Harry E. Reed

Harry Reed, 84, of East Peoria, IL, passed away peacefully at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL, on February 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born to Ruby and Clifford Reed in Logansport, IN, on October 16, 1941, and grew up with the values of hard work and dedication that defined his life. Harry was a 1961 graduate of Logansport High School. He retired in 2003 after 29 years as a machinist at Caterpillar. Prior to Caterpillar, he worked his way up from stock boy at Walgreens and was the first non-pharmacist to be promoted to a store manager at Walgreens. He took great pride in his work and the quality he brought to everything he did.

Above all, Harry was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones. His sense of humor and unwavering love for his family left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Harry met Rosemary in Joliet, IL in the summer of 1969, and they were married June 20, 1970, at St. Mary's Carmelite Church in Joliet. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rosemary; his daughter, Erin (Jon) Florey of Brimfield; his son, Mike (Lisa) Reed of Morton; and his grandchildren Morgan (Bret) Wiegand, Bryce, Ella, and Reed Florey, Alayna and Mya Reed, as well as several great-grandchildren. Harry is also survived by his brother Robert (Lucy) Reed, and his nephews Eric (Heather) Reed and Jason (Misty) Reed, one grandniece, and three grandnephews. Harry was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Charles Cromwell.

Harry lived a full life and was blessed with many great friends and memories. Aside from his family, he was most proud of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth, serving his country in the Army as a Specialist 4, and earning his private pilot's license. He also took great pride in his many years as a leader in his son's Boy Scout troop and the adventures they shared, as well as his membership in the Knights of Columbus, where he helped raise money for those with intellectual disabilities.

Harry was a member of St. Monica's Church in East Peoria, IL, serving as an usher for many years. Harry also loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their sports, music, and school activities. He coached many youth softball and baseball teams and spent hours playing catch with his children and grandchildren. Harry also enjoyed the camaraderie and challenge of golf and spent many hours on the links with family and friends, both in East Peoria and in Florida.

A visitation will be held at Gary Deiters Funeral Home and Cremation Services in East Peoria from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Monica's Church in East Peoria at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with additional visitation at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Harry's memory to St. Jude’s or Shriners Hospital, or a veteran's organization of your choice, or simply to spend time with those you love, as he always did. Harry will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the hardworking, loving example he set for his family. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.