Harry H. Gerecke Sr., 98, of Meredosia, IL, died Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. He was born Nov. 2, 1922, in Kampsville, the son of Charles and Wilhelmina Schumann Gerecke. He married Margaret June Oettle on June 21, 1943, in Bowling Green, MO, and she preceded him in death on Mar. 9, 2017. He is survived by three sons, Harry Gerecke Jr. of Vashon WA, John (Sharon) Gerecke of Meredosia, and Steven (Kathy) Gerecke of Liberty; eight grandchildren, Travis Gerecke of Meredosia, Adam Gerecke (fiance Samantha Chapman) of Jacksonville, Rebecca Gerecke (fianc Grant Wilson) of West Des Moines, IA, Brianne (Matt) Sealock of Pittsfield, Andrew Gerecke (fiance Katie Zeeck) of Camp Point, Rachel Gerecke of Pittsfield, and John Devlin and Lori Devlin, both of Jacksonville; seven great grandchildren; and one brother, Norman Gerecke of Quincy. He was preceded in death by one son, Richard Wayne "Dick" Gerecke (surviving wife Pat of Jacksonville); a daughter-in-law, LeAnna Nocita-Lyons Gerecke; one grandson, Logan Jared Gerecke; and three sisters and two brothers, Irene Rodgers, Eva Rosa, Roy Gerecke, Helen Oettle, and Marvin "Bud" Gerecke. Mr. Gerecke was a career member of the military. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War, and also served during the Vietnam War. During World War II he helped liberate Nazi Concentration Camps. After his retirement, he bought the Phillips 66 Service Station in Meredosia. Harry enjoyed raising cows, chickens and hogs, and farming as a hobby. He especially enjoyed traveling with Margaret, and spending time with his family. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 16, 2021, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia, with burial at Oakland Cemetery. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Meredosia Rescue Squad or to a veterans organization of the donors choice. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. .