STERLING – Edgar R. Picken, M.D., 94, of Sterling, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Edgar was born June 1, 1918, in Rockford, the son of George and Catherine (Breckenridge) Picken. He married Virginia Ericsson on Dec. 27, 1952, in Chicago. She preceded him in death on Feb. 21, 1999.

Edgar graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1944, and served as a clinical professor at the university. He was a founding partner of the Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic, where he was a physician and general surgeon for more than 30 years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Sterling Rotary Club, Dairymen’s Country Club, and Rock River Country Club. Edgar was involved in the start of Sinnissippi Rod and Gun Club, and was a leader of Boy Scouts of America Troop 72 in Sterling. He served in the Army. He participated in many other community organizations during his long life in Sterling.