Rodney Wartick

Rodney D. Wartick, 72, of Bowen, IL passed away following a gallant but unsuccessful bout with the COVID-19 virus on December 18, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

Rod was born on June 10, 1948 in Quincy, IL to Elmo “Butch” and Ragene Trautvetter Wartick of Bowen. As a teenager he worked as a carpenter for Jesse Leenerts Construction of Bowen and later Best Construction of Keokuk, IA learning skills that he used throughout his life. He left the construction job when his dad needed a machine operator for Wartick Tiling Service. Working alongside his dad kindled a strong father/son bond for both. After Rod’s dad retired, Rod drove a truck for Gully Transportation of Quincy. From there he was hired by Walmart and spent twenty eight years driving for them before retiring. He always gave credit to Bill Gully for training him at a time when he had a family to support.

Rod married his high school sweetheart, Judy Austin of West Point, IL on June 14, 1969 in the West Point Methodist Church. They have been devoted to each other for over 51 years. Their family includes four children. Nolan (Shelley) Wartick of Dunlap, IL; Natalie (Brian) Anderson of

Las Vegas, NV; Nicole (Clint) Utter of Lewistown, IL; and Nedra Wartick of St. Louis, MO. There are five grandchildren: Elsa and Nadia Wartick; Shelby, Quincy and Ridly Utter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an older sister, Sylvia. He is survived by an older sister, Zoe, who lives in Leroy, IL; one niece, Laura Mecum; and three nephews, Troy, Shane and Justin Ramsey.

Cremation has been accorded. Rod’s cremated remains will be buried in the Bowen, IL cemetery at a later date. Due to the COVID- 19 situation there will be no traditional funeral service at this time. Memorial contributions can be made to the Bowen Cemetery Association and can be mailed to the Bank of Advance, 415 West 5 ^th St. Bowen, Illinois 62316.

The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling arrangements.