Obituary of John Terry Lich

John Terry Lich, 72, of Dixon, Ill., died of complications relating to cancer treatment on March 24, 2016, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He was born January 3, 1944, in St. Louis, the son of Vernon E. and Lucille S. (Kleinberg) Lich. After graduating from Hazelwood High School in St. Louis, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers, having achieved the rank of captain. He married Kathryn (Kate) Killian on August 16, 1986, in Dixon, Ill. He started working at Raynor Garage Doors in 1981 as a Territory Sales Manager. He later held several management positions at Raynor, including Regional Manager, Director of National Accounts and Sales Manager, in charge of Raynor’s sales staff throughout the country. In 1998, he became Director of Distributor Development and later served as Business Development Manager until his retirement in 2012. In his 31 year career at Raynor, he built many enduring friendships with his co-workers and was known by hundreds of door dealers nationwide, who appreciated Terry for his friendly way and his expertise with training and business plans. Terry was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Dixon and was honored as the club’s 2015 Kiwanian of the Year. He enjoyed helping friends and neighbors with projects of all kinds including mowing grass, gardening, and detailing cars. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Kate of Dixon; children, Anne (Van) Ward of Kennewick, Wash., Chad (Tracy) Lich of Grover, Mo., and Michael (Ji Sun Lee) Lich of Tucson, Ariz.; sisters, Mary Ann Mathews of St. Louis, Trudy (Ken) Panhorst of St. Charles, Mo., Sandra (Rocky) Ballard of Jacksonville, Ill.; sisters-in-law Rosalyn McKnight of Glendale, Mo., Susan (Don) Loos of Minocqua, Wi., and brother-in-law William (Deb) Killian II of Dixon; grandchildren, Jazmine Renee Lich, Garrett Michael Lich, and Cameron Rae Lich; mother-in-law, Caroline Killian of Dixon; former spouse, Carla F. Lich of Pasco, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, William Killian of Dixon. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements are being handled by Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, Ill. A private graveside service for family with military rites will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2016 with the Reverend Gary Rueter of Stafford, Va. officiating. Following the private ceremony, all friends are welcome to join in a celebration of his life at Timber Creek Country Club, 729 Timber Creek Road, Dixon. The gathering will begin with a prayer and remembrance service at 1:00 p.m. followed by an Open House until 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Kiwanis Club of Dixon.