Leonard "Blackie" Bachman, 97, of East Peoria, passed away at Carle Health Methodist on Monday, February 16, 2026 with friends and family by his side.

Blackie was born in Howard, SD on April 7, 1928, one of eleven children born to Jacob B. and Katherine Zimmerman Bachman. He married Rachel (DeGroot) Miller on August 31, 1973; she preceded him in death in 2014. His son, Jim Miller and daughter-in-law Sandy, as well as 9 brothers and 1 sisters also preceded him in death.

Surviving are his step-daughters, Joyce (Larry) Gilles and Donna (Tim) Wilcoxen; six grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many friends and acquaintances.

Blackie was small but mighty, with an even bigger personality. He was almost never without a smile and made friends everywhere he went. He was a favorite customer of many area waitresses and he had his favorites also. He enjoyed golf, bowling, and keeping a regularly mowed yard. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and a fair-weather Illini basketball fan. Blackie greatest joy was the grandkids and great-grandkids he gained after becoming the father figure to Rachel's children. He loved spending time with them, showing his love for them, especially with his signature donut deliveries. He was a longtime, faithful member of Sunnyland Christian Church and a longtime employee of the Washington Township Road District. He loved driving trucks, running a snowplow or a road grader, finally retiring after 32 years of full time service and 10 years of part time. He still enjoyed visiting his township buddies and giving them a donut delivery too. He served in the US Army, stationed in Germany from 1954-1956; he had many stories he loved to share from his service, his childhood in South Dakota, and his career. Blackie's legacy is one of love, determination, and kindness.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyland Christian Church or the VFW.