M.Gerald "Jerry" Fitzanko

M. Gerald 'Jerry' Fitzanko, 85, of Pekin passed away at 2:45 PM Friday, April 1, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Jerry was born July 22, 1925 in Verona, Illinois to Michael Charles and Stella Irene (Covert) Fitzanko. He married Virginia King on March 2, 1944 in Pekin. She died on October 4, 2003. Also preceding in death are one brother, Walt, one daughter, Nancy Fitzanko and son in law, Paul Koch. Surviving are: one son, Stan (Amy)Fitzanko of Dunlap, IL; one daughter, Vickie Koch of Pekin; eight grandchildren, Drew (Tara) Fitzanko, Kami (Lance) Hawkins and Mandi (Luke) Arnsman, Heidi (John) Koch, Greely Koch and Holly (Dan) Parr, Marissa Benavidez and David Benavidez; fourteen great grandchildren; one sister, June Felker of Morton, IL. Jerry served in the United States Navy during WWII as a Seabee. He was the owner of Jerry's Autobody for 27 years retiring on December 3, 1984. He was a member of Pekin Moose Lodge 916, Sunset Gold Club, Pekin Bowling Hall of Fame and winner of the Best Ball Al Weaver Integrity Award. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin. The Rev. Dwight Borden will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Monday, April 4th at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to TAPS or Pekin Bowling Association Scholarship Fund. Cemetery Lakeside Cemetery 1917 N. 8th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Monday, April 4, 2011 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Service Tuesday, April 5, 2011 10:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554