Ivan Albert Harkey

Ivan A. Harkey, 90, of Aledo, died Friday, December 15, 2017 at his home.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan.  Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Per Ivan’s wishes, casual attire is requested.  Burial will be at Preemption Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.  Memorials may be made in care of the Sherrard Food Pantry or the Preemption United Methodist Church.

Ivan was born at home in Buffalo Prairie, Ill. on August 15, 1927, a son of Harry and Katie Mueller Harkey.  He was a Sherrard High School graduate.  Ivan married Freda Hall on September 6, 1947 in Rock Island.  She preceded him in death on April 28, 2009.

Ivan was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during WWII as a diesel mechanic.  He worked for Alcoa for 30 years, retiring in 1989.

Ivan was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 157 A.F. & A.M. in Preemption, Ill. for over 50 years.  He enjoyed treasure hunting and lapidary (stone work).  He was also known as Mr. fix it.

Survivors include his children (and spouses); Terry (Linda) Harkey, Sherrard, Dianne “Hope” (Dennis) Swinford, Aledo and Lynn (Mark) Ornelis, Preemption; grandchildren, Chad, Shawn, T.J., Jesse, Katie and Dennis Jr.; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Gene (Lura) Harkey, Aledo and Irene (Addison) Crouch, DeGraff, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Ruth Harkey and Elaine (Ronald) Anderson; and brother-in-law, Jerry (Delora) Hall.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, granddaughter, Angie Harkey, brothers, Donald, Merle and Orville and sister, Darlene Harmon.

 Service Information