Obituaries

Aug 3, 2025

Jack Leon Matthews, born May 10, 1926, in St. Petersburg Florida, brought into this world by his parents Carlos and Anna Matthews, started his new life in heaven on August 3, 2025, joining his parents, his brother Carroll, his first wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Rose (“Betty”) Matthews, who passed in 1998, and his second wife Phyllis of 23...

Jul 31, 2025

William R. "Bill" Higgins, 80, of Pekin, IL, passed away at 1:19 PM on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Born on May 19, 1945, in Miami Beach, FL, to Walter and Lola M. (Maloney) Higgins, Bill lived a life full of dedication, warmth, and passion for his family, country, and community.

He married Lucretia Montgomery in...

Jul 30, 2025

Audrey A. Cammack, 82 of Normal, IL formerly of East Peoria, IL passed away at 7:53 PM Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center.

Audrey was born on November 27, 1942 in Leon, IA to Wendell and Joan Turner. She married Lawrence Mitchell Cammack on September 2, 1967. He passed away January 18,...

Jul 28, 2025

Scott Alan Hilst, 67 of Pekin, passed away at 7:33 am, Monday, July 28, 2025 peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones after fighting MS for 45 years and cancer for 13. Scott set out to prove everyone wrong when he was diagnosed and never gave in.

Born on November 11, 1957, in Pekin...

Jul 28, 2025

Don B. Veerman, 92, of Decatur, AL, formerly of Pekin, IL, passed away peacefully at 9:38 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Morningside of Decatur, AL, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on April 13, 1933, in Pekin, IL, to Carl Edward and Nellie (Mammen) Veerman, Don lived a life marked by dedication, faith,...

Jul 27, 2025

Kenneth H. Petri Jr., 90, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:45 AM on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his devoted family. Ken’s life was a testament to hard work, community service, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones.

Born on June 25, 1935, in Pekin, Illinois, to...

Jul 17, 2025

Donna J. Zimmerman-Gregory, 65, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:16 AM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, surrounded by the love of her family. Her vibrant spirit, boundless generosity, and unwavering dedication to those she cherished will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Jul 16, 2025

Marilou G. Counterman, 92, of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 5:02 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Pekin Manor. She was born on October 2, 1932, in Pekin, Illinois, to John Cordes and Hazel (Diepenbrock) Cordes.

Marilou dedicated many years of her life working as a clerk at Kmart. She found joy in crocheting and needlework,...

Jul 15, 2025

George A. Hancock Jr., 65, of Pekin, IL passed away at 11:44 PM Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Hallmark Healthcare of Pekin.

George was born on February 2, 1960 in Pekin to George A. and Stella (Stockov) Hancock Sr.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Tandy Hancock....

Jul 10, 2025

Alice Mae Cleer, 91, of Pekin, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at 6:10 p.m. at Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care in Pekin. She was born on November 17, 1933, in Stark County, Illinois, to Clark and Creola (Torbet) Streitmatter. Alice married Tom D. Lambert in 1958; he preceded her in death in 1979. She later married Wayne...

Jul 8, 2025

Debra Ann Gardner, 68, of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 7:07 p.m. on July 8, 2025, at her home.

Born on March 13, 1957, in Pekin to Duane and Jeanine (Adcock) Smith Sr., Debbie lived a life filled with love and generosity. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two sons, Jacob and Jeffrey Gardner;...

Jul 2, 2025

Patricia D. “Patti” Cassidy, 71, of Marquette Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria. Born on December 4, 1953, in Peoria, Illinois, to Arthur and Arlene (Hauck) Christopher, Patti grew up in a close-knit family, instilled with values of kindness and community. She carried these values...

Jun 26, 2025

Erik J. Eisele, 50, of Petersburg, IL passed away at 2:20 PM Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Erik was born on August 2, 1974 in Peoria, IL to David and Loveda Sue (Chapman) Eisele. He was preceded in death by his father, maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents. Surviving are: his mother, Sue of Marquette Heights, IL;...

Jun 26, 2025

Mary E. Stoltz, 78, of Mapleton, IL, passed away peacefully at 10:11 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the home she cherished, surrounded by family. Mary was born on July 6, 1946, in Montague, MA, to Walter and Helen (Bakula) Pokladok. She married the love of her life, Peter F. Stoltz, on August 28, 1971, in a union that...

Jun 13, 2025

Richard "Dick" L. LaVallier, 82, of Pekin, IL, passed away peacefully at 2:30 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, surrounded by his family. Dick was born on June 23, 1942, in Chenoa, IL, to Herbert and Fern (Rarick) LaVallier. On September 24, 1967, he married the love of his life,...

Jun 12, 2025

Phyllis M. Fornoff Matthews, born November 13, 1934, in Ottawa, Illinois, joined her mother Genevieve (Barton) Basco, her father Vincent Basco, her sister Margaret Noeller, husband John Fornoff, and her grandson Jonathon Fornoff in peace in their heavenly home on June 12th, 2025. Phyllis married her first husband John Fornoff on May 16, 1964. Phyllis and John had two...

Jun 11, 2025

Rosemary A. Ashton, 69, of Marquette Heights, passed away at 7:13 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care in Pekin surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on March 21, 1956, in Peoria to Louis and Virginia M. (Leppin) Minder. On February 14, 1987, she married Jack Ashton in Peoria. Rosemary was preceded...

Jun 10, 2025

Paul Anthony Roccia, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on June 10th, 2025, at the age of 56. Known for his warmth, humor, and generous spirit, Paul left a lasting mark on everyone who had the joy of knowing him. Born on April 8th, 1969 in Montclair, New Jersey, Paul grew up with a...

Jun 7, 2025

Danielle C. "Dani" Watkins, 75, of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 10:59 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at her home. Born on September 7, 1949, in Peoria to Elwood and Virginia (Abbott) Saylor, Dani lived a vibrant life filled with love, faith, and family. Dani married Terry Lutz in 1968 in Creve Coeur and...

Jun 2, 2025

Loren G. Zuercher, 98, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 1:50 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Hopedale Nursing Home in Hopedale, Illinois surrounded by loved ones. A man of boundless optimism, unwavering confidence, and a tireless work ethic, Loren lived a life marked by dedication to his family, faith, and community, leaving behind a legacy that...