Harold L. Weghorst

Harold Lee Weghorst, 90, formerly of Tremont and Manito, passed away at 4:10 pm, Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Hopedale Medical Complex in Hopedale. He was born July 6, 1921 in Tazewell County, IL to Louis and Marietta (Lohnes) Weghorst.He married Ruth I. Reuling on July 4, 1940 in Pekin, she passed away May 1, 2002 He is survived by, one son, Fred (Gail Laws) Weghorst of Metamora; one daughter, Judy (Vincent) Barger of Port St. Lucie, FL; five grandchildren, Amber Rives and Crystal Rives, both of Port St. Lucie, FL, Brett Weghorst and Valerie Weghorst, both of Tremont and Kim (Matt) Blackburn of Pekin; special companion LaVerne Koch of Manito. He was preceded in death by his wife, one son, Larry Lee Weghorst, one brother and one sister. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II.He attended Machinist's School at Great lakes, later to serve as Chief Fireman in the Engine Room on the LST during his tour of the islands off of Hawaii. He farmed and worked at Standard Brands in Pekin when returning home from serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.He later graduated from Caterpillar's four year apprentice program for machinist, later to become a specialist in oil fittings in the Engineering Department at Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria where he later retired in 1978, after working there for 30 years. After retiring he went to work for a short time selling automobiles for Fort and Shock in Pekin.He then moved to Dillon where he repaired and reconditioned Cub Cadets and John Deere riding lawn mowers. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Delavan.He was the Grand Knight of Archbishop Schlarman Council for the K of C in Pekin. He held two terms residing as president and secretary on the Board of Education in Tremont. He was President of the Woodrow Cemetery Association in rural Pekin. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday May 12, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.Monsignor Nolan will officiate.Visitation will be held 10:30 am - 12:00 pm prior to service at church.Burial will be in Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin. Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin is assisting Harold's family with arrangements. Memorial may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church 303 S. 7th St., Pekin, IL 61554 or Alzheimer's Association Central IL Chapter 606 W. Glen Peoria, IL 61614 To leave an online condolence for Harold's family please visit www.hendersonfuneralcare.com Cemetery Woodrow Cemetery Rural Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Saturday, May 12, 2012 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Service Saturday, May 12, 2012 12:00 PM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554