Haldor "Hal" Brickner, 89 of Freeport, Illinois went to be with his loving wife, Connie on March 30, 2026 with his daughter by his side.

Hal was born on April 5, 1936 in Apple River, Illinois. He was the son of Earl and Mary (Grebner) Brickner.

On April 5, 1974, he married Carolyn (Connie Schmidt) and a year later, their pride and joy, Becky was born. Hal served in the United States Army and he worked at Thermos/Structo for many years.

He was known as the John Deere Guy. He loved collecting John Deere items with his wife for many years. He was also known as the guy on Shawnee Street sitting in the front yard on his swing waving to everyone who went by no matter if he knew them or not. Hal even continued his waving when he became a resident at St. Joseph’s Village. He would wave at everyone that went by his room. He had many strangers stop in to talk to him and they became friends.

Hal is survived by his daughter, his pride and joy, Becky. His grandson, Kyle and granddaughter, Alyssa (Shane). Great granddaughters, Kaylynn and Everleigh; Great grandsons, Tanner, Knox and Kruz. His sisters, Catherine Hull and Sally (LeRoy) Krippendorf. Sister-in-law, Rose Marie Mordick and Brother-in-law, Dennis “Denny” Kloepping as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Connie and his sister-in-law, Alice “Sue” Kloepping; his brothers-in-law, Donald “Don” Mordick and Elwood Hull. Great grandsons, Klay and Kolt.

There will be a visitation held on Saturday, April 18th at 10 a.m. and a service to follow at 11 a.m. all at Walker Mortuary. A luncheon will follow at the Eagles Club at 1 p.m.

A memorial has been designated in his name. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.