Gary L. Hacker

Gary L. Hacker, 69 of Pekin, passed away at 6:30 PM, Friday, December 24, 2021 at his home. He was born to Orville L. and Martha (Fearnley) Hacker in Peoria, IL on June 26, 1952. He married Laura Wilson on June 18, 1983 in Bartonville. She survives. Gary was preceded in death by; his parents; his step mother Jean; one brother, Dustin Hacker; and one sister, Denise Tripp. He is also survived by; two sons, Nathan (Laurie) Hacker of Peoria and Ted (Sarah) Hacker of Dubuque, IA; one daughter, Gabrielle (Walter) Beach of Pekin; six grandchildren, Kelsi and Kaleb Hacker, Isaac, Hunter, Jarett and Kelen Beach; one brother, Keith (Gail) Hacker of Bartonville; two sisters, Tracey (Kenneth) Shortridge of Bartonville and Kimberly Peterson of Creve Coeur; and his beloved dog, Beau. Gary graduated from Limestone High School in 1971. He served in the Air Force Reserve and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Gary worked at Bradley University as a HVAC Stationary Engineer, retiring in 2014. He loved to take Laura and Beau for long Jeep rides on old back roads to relax and enjoy the outdoors. He found a love for planes during the time he worked at Byerly Aviation. He enjoyed many things, camping, baking brownies, making his famous eggnog, making chocolate chip pancakes for his grandchildren, and Christmas, but after saying all that, his relationships with his friends, and his deep love for his children and grandchildren where his greatest treasure and greatest joy. He will be dearly missed by all those fortunate enough to know and love him. The funeral scheduled for Monday, January 3, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church has been cancelled. The family is having private services instead. Memorials may be made to the church, or to T.A.P.S.