Delbert G. Truckenbrod, 69, died peacefully on June 21, 2019 in his home. His favorite daughter and the daughter he liked the best were at his side.

Celebration of Life will be Tuesday July 2, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Merritt Funeral Home with Rev. officiating. Military Rites will be Mendota VFW Post 4079. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Delbert blessed his parents, Gerald and Clarice (Boltz) with his arrival on October 28, 1949. It is unsure if his three brothers were pleased with this new little boy, but soon realized that it was great to have someone new to pick on. He enjoyed making people laugh, woodworking, just puttsing around, and being around his family. In his later years he would say his favorite hobby was helping other people do nothing. He was proudest of his family's military service. His dad was in the Army, mom was in the Navy, brother Ron was in the Air Force, brother Dennis retired from the Navy, brother Roger was in the Army, nephew Danny retired from the Navy, and grandson Brannon is currently serving in the Air Force. He at one time added up all the time that his family spent serving this country and believed it was over 60 years combined.

Delbert was a 1967 graduate of Mendota High School. In January 1969 he enlisted into the US Army Infantry. During his time serving in the 5th Infantry Division he was stationed in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant with a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal with one Bronze Service Star and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device. After leaving the military he returned to Mendota and came to work in finance, which showed him a path in real estate.  He went to college at IVCC where he got his Real Estate license. He owned and operated Century 21 here in Mendota.  In 1986 he moved to Peoria where he continued working and helping others. In 2011 he returned to Mendota and worked in security at Mendota Community Hospital until he retired.

Delbert is survived by his "favorite" daughter, Tami (Scott) Buchanan of Mendota and his daughter "he liked the most" Jennifer Truckenbrod of Mendota; five grandchildren Brannon (Alana) Zinke of New Jersey, Katie Kendall of New Hampshire, Kyrsten Zinke of Colorado, Jake Buchanan of Rockford and Josh Buchanan of Mendota; three brothers Ron (Karen) Truckenbrod of North Carolina, Dennis (Krystal) Truckenbrod of Texas, Roger (Diane) Truckenbrod of Sublette, and the rose among the thorns one sister Pat (Lori) Truckenbrod of South Carolina; one uncle Ron (Wilma) Boltz of Earlville and two aunts Gladys Brantner of Mendota and Fran Sellers of Paw Paw; and his former wife Terri Holzner of Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and infant grandson Andrew.

Memorials may be directed to the family.