Henry Lee Burch

MANITO~ Henry (Hank) L. Burch, 86, of Manito, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026 at 6:16 p.m. at his home. He was born on March 11, 1940, in Pekin to William and Sedona Burch. Henry attended Pekin High School and graduated in 1958. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for six years, including time spent in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as an Air Policeman.

Henry married Judy Lasley, and together they had four sons: Jerry, Terry (Naomi), Ed, and Matt. In 1980, he married Linda (Schmitgall) Long, and through their union, their family grew to 6 children, adding step-daughters Shannon (Brian) Cox and Tobi (Mark) Sondag.

Henry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and took great pride in his family. He has a legacy of many grandchildren, Michelle Havens, Hannah Burch, Melody Burch, Wesley Green, Whitney (Dylan) Hurst, Nathan (Khylee) Sondag, Matthew Sondag and Alyssa Sondag. He also had 2 step-granddaughters, Bobbie Cox and Brittany (Karl) Eson.

He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, including Paxton, Addison and Bennett Hurst, Kyren and Milo Sondag, Mason, Blake, and Jaxon Youngren, Avery Barnes, and step great-grandchildren Rachel Darling, Jeremy Darling, Theo Eson and Oliver Eson. He also leaves behind a great-great-granddaughter Rosalie Youngren.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Tom, Lucille, Stella, Bill, and Art.

Henry had a strong work ethic from a young age, working at local gas stations and doing various jobs throughout high school. He later worked at Lee Tosi’s car lot before joining the Air Force. After his service, he was employed at Caterpillar in East Peoria and eventually at Pekin Hardwood, where he worked as a foreman and kiln operator until his retirement in 2000.

Henry will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his hardworking nature, and the pride he took in the life he built. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories that will live on in all who knew him.

Private military rites will be held at Prairie Haven Cemetery on May 29th to honor Henry’s service to his country with a private burial being planned at a later date. Cremation has been accorded to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in Henry’s honor to the Milo Sondag Fund to help cover medical expenses for his grandson as he meant the world to him. Payments can be sent to 300 N Harrison St. Manito, IL 61546.