Pete Lard

Harold Stanley “Pete” Lard, 83, of Pekin, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Thursday, November 27, 2025, at The Lodge in Manito.

Pete was born on February 22, 1942, in Springfield, Illinois, to Earl and Mary (Evans) Lard. He married Patricia Barry on August 8, 1964, at St. Mary’s Church in Pawnee, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Bob, Jim, and George; and two sisters, Neta Hodges and Barb Dyer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Pat; three sons, Thomas Lard of Kirkwood, Missouri, Mark (Mollie) Lard of McHenry, IL, and Todd (Carol) Lard of Scottsdale, Arizona; one daughter, Melissa (Roy) Beckham of Pekin; ten grandchildren, Alison (Zach) Bertels, Audrey Lard, Kyra Lard, Caitlyn Lard, Danielle Lard, Raleigh Lard, Owen Lard, Will Lard, Lewis Beckham and Iris Beckham; one great-grandchild, Eliza Bertels; and two sisters, Rosemary Buckles of Trenton, Illinois, and Miriam “Minnie” Karnes of McAllen, Texas.

Pete was a proud member of IBEW Local 34 for more than six decades, beginning in 1962. For 22 years he worked as a journeyman electrician with Cristal Electric before striking out on his own, founding P.L. Electric, a business he and Pat lovingly operated together for two decades. A longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, Pete gave generously of his time and talents. He was a faithful usher, a cornerstone of the Over the Hill Gang—the parish’s beloved crew of builders and fixers—and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He and Pat were devoted members of one of the church’s rosary groups, and Pete served with quiet dedication at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. For years he competed enthusiastically in church-league dartball and was a gifted and passionate bowler. Few things brought Pete greater joy than working with his hands. Whether repairing, building, or assembling whatever came his way, tending his bountiful backyard garden, or sharing stories and laughter with his morning crew at Busy Corner, he approached every task with skill and good humor. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and loyal supporter of University of Illinois athletics, Pete rarely missed a chance to cheer on his teams. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who treasured every moment watching his grandchildren shine on the field, on the stage, and in life.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin with Father Michael Andrejek as celebrant. The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. in the church, with the Knights of Columbus Chalice Presentation immediately following. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Center of the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Pekin.

To view the live stream of Pete's Memorial Mass, click Pete's Memorial Mass