Obituaries

Sep 10, 2025

George “Tony” A. Kares Jr., 87, of North Pekin, IL, passed away peacefully at 9:53 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Tony lived a vibrant and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to his family, community, and passions.

Born on March 20,...

Sep 9, 2025

Elizabeth M. "Betty" Rahn, 85, of Pekin, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:16 PM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 21, 1940, in Stillwater, MN, to Russell and Viola Sara (Gille) Lindahl, Betty lived a life marked by dedication, community service, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

Sep 5, 2025

Scott M. Seeling, 70, of Pekin passed away at 11:28 pm, Friday, September 5, 2025 at Pekin Manor.

He was born to Alfred H. and Shirley Jean (Mitchell) Seeling in Prestonsburg, KY on September 7, 1954. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Mark Seeling.

Scott is...

Aug 30, 2025

John Patrick Joyce Jr. (Pat Joyce) born November 10, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on August 30, 2025.

Pat grew up in Oak Park, IL, was the second oldest of seven siblings, attended Fenwick High School, and graduated from Loyola University in Chicago. He met his beloved wife, Janice, while at Loyola. They married...

Aug 12, 2025

Karalyn Ann Garber, 89, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:30 AM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Pekin Manor, with her daughter Kara by her side. Karalyn lived a vibrant and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, creativity, and devotion to her family, faith, and community.

Born on July 11, 1936, in Eagle...

Aug 9, 2025

Terol Lee “Terry” Stone, 78, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Terry was born on November 6, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois, to Theodore J. and Ann (Yanko) Stone. Known for his unwavering dedication to family, country, and community, Terry lived...

Aug 5, 2025

Robert George Schumm, 96, of Manito, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at The Lodge in Manito.

Born on August 3, 1929, in Pekin, IL, to George and Louise (Eitenmiller) Schumm, Bob lived a rich and fulfilling life rooted in faith, family, and the land. On...

Aug 3, 2025

Donald Earl Johnson Sr., 91, of Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, on August 3, 2025.

He was born on January 31, 1934, in Peoria, Illinois, to Florence Gladys Hand and his stepfather, Joseph Johnson. Don attended Manual High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air...

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...