survives him. Ken was a farmer in the Leaf River and Forreston area, and a machinist at Barber-Colman in Rockford. He retired March 31, 1986. Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Pacific Theater in World War II. Member of Leaf River United Methodist Church; Jerry Wickam American Legion Post 1148, Leaf River; and the Leaf River Lions Club. Ken was voted Leaf River Citizen of the Year for his active community volunteerism. He loved yardwork, playing cards, traveling, hunting mushrooms and family gatherings where he could tease his grandchildren. Survived by his wife, Leatrice; daughters, Diane (J.T.) Wells and Cindy (Steve) Mongan, both of Mount Morris; sons, Merle (Sherrie) Bicksler of Leaf River, Gary (Nancy) Bicksler of Roscoe, Tom (Marilyn) Bicksler of Dakota, Dennis (Julie) Bicksler of Roanoke and Rick (Renee) Bicksler of Byron; 10 grandsons; six granddaughters; 21 great-grand-children; brothers, Russ (Betty) Bicksler of Freeport, Don (Betty) Bicksler of Mount Morris and Wayne (Donna) Bicksler of Mount Morris; and sisters, Lois Russell of Lena, Ethel Svanda of Byron and Dorothy (Tom) Mahon of Byron. Predeceased by parents; and first wife, Lillian. Service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in Leaf River United Methodist Church, Leaf River, with the Rev. Kent Svendsen, pastor, officiating. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mount Morris. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport. Memorials to the Leaf River Lions Club, Leaf River United Methodist Church or Leaf River Fire Department.

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