Herschel Bird

1937 - 2023

Herschel
Bird
Born: February 15, 1937 in Pinckneyville, IL
Died: February 8, 2023 in Joliet, IL
Herschel E. Bird "Pete", age 85, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Lightways Hospice, Joliet, with his loving family at his side. Survived by his wife of 63 years, Madeline Bird (nee Riley), his children Daniel (Jamie) Bird, David (Patty-2013) Bird, Dean (Christine) Bird, Donald (Dawn) Bird, Susan (Joe) Bird, grandchildren Danielle (Todd) Hepworth, Riley Bird, Bonnie Bird, Darcy Bird, Alexander Bird, Allison Bird, and Brandon Bird, great grandchildren Grace Hepworth, Ryker Hepworth, and Maddie Hepworth, his siblings Orange Bird, Rich (Jane) Bird, Arthie (Frank) Buschschulte, uncle Arthur (Essie) Bird, his sisters-in-law Marilyn (Greg) Gustafson, Myrtle (John) Briggs, Maureen (Todd) Bennett, and Brenda Riley and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Herschel and Gladys Bird, his siblings Arthur Bird in infancy, John Bird, Norman Bird, Dean Bird, Wilber "Skip" Bird, Karen Bird, Nora "Marie" Hutchings, his parents-in-law, Tom and Mary Riley, his brothers and sisters-in-law Tom Riley, Mary Lou and Jerry Wickham, Bob Riley, Margie and Roger Smith and Millie and John Flanagan and his faithful canine companion "Marty". Pete worked and retired from Chicago Bridge and Iron and was a member of the NTL Boiler Makers. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, traveling, farming, caring for farm animals, garage sales (he couldn't pass one up) and collecting about anything. Pete was also a handyman of sorts, always tinkering and fixing things such as vacuums and lawnmower for friends and family but above all, Pete loved his family, spending time with them is what brought him most joy. Visitation for Pete will take place on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 4-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Funeral service for Pete will be on Saturday, February 11, 2023, beginning with prayers at the funeral home at 10:30 A.M. then in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan, for 11:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan. Arrangements entrusted for Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.