Elmer L Buhl

Born September 2, 1923 in Rockingham County, VA to John and Nellie (Vance) Buhl, he married Ada Gerdes on July 1, 1945 in Pekin.  She preceded him in death on June 18, 2012 in Morton.  He also was preceded in death by two sisters.

Surviving are two sons, Jerry (Sharon) Buhl of North Pekin, Gary (Barbara) Buhl of East Peoria; one daughter, Sheila (Doug) Jones of East Peoria; seven grandchildren, Ron (Christi) Buhl, Tonya (Chris) Jernigan, Andrea (Brian) Schuneman, Scott Buhl, Heather (Bob) Haynes, Don (Kelly) Jolly, Jessica Buhl; seventeen great-grandchildren and two brothers, William (Ruth Moore) Buhl of North Pekin and Wallace Buhl of Morton.

Elmer had been a truck driver for C.A. Powley Company in East Peoria, retiring after 25 years.  Prior to that, he had farmed and worked construction.  He had also been the groundskeeper for Bradford Park for several years after his retirement.

He was a member of the Teamsters and Chauffeurs Union Local #627 and the Teamsters Retiree Club in Peoria.

A quiet, gentle man, Elmer loved his family and enjoyed bowling, square dancing and fishing.  He had been a "Jack of all trades” and liked to tinker in his garage.  Elmer will be sorely missed by his family.

He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in East Peoria where his memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 17, 2012.  The Rev. Kurt Mews will officiate.  There will be no visitation.  Cremation has been accorded.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 200 Cole Street, East Peoria, IL 61611.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com