Ricky L. Hazelbower

Ricky “Rick” Lee Hazelbower, 67, of Altona, died at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2021 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, following a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer. Rick was born November 7, 1953 in Savanna, IL. He was the son of Gerald F. and Dorothy L. (Jones) Hazelbower. He married Deborah K. Opsahl on July 24, 1976 in Savanna. He later married Debra K. Bainbridge on May 4, 2001 in Altona. Debra preceded Rick in death on July 26, 2014. Rick is survived by two sons, Ricky L. Hazelbower of LaCrosse, WI and Jordan F. Hazelbower of Altona, IL; one daughter, Carissa L. Gerke of LaCrescent, MN; a step-son, Todd (Shelley) Washburn; two step-daughters, Rachelle and Carrie Washburn; one brother, James H. Hazelbower of Lanark, IL; three sisters, Dolores G. Peterson of Circleville, OH, Judy A. (Edward) Allshouse of Circleville, OH, and Linda (Don) McCabe of Avon, IL, and one sister-in-law, Jan Hazelbower of McConnell, IL; 15 grandchildren, numerous step-grandchildren, 14 nieces and nephews, several great and great-great nieces and nephews and his best friend Rusty Parker.  Along with his parents and wife Debra, Rick was preceded in death by one brother, William D. Hazelbower; one niece, Cindy Hazelbower; one brother-in-law, Larry Peterson; and one sister-in-law, Eileen Hazelbower. Rick was the owner/operator of Rick’s Salvage of Altona. He not only loved spending time with family and friends, he also loved to hunt and fish and was always there to help people in need. Graveside Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Altona.  Because of Covid restrictions, there will be no visitation, but a Celebration of Life is tentatively planned for Saturday, the 29th of May.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.