01/14/2026
Rest in Peace Teri (Wickenhauser) Saxton 🙏
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Dr. Teresa “Teri” Arlene (Wickenhauser) Saxton of Pontiac, IL passed away on January 12, 2026 in Peoria at the OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home surrounded by her children. She was born on June 13, 1958 in Clinton, IL. She lived in California then Pontiac, IL for most of her life.
She is survived by her 5 children, Erin (Joe) Snodgrass of Springfield, IL, Eric (Allyson) Saxton of Pontiac, IL, Emily Saxton of Pontiac, IL, Ellen (Mike) Ashbaker of Washington, IL, and Liz (Josh) Meisner of Pontiac, IL. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren, Landry, Wilder, Mercy Saxton, Myla Meisner, and Addie, Mason Ashbaker as well as a sister-in-law, Fran Switzer of Wyoming.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 44 years, Douglas Saxton, who passed away on January 7, 2022. She is also preceded by her parents Frankie and Ernest Wickenhauser, and her 3 brothers.
Teri dedicated her life to nursing and serving others. She attended Pontiac High School and received her nursing degree from Mennonite College of Nursing. She went on to obtain her PhD. in nursing from Illinois State University. She worked at OSF St. James Hospital for many years from a candy striper to a nursing administrator. She taught nursing at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University, Heartland Community College (where she also served as a Dean), St. Francis University, and at Olivet Nazarene University. She worked at the Livingston County Health Department as well. However, her favorite job was spoiling her grandkids.
Teri enjoyed shopping, baking, sewing, crafting, cross-stitching, knitting, and crocheting. She spent countless hours on costumes for the Vermillion Players Theater, making flags for the PTHS color guard, creating and mending items for her children, grandchildren, friends, and family. Teri enjoyed anything to do with her kids and even more so, anything to do with her grandkids.
A visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church in Pontiac, IL on Monday, January 19th, 2026 from 9:00am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00am. A private family burial service will be done at a later date following cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home or Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University.
