Joshua Wertz

Joshua P. Wertz, 38, of Pekin, IL passed away at 12:32 PM Monday, February 15, 2016 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Josh was born on October 7, 1977 to William and Lisa (Smith) Wertz. Preceding in death are his maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother. Surviving are: his mother and stepfather, Lisa (Rich) Sharp of Mackinaw, IL; father and step mother, William (Robyn) Wertz of Pekin; maternal grandmother, Patricia Smith of Pekin; paternal grandfather, Wilford Wertz of Pekin; one brother, Jake Wertz of Joliet, IL; two sisters, Kara (Joe) Smith of Pekin and Shelby (Eric) Wagemann of Pekin; God daughter, Ava Wagemann of Pekin; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; his two companions and guide dogs, Ace (retired) and Mandi. Josh was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as a altar server for many years. He loved to play the bass and electric guitars and was an avid Cubs and Vikings fan. He was very family oriented and was an inspiration to many people and loved by all. Josh attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from PCHS in 1995. Even though he lost his sight and hearing at a young age he forged ahead and received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Illinois State University and a master's degree in Counseling from University of Illinois at Springfield. He was a very independent person. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Michael Andrejek officiating. A Rosary service will be held at 4:30 PM Friday February 19 followed by visitation from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. Memorial contributions may be made to Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. 371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787. Cemetery St. Joseph Cemetery Pekin,IL 61554 Rosary Service Friday, February 19, 2016 4:30 PM delete Pekin,IL 61554 Service Saturday, February 20, 2016 1:00 PM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Friday, February 19, 2016 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554