HARLETH 'BUD' BICKER, 83 FREEPORT - Harleth "Bud" Bicker, 83, of Freeport died Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Presence St. Joseph Center in Freeport. He was born on April 21, 1930, in Stephenson County, IL, the son of Edwin and Agnes (Boeger) Bicker. Harleth married Bernice Thorn on February 17, 1968, in Freeport, IL; she died August 24, 2009. Harleth worked for Bradenton Municipal Auditorium for 18 years before his retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Freeport Eagles Club 679. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, playing jokes on people, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harleth is survived by his two sons, Jack L. Schmelzer of Lena, IL and Dennis (Teresa) Ditsworth of Dakota, IL; two daughters, Mary Ellen Sturtz and Dawn Elmore, both of Bradenton, FL; two sisters, Verla Bicker of Freeport, IL and Iola Kniss of Lena, IL; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Harleth was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 46 years; one son; three sisters; one brother; two grandsons; three great-grandsons; and two nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, with Rev. Diane Jochum officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday also at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.