Timothy J. Sangalli

Timothy J. Sangalli, 86, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

Born on October 1, 1939, in Pekin, IL, to Jack and Amelia (Millie) Sangalli, he lived a rich, full life marked by hard work, global adventure, and devotion to his family.

He grew up on a dairy farm alongside his older brother, Jack, and numerous farm animals such as cows, chickens and his favorite…pigs. As a farmer’s son, he learned about the rewards of a good work ethic and the importance of being a good family provider. He walked uphill both ways through the snow to a one-room schoolhouse in rural Pekin, loved his dogs, grew up with Margelli and Sangalli cousins who were more like siblings than cousins and learned the value of long, lasting relationships and family heritage.

In 1956, when he was 16, he graduated from Pekin High School, started the Caterpillar foundryman apprentice course and joined the Army National Guard. He married his high school sweetheart, Jennie Downing on February 3,1958.

Throughout his life, he was above all else, a hard worker with a priority of providing for his young, growing family. While working his way through the Caterpillar apprentice course, he also worked several other jobs from delivering mail to golf course maintenance to foundry work.

His 46 years with Caterpillar opened the door to worldwide travel, allowing him and his family to experience living in Belgium, Brazil, and Mexico from 1973 - 1986. The adventures during these years were numerous, including exploring the world, picking up photography and antiquing as hobbies, learning about his Italian heritage and making life long friendships.

Beyond his professional life, he was a skilled woodworker and served as the cherished historian of the family, lovingly preserving their shared stories and heritage. He found joy in fishing, good cheese, homemade ravioli, and anything with anchovies or lemon. Above all, nothing meant more to him than time spent with his family and sharing good conversation over a nice glass of wine.

He was an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Pekin serving as a funeral altar server, eucharistic minister and a member of the finance committee.

Together, Tim and Jennie raised three daughters: Cindy Link, Diana (Bob) VanSomeren, and Beth (Wolfgang) Seidel. Tim’s legacy grew to include seven beloved grandchildren: Kevin (Lauren) Link, Kelsey (Kevin) Looff, Gerrit VanSomeren, Gavin VanSomeren, Colin Seidel, Kiersten (Tyler) Lyons, and Lenna Seidel; as well as three treasured great-grandchildren: Wyatt Link, Presley Link, and Kolbe Lyons.

Tim is also survived by his brother, Jack Sangalli, and many beloved cousins.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Monday, September 14 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, 2131 Velde Dr. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:00 PM also at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, IL with Father Michael Andrejek and Father James Pankiewicz as celebrants. Inurnment will take place in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund.