Cary Lee Leerkamp, 81, passed away peacefully at home in rural Sidney surrounded by family on December 19th, 2025.
He was born on June 23rd, 1944, on his father’s birthday. His parents were Clifford and Dorothy (Myers) Leerkamp. They preceded him in death. He graduated from ABL High School in 1962 and worked for many years as a farmer.
He married Pamela Ward, on August 31st, 1968, and she was the love of his life. Cary was a loving father to children Melissa (Paul) Henrikson and Justin (Heidi) Leerkamp. He was a proud grandpa to Eleanor and Johanna Leerkamp and Tyler Henrikson. His family survives.
He is also survived by his sister, Glenda (Mike) Mooney and sister-in-law Sally (Morgan) Kousser and brother-in-law Steve (MaryAnn) Ward, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Farming was more than a job for Cary, it was his passion and a legacy passed down to him from his father and grandfather. He loved talking shop with other farmers. In his younger years, he enjoyed tractor pulling, and he had a lifelong interest in tractors and farm equipment. He also was a big fan of Illini basketball and never missed a game.
Cary was actively involved in his community. He was a member of Longview United Methodist Church and later the United Community Church of Broadlands. He was a member of the Longview Volunteer Fire Department and Longview Lions Club, as well as serving as a trustee for Raymond Township for many years. Cary also served in the Illinois National Guard.
Cary was always willing to help out anyone in need. He enjoyed hard work and had a knack for figuring out how to fix things. He built shops and helped build houses, he fixed up cars and tractors, and he came to the rescue many times for his family and friends by fixing things that had gone wrong. He was reserved, but loved people, and always greeted his friends with a big smile, even until his final days.
A visitation will be held at Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove on Friday, December 26th from 4:00-7:00pm. The funeral service will take place at the United Community Church of Broadlands on Saturday, December 27th at 11am with lunch following in the fellowship hall.
Donations may be made to United Community Church of Broadlands, the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org), or the Longview Volunteer Fire Department.
Cary’s kind and generous spirit and big smile will be greatly missed.
https://www.joinesfuneralhome.com/obituary/Cary-Leerkamp
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