John W. Gilroy

John W. Gilroy Jr., 65, of Pekin passed away at 2:24 AM Wednesday, June 06, 2012 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. John was born on October 13, 1946 in Pekin to John W. and Josephine (Roberts) Gilroy Sr. He married Andrea Johnson on July 17, 1970 in Pekin. He was preceded in death by his parents, step mother, Velma Gilroy, one brother, Larry Gilroy, three sisters, Cindy and Doris Gilroy and Patricia Wright. Surviving is: his wife, Andrea of Pekin; two children, Trent Gilroy and Marni Pratt both of Pekin; one grandson, Trevor Pratt of Pekin; one brother, Russell Gilroy of Pekin; two sisters, Linda West and Peggy (Kevin) McCool both of Pekin; step brother, Gerald (Barbara) Ragain of Pekin; three step sisters, Janice (Richard) Wurster of Corpus Christie, TX, Debra (Rick) Dissman of Pekin and Donna (John) Gregory of Pekin. John was a carpenter with local # 644. He worked with Midwest Foundations and Halverson Construction Company. He was an award winning taxidermist and owned Johnnie's Taxidermy in Pekin.He was veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam Conflict. John was avid bass fisherman and competed in many area bass tournaments. He also was an avid deer hunter. John was a member of Tree Lake Sportsman Club in Victoria, IL, William Schaefer Post #44 American Legion, Illinois Taxidermy Association, Illinois Bass Federation, BASS, Redman, Midwest Bass, Bass 25 Club and River City Casting. He loved spending time with his family especially fishing and hunting with his son and grandson and making cabin memories with his daughter and wife. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin with Rev. Debbie Howard officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Cremation will be accorded after services with inurnment at Lakeside Mausoleum at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301. To send an online condolence, go to www.hendersonfuneralcare.com. Service Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Friday, June 8, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554