George Alfred Westrick, 95, of Taylorville, IL died on Friday, August 23, at his residence.
He was born October 20, 1923 in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of Alfred and Lucille Wiegand Westrick. George met his future bride on May 17, 1942 and on April 3, 1948 he married Alice Cichon in St. Odilo’s Catholic Church in Berwyn, IL. Mr. Westrick was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville and served as both Trustee and member of the parish finance committee for over 40 years.
Mr. Westrick attended the University of Notre Dame and was a WW II veteran. He joined the Taylorville based Sangamon Company, which was founded by his father, in 1946.He served as CEO of Sangamon from 1961 until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure, Mr. Westrick expanded Sangamon operations to include manufacturing and distribution facilities in Illinois, California, Missouri, and Georgia. He remained very active supporting local community services and faith-based charities.
Surviving are Son: Tom Westrick and wife Carol of Effingham; Daughters: Dr. Mary Alice Westrick and husband Dr. Thomas Gonwa of Jacksonville, FL, and Barbara Westrick Appleton and husband Bob
Appleton of Taylorville. Grandchildren: Claire Gonwa of Denver CO,
Charlotte Gonwa of Philadelphia, PA, Matthew White and wife Christina of Logan, UT., Michael Westrick White and wife Joanna of Jacksonville, FL, Anne Ackerson and husband Brian of Yuma, AZ., Nicole Westrick of Hermosa Beach, CA, and Michelle Westrick of Bloomington, IL; Fourteen Great-Grandchildren; and Brother: Howard Westrick of Plainfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years on May 27,2013 and two brothers, Alfred and Robert Westrick.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, from 3:30pm –6:00pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 West Adams, Taylorville, IL. Mass will follow at 6:00pm. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Mariadas Chatla officiating. Private family burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville, IL.
Memorials may be made to: Memorial Medical Center Foundation: Attn: Hospice Sharing Wishes Fund, 701 N. 1st St., Springfield, IL 62781; Christian County Senior Citizens 701 W. Adams , Taylorville, IL 62568 or St. Mary’s Catholic School, P.O. Box 470, Taylorville, IL 62568
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of George, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
