Hank Wizeman's Obituary
Henry Jacob Wizeman “Hank” was called home by his Heavenly Father on March 11th, 2015 after living life to the fullest for 85 years and after an exhausting 5 month hospitalization. He is finally healed and at rest. He was born on February 25th, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri. Hank was the third of six children to Henry and Mary Wizeman. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Anita and Katie; and his only brother, Bob. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Kim; and three grandchildren, Jacob, Leah, and Noah. He is also survived by his two sisters Vivian and Mary; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. After graduating from high school, Hank joined the Marine Corps where he served for six years as a radio operator during the Korean War. He then joined the Army Reserves as a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) agent. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Grade 4 before retiring on his birthday in 1990 after 48 total years of service in the military. While serving in the Army reserve and as a police officer in the City of St. Louis, Hank also graduated with honors with his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. After serving as a police officer for 30 years for the St. Louis Police Department, Hank “retired” and went on to be the Director of Public Safety and Police Chief for five years in O’Fallon, Illinois and then Police Chief for Lebanon, Illinois for three years. Hank also worked as an Instructor at his alma mater, at Belleville Area College (now Southwest Illinois College), and at Jefferson College. He retired for a third and final time from Jefferson College as the Director of the Police Academy in 2007 at the age of 77. Hank was involved in many charitable organizations. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of O’Fallon, Illinois. He became a Master Mason in 1953 of Mount Moriah Lodge #40. He was awarded his 50 year pin on November 14th, 2011. He was a 32 degree KCCH and 50 year member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of St. Louis. Hank was one of the Founders and first Director of the Pipes and Drums of Moolah Temple (now the John Ford Highland Pipe Band). He played the bagpipes for over 40 years. Hank was a boy scout growing up and served as the Committee Chairman for his son’s troop later in life. In his spare time, Hank loved to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren. He also loved to practice his Morse code on his ham radio or later on his laptop computer. He continually strove to better himself with daily physical exercises, working through a computer program to improve his cognition, and extensive reading of current events and interest magazines. Hank was a great man who never stopped working to make himself better for the love of others. Contributions can be made in memory of Hank to the Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis at Loveshriners.org. Cut flower arrangements will be donated after the services to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas to use in therapy. The funeral service for Hank Wizeman will be held at 11:00 AM in The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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