Jon W. TerHark passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at his home in Freeport, at the age of 51. He was born September 12, 1961 in Freeport to Gerald and Gail (Plowman) TerHark and graduated from Shannon High School in 1979. Jon was employed as a truck & tractor mechanic all his life, starting at the age of ten in his father's shop, Gerry's Motor Clinic, and continuing into the present day with his own business, Jon's Repair. He was an avid John Deere man, with a well-respected natural gift for the repair and restoration of antique tractors.
Jon served on the Freeport Rural Fire Department for 20 years. He was a member of the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club as well as a member and past President of the NW Illinois Two-Cylinder Club. He served on the Board of Directors for the bi-annual "Gathering of the Green" in Moline, IL and was an organizer of the "Two-Cylinder Days" in Grand Detour, IL. He enjoyed going to tractor pulls and shooting the breeze with his friends and fellow tractor enthusiasts.
Jon is survived by his parents, Gerald and Gail TerHark of Freeport, sisters Tina (Bob) Brophil of St. Augustine, FL and Lizetta (Patrick) George of Lena, brother Neal (Amy) Ter ark of Pecatonica, niece and nephew Brandon and Amanda George, stepchildren Russell, Nicole, and Kyle Ter Hark , and stepgrandchildren Elexus and Evan Jon TerHark. He was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Edward & Marjorie Plowman, and paternal grandparents, Henry & Helena TerHark.
Visitation will be held at Walker Mortuary on Sunday April 7, 2013 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Funeral service will be Monday 10 a.m. at Walker Mortuary with Reverand John Hollis officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport in theTerHark family plots. A memorial fund has been established in his name.