Leonard Blick Obituary

Leonard C. Blick

July 24, 1931 - July 4, 2025

Leonard C. Blick, 93, of Sherrard, Ill., passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Charter Senior Living Memory Care of Moline. A service will be held on a future date. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

Leonard was born on July 24, 1931, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Martin C. and Mabel E. Carlson Blick. He lived in the Woodhull, Alpha, and Swedona areas prior to graduating from Sherrard High School in 1949. He then married Jean Lyle in Seaton, Ill., on June 10, 1951. He farmed with his father on the family farm in Swedona. In 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served until his honorable discharge in 1954. During his service, he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Their two daughters were born during this service.

He and Jean returned to farming in Swedona before he joined the staff at Farmers State Bank of Sherrard in 1954. He served as assistant cashier, cashier, and executive vice-president before resigning his position in 1983. He then served as vice-president of Reynolds State Bank until his retirement in 1994. He also served on the board of directors of SVEA Mutual Insurance, Orion, Ill. from 1977 until 2023. The last 27 years he served as President.

He was very devoted to his church, his community, the Sherrard School District, as well as his family. He was a lifetime member of the Swedona Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities including the formation of the Edwards River Ministry which served four Lutheran churches in the area as well as being church treasurer for 33 years. He was instrumental in the formation of the Sherrard Little League and coached for many years. He was also a charter member and officer of the former Sherard Lions Club. He served as treasurer and as a board member of the Sherrard Community School District. He and Jean were most devoted to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It would be almost impossible to count the number of sporting events, graduations, and musical performances they attended. Sometimes they were spotted in the bleachers or on their lawn chairs watching events that they did not even know the participants.

Their greatest times were spent at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. They started vacationing there along with many friends and relatives enjoying boating and golfing. Over time they purchased their own vacation home and always had a boat to enjoy the lake. This afforded his family the opportunity to enjoy the lake life too. Being out on their boat was definitely their happy place.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 74 years, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These include Vickie and Clint Gingerich, Trace, Emma, Emery, June, Grant and Rosemary; Lori and Steve Christensen, Dallon, Stephanie, Garrett, Thomas, Zack, Geeta, Rhett, Shaan, Britt, Mike, Taylor, Jordan, Meg, Reagan, Collins, and Hayes; Bradley and Debra Shallman Blick, Aaron and Ethan. Quite a crew for two people who fell in love 74 years ago.

Memorials may be made in his name to Swedona Lutheran Church 1493 Knoxville Rd, Lynn Center IL 61262 or to Sherrard Area Veterans Memorial, PO Box 84 Sherrard, IL 61281.

Online condolences: www.wheelanpressly.com.