Mr. Harry K. Childers, Jr., 91, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, formerly of Galesburg, passed peacefully April 4th, 2017 after a long and courageous battel with Alzheimer’s. He was surrounded by family. The family will always be grateful to Methodist Hospital for the tender care Harry received.
He was born April 22, 1925 in Galesburg, Illinois to Harry K. and Helen Wright Childers, Sr. He married Charlotte Ilene Shriber September 27, 1946 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death September 2, 2006.
Surviving is a son, Terry (and Colleen) Childers of St. Louis Park, Minnesota and two daughters, Cheryl (and Jim) Tweed of Dixon, Iowa and Carol Childers of Wilmington North Carolina. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Jennifer Childers, Jason Brown (and Amanda), Denver Tweed (and Dolly), Dustin Tweed (fiancé Kisa) and Chelsea Fickling. Great grandchildren, Emma Tweed, Braxton Tweed, and Nina Tweed. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Richard, Ronald, and Ted Childers.
Harry dedicated himself to the United States Marines and was a WWII war veteran. He served in the Asiatic Pacific as a Field Artillery Director. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1943. Then he worked for John Deere in East Moline, Illinois for over 30 years. He was a member of The Boys Club and supported their cause for years. Harry was proud to be a long term member of Bills Club and The Good Shepherd.
Harry loved cars, cookies and chocolate. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and formerly owned the BSA dealership in Galesburg. There wasn’t anything Harry couldn’t fix: he did for himself, family and anyone that needed something brought back to life He was a man that was always there to help people, looking in on neighbors, giving people rides.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. James Ecklund will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg, Illinois with military rites by the VFW 2257/ American Legion 285 Honor Guard. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Association. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
