Anyone that knew Terry Dredge, knew he was a man that did things his own way. So, it was no surprise when the Noon village whistle blew, on his 76th birthday, at home surrounded by his family, Terry greeted his dearly departed buddies just in time for Tuesday golf league and cocktails. Teryl D. “Terry” Dredge was born July 20, 1945, in Peoria, Illinois the son of Dale W. and Frances E. (Christ) Dredge. He married Lynn Mason on July 23, 1966, in Galesburg. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynn of Wataga; he was a proud father to, Dee (Trevor) McWilliams of Milan, Illinois and Sherry Schultz of East Galesburg; a doting grandfather to Savannah and Jaxon Schultz and Allison Vail and he is also survived by his faithful companion, Pete the dog. Terry served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as SGT from 1965-1971. He was a member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post # 285 and later the Knoxville American Legion Post #749.Terry worked for 37 years for the local telephone company, beginning as Intrastate, later Centel Phone Company, then Sprint and retiring September 17, 2000, for Gallatin River Communications. He graduated from Valley High School in 1963 and attended IBM school in Chicago. Terry served on the Wataga Village Board for over 30 years and was on the Wataga Fire Department for over 25 years. Terry was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #894 and was a former member of the Jaycees Club. Terry had a passion for gardening and had the most amazing tomato plants. He could often be found golfing and hanging out with his buddies. Terry and Lynn enjoyed NASCAR and hosted many garage parties for the races. His true love was spending time with his family and many close friends. A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held from 1:00-3:00 pm Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Galesburg Elks Lodge, 1640 N. Henderson Street, Galesburg, Illinois. Private graveside services will be Saturday at the Wataga Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to Wataga/Oneida Ambulance Service or to the Wataga Fire Department. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc. | Galesburg IL funeral home and cremation (h-p-w.com)
