- 5th Infantry Regiment - Bagpiper Jon Michael Blickenstaff, 71, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 11:48 pm on Monday, December 18, 2017 at Unity Point Health-Proctor in Peoria due to sudden illness. He was born on September 5, 1946 in Peoria, IL to Wyvern A. and Betty Jayne (Brimmer) Blickenstaff. He married Wendy L. Croslin on December 8, 1973 in Peoria, IL. She survives. Also surviving are his daughter Randee Marie Blickenstaff of Germantown Hills; sister Gaylene (Lee) Evans of Peoria; brothers Scott (Laura) Blickenstaff of Evanston, IL, Kim Blickenstaff of El Cajon, CA, and Todd (Chris) Blickenstaff of Spring Bay; nieces and nephews Greg (Lori) Birkland, David Blickenstaff, Paul Blickenstaff, Kurt Blickenstaff, Duncan Blickenstaff, Katie (Scott) Morano, David (Alexa) Blickenstaff, and Paul (Misha) Blickenstaff; great-nephew Nicholas Birkland; and great-niece Janessa Birkland. Jon was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He was trained as an Army Ranger, certified as a Jungle Expert, received the Vietnamese Cross of Valor, and was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Silver Star. He grew up in Spring Bay, the eldest son of Wyvern and Betty. As a child, he loved working outdoors and with his hands. He was a talented musician, who entertained regularly by playing the piano, guitar, and performing throughout the US and Canada with his bagpipes. As he grew older, he found success as a leader in various businesses, working as vice-president for a local transportation company, and ended his career as a commercial insurance producer. He spent the last six years of his life volunteering his time as an insurance expert to aspiring professionals, and was an ethics instructor for CPMI Professional Development, responsible for conducting seminars to thousands of insurance professionals throughout the state of Illinois. Jon was a very complex and dynamic man. He could light up a room with his engaging presence and inspire others on a deeply personal and individual level. His experiences were extensive, and his perspective led him to possessing a wealth of wisdom, which he eagerly shared with others. He was happiest when he was able to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of others, and when he was creating with his hands. He built musical instruments from scratch, worked with leather and wood, was constantly engineering projects around his home, and loved helping those he loved when they were in need. Two of Jon's greatest pleasures were live entertainment, and Disney. He shared his love and passion with his friends, family, and most notably, his wife Wendy and daughter Randee. He took great pride in seeing his daughter dance and perform, and loved letting his inner-child come out through trips to Disney World, where his daughter eventually entertained. Jon will be deeply and sincerely missed by not only his family, but also the countless souls who crossed his path and experienced his influence for good throughout his life.