Leo Dale Tielkemeier

Leo Dale Tielkemeier, 88, of Freeport, passed away, Friday, October 14, 2016 at Manor Court in Freeport. Leo was born February 29, 1928 in Stephenson County, son of Alfred and Ada (Pfeil) Tielkemeier and step-son of Chester Bouray. He was always proud of being a Leap Year baby, having turned 22 years old this year. He married Gladys TerHark on December 10, 1950 in Rock City. Gladys preceded him in death on July 2, 2004. Leo was a long-time dairy farmer in the Rock City area, owning a herd of high producing Holsteins. He was one who appreciated a healthy environment. In 1974, Leo and Gladys retired from farming, moved to Freeport and Leo began his second career at Stephenson Service Company, where he had a gas and fuel delivery route until his retirement in 1993. Leo was very much a family man. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. After retiring, he was able to spend more time with his family and friends and enjoyed doing volunteer work, especially for Trinity United Methodist Church where he was a member. Survivors include a daughter, Peggy Afflerbaugh, Mt. Morris; sons-in-law, Jack Herrmann, Freeport, Grant Afflerbaugh, Oregon; four grandchildren, Anne Herrmann (Charles Milbert), Chicago, Kate Herrmann (Steve Mocco), Coconut Creek, FL, Matt (Shayla) Afflerbaugh, Taylor Ridge, Emily (Matt) Grugel, Stillman Valley; nine great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Niklaus Milbert, Michael, Peter, Mary and Anna Mocco, Avigale Afflerbaugh, Austin and Benson Grugel; special companion, Janice Hammond; brothers, Francis (Doris) Tielkemeier, Rock City, Darrell Tielkemeier, Davis; sisters, Neva Wilson, Rockford, Sharon (Carl) Wise, Bonne Terra, MO; brother-in-law Maurice TerHark, Rockford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, his daughter, Wanda Herrmann, parents, step-father, and twelve brother and sister in-laws. Visitation will be held at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport on Monday, October 17th from 4 - 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on, Tuesday, October 18th at Trinity United Methodist Church in Freeport with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Trinity United Methodist Church.