Caterpillar Employee and Artist Greg Waxler Passes Away at 74

Greg Waxler, a 74-year-old resident of Peoria Heights, Illinois, passed away on August 18, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. He spent 34 years working for Caterpillar Inc., holding various positions including welder and salvage machinist.

Waxler was also a skilled artist who designed and painted the 'Blade of Glory,' which was sent to New York City in commemoration of the 9/11 tragedy. He owned his own graphic design business, Tradewind Graphics, before working at Caterpillar.

In his free time, Waxler enjoyed flying his ultralight airplane and was a founding member of the Heart of Illinois Ultralight Club. He also loved spending time with his family, particularly in their second home in Key West, Florida.

A Celebration of Greg's Life will be held on September 5, 2026, at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Rides in lieu of flowers.