Dulcie Louise Hinrichs

Dulcie Louise Hinrichs, 100, of Peoria, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Buehler Home in Peoria. She was born on January 8, 1924 in Peoria to Charles Looft and Dora “Ethel” (McQuown) Looft. Dulcie married Kenneth A. "Ken" Hinrichs on March 10, 1946 in Peoria. They were married for 67 years before he passed away on January 19, 2014 in Peoria.

Dulcie was also preceded in death by one niece, Connie Cavanagh, with whom she was very close.

She is survived by her two nephews, Rex (Lillian) Walden of Dunlap and Michael (Michael Payette) Walden of Sacramento; a nephew in-law, Roger Cavanagh of Peoria; a great-niece, Erin (Sharbel) Shanine of Peoria; and two great-nephews, Dennis (Kelly) Burton of Amarillo, Texas and Alex Walden of Dunlap.

Dulcie was a lifelong Peorian. She graduated from Loucks Grade School, Columbia Junior High, Peoria High School, and Bradley University. Dulcie then worked at Caterpillar in the metallurgy lab. Later, she went into teaching and taught 7th grade at Monroe School and 2nd grade at Bartonville School.

She was a member of Mt. Hawley Country Club, Chicago Cub Boosters of Central Illinois, Willow Knolls Country Club, Methodist Hospital Service League, Proctor Hospital Service League, Peoria Woman’s 9 Hole Golf League, Bradley University Braves Club, Newcomers Alumni and Friends, and several smaller bridge groups.

Dulcie was a devoted wife to her husband, Ken, who was a beloved football coach at Manual, and the Peoria County Regional Superintendent of Schools for many years. Dulcie and Ken were a great team and touched the lives of many in their community.

Dulcie loved animals, especially dogs. She had several German Shepherds over the years, that she adored. Her other hobbies included attending Bradley basketball games, watching sporting events on TV, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and going out to eat. In her last few years, she enjoyed living at Buehler Home and playing bridge with her friends.

Dulcie was known by everyone around her as an extremely sweet and charismatic woman with unwavering class and poise. Even at the age of 100, she always amazed those around her with her thoughtfulness, strength, and intelligence. She was truly a remarkable woman.

A private burial will be held at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to the First English Lutheran Church in Peoria.

Online condolences may be shared with Dulcie's family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.