Neal Wick

NEAL WICK STERLING - Neal Wick, 88, of Sterling, died Saturday, June 1, 2013 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. He retired after 30 years with the Northern IL Water Company as a meter reader for both Sterling and Rock Falls. Neal was born January 9, 1925 in Sterling, the son of Hally and Margaret (Wolf)Wick. He managed basketball teams for 30 years. He started managing sports in high school. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he organized the independent basketball league at the local YMCA. In 1955, his team won the YMCA State Tournament at Evanston. The last five years he coached the Dillon Oilers basketball team. In 1985, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. He was one the organizers of Sterling Little League and Babe Ruth (now Senior Little League). He umpired for these leagues in Sterling and Rock Falls for 30 years. He was elected to the Sterling Park Board in 1965 and served 20 years, including as President. He was a life time member of the Moose Lodge #726 in Sterling and a member of the American Legion Post #296 in Sterling. He was a loyal Duke Basketball fan. He is survived by four nieces, Christine Ryan of Lyndon, IL, Debbie (Norm) Lubbs of Raleigh, NC, Sandy (Mike) Fenton of Sterling; and Diana Percycoe of FL; one nephew, Dr. Lawrence (Sheri) Wick of Chicago; several great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers, Maurice, Robert, and Wayne; two sisters, Beverly Breed and Patricia Ritzman; and great-nephew Zane Ryan. Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, with Dr. Lawrence Wick, nephew, officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:00PM, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at the Funeral Home. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery following funeral services. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Sterling Youth Baseball P.O. Box 305 Sterling, and the Sterling Park District 211 East St. Marys Rd. Sterling. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.