Terry L. Politsch, 80, of Sublette, departed this life, Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at OSF St. Paul Medical Center, Mendota.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 15, 2021 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. A funeral service will held at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Ken Gibson officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded afterwards and burial will be held at Restland Cemetery, Mendota at a later date.

Terry was born May 23, 1940 in Sublette. He was the first-born son to Ivan and Lois (Pierce) Politsch.

He graduated from Amboy high school in 1958. Throughout his life he worked for Black Brothers Co. in Mendota and then later worked for Vaessen Brothers Chevrolet Sublette. He also worked alongside his father on the family farm and continued farming throughout his life until his retirement.

Terry took pride in maintaining his John Deere equipment and his Chevrolet vehicles. He enjoyed dining and socializing at many local restaurants. He was always eager to talk to you and tell it like it is, right or wrong and most of the time he was right.

He married Christie Smith on April 16, 1961. They later divorced.

On November 29, 1985, he married his current wife, Mary Rodriguez. She survives him along with his three daughters from his first marriage, Deb (Dan) Hochstatter and Darci (Gary) Kettleborough both of Mendota and Darla (Eric) Stroyan of Bloomington. Also, surviving are his step sons, Dan (Jenny) Pakenham of Rochelle and Brian (Cass) Pakenham of Colorado Springs. He was a beloved grandpa/pops/papa to Brett (Sami) Hochstatter, Mallory (Josh) Martin, Alyssa (Brandon) Scheppers, Aaron (Paige) Kettleborough, Taylor Kettleborough, Emma, Ethan, Ella Stroyan, Dillan (Allison) Pakenham, Kailee (Bill) Longmire, Addison and Paige Pakenham and great grandchildren Calvin, Eastyn, Josie, Hadley, Colton, Harrison, James, Tate, Noah, and Sophia. His sister-in-law, Marie Politsch of Colorado also survives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gary, the mother of his children Christie, sister in law, Marjorie, and granddaughter Taryn Pakenham.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com