Help us remember Kelly Squier and his loving spirit & passion for fishing.
This Designated Fund was established in October 2024 by Jaime Squier, widow of Kelly Squier, with input from their two sons, Kelly II and Schain. The fund’s purpose is to provide annual grants to Hooked on Fishing Park to support its charitable mission.
Hooked on Fishing Park - connecting individuals from all walks of life with the healing power of the outdoors.
Welcome to the Kelly G. Squier Memorial Hooked on Fishing Endowment Fund. We want to honor his life and pass on his loving spirit.
Kelly lost his battle with ALS and went to heaven on January 22, 2012. He had a heart as big as the outdoors and a sense of humor that never quit. He never met a stranger and was always the first to help when needed. Kelly was a man of integrity and compassion, loved by all.
In 1980, Kelly married Jaime. Together, they raised the greatest gifts God gave them—their sons, Kelly and Schain. His boys were his pride and joy.
Kelly loved fishing, often saying there was nothing better to clear your mind. Over his lifetime, he made several trips to Canada, the Mississippi River, and various lakes in Illinois. His favorite destination was the Ozarks in Missouri, which he lovingly called “dock time,” his favorite time of all.
When I was looking for an organization to sponsor, I learned about Hooked On Fishing in East Peoria, IL. After speaking with them, I was truly amazed by what they do. They help disabled individuals, veterans, elders, youth, and anyone else seeking the inner peace that fishing brings. The compassion they show to the anglers is awe-inspiring. I think Kelly would be proud that we chose Hooked on Fishing Park to support with this endowment.
Please consider donating to our fund.
Jaime
At Hooked on Fishing Park, our mission is to connect individuals from all walks of life with the healing power of the outdoors. Through our programs, we serve children, senior citizens, veterans, and individuals with special needs, providing them with unique opportunities to engage in outdoor activities like fishing, nature exploration, and relaxation.
We understand the profound impact that nature can have on mental health. In a world where stress, anxiety, and isolation are common, our organization is dedicated to offering a safe, welcoming space for people to unplug from daily pressures and reconnect with the peace and tranquility of nature.
Our passion is rooted in the belief that outdoor experiences can foster emotional well-being, build self-confidence, and promote social connection. Whether it's a child casting their first line, a veteran finding solace by the water, or a senior citizen enjoying a serene afternoon, Hooked on Fishing Park is committed to improving mental health and nurturing resilience through the simple yet powerful act of being outdoors. By offering these experiences to those who may face unique challenges, we strive to create a community where everyone can feel the restorative power of nature.
As a permanent endowment held at the Morton Community Foundation, this fund allows anyone who wishes to come together in support of this cause to contribute, enabling it to grow and ultimately create larger grants over time in order to benefit Hooked on Fishing Park If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to this meaningful endowment fund, please click the button below for online donations. Alternatively, you can mail a check to 135 S 1st Avenue, Morton, IL 61550, to contribute directly.
**Prefer to make a tax-advantaged gift of stock instead of cash? Visit our stock gifting page.**
Are you a Caterpillar Employee or Retiree?
The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to offer the year-round Matching Gifts Program to support their employees, U.S. retirees and board of directors in their contributions to worthy causes. Eligible Caterpillar participants may request an annual total maximum 1:1 match of $10,000 USD each calendar year to eligible charities to which contributions are tax deductible. The Morton Community Foundation is an eligible charity. So, if you are an eligible Caterpillar participant, you may submit any donations to this fund for an equivalent match, up to your total maximum of $10,000 per year. CLICK HERE to link to the Caterpillar Foundation’s Matching Gift website.