JOSEPH J. CRICKARD III

WARRENVILLE - Joseph J. Crickard III, 76, formerly of Springfield, passed away at his home Tuesday, September 6, 2022. He was born in Springfield, the son of Joseph J. and Florence L (Weinhoeft) Crickard Jr. Joe grew up in Springfield, was educated at Sacred Heart School and then graduated from Griffin High School (now Sacred Heart Griffin). He furthered his education at Illinois State University, Normal IL where he earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in business. Joe and his family were devoted members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and he served as an altar server for many years. He was diligent with his service to the church and was very proud to have been selected to serve High Mass on two consecutive Christmas. Joe relocated to the Chicago area, where he began his teaching career with the West Chicago School District. He was a teacher and became the department chair of the business department. After his retirement, his passion for the classroom remained. He became an instructor of business and economics at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Although a resident of the Chicago area, Joe's heart was in Central Illinois. He would visit frequently and had many friends in the Springfield area. He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends and could often be found at The Chili Parlor, his favorite place for lunch. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James; sister-in-law, Marcella; and nephew D J. Surviving are his brother, Patrick (wife, Lisa) Crickard of Bonita, CA; a niece, Lindsay (Anthony Garcia) Heger of Cincinnati, OH; and several cousins including: John Weinhoeft, Cindy Mills, and Sharon Young, all of Springfield. A prayer service will begin at 3:45 pm Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at the Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen St., Springfield, IL 62703, with visitation following until 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, 722 S. 12th St., Springfield, IL, Rev. James E. Isaacson, S.J.C. will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to St. Katherine Drexel Parish or the St. John's Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 217-544-5424.