John D. Wilcox

John D. Wilcox, 75, of New Berlin, died at 7:43 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. John Wilcox was born December 15, 1938 to Chas M. and Harriet Hatfield Wilcox. John was a graduate of New Berlin High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana. He served in the U.S. Army before returning to operate the family's centennial farm and devote himself to his family and community. He married Sara Lovekamp on August 3, 1968 and together they raised three children. Active in Central Illinois agricultural groups, he served as Treasurer & President of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau, Chairman of the Sangamon County Soil and Water District, Treasurer and President of Lincoln Land Farm Services; he also served as Supervisor of Curran Township for over twenty years. He was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where he served as Vice Chairman, elder and usher. John chose to spend his free time interacting with family and his dogs, traveling or engaging his passion for military history and the Fighting Illini. John is survived by his wife Sara; his children, Matt (Anne) Wilcox of Lafayette, Indiana, Jennifer Anne (Rich Hortberg) Wilcox and David (Carrie) Wilcox, both of Springfield, Illinois; granddaughters Caroline and Katherine Wilcox; step-grandchildren Ryon and Avery Hortberg; sister, Eleanor (Reg) Jokisch of The Plains, Ohio; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dog Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles (Chuck) Wilcox and Loren Wilcox; and canine companions Mandy, Lyndel, Max, Elsa & Millie. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to visitation. Visitation and Reception: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Fellowship Hall, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Rev. Daniel Eggold officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church and School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL 62704.