Virgil M Lambert

Born September 11, 1919 in Cambridge to Grover Cleveland and Grace (Lechner) Lambert, he married Leona Traub on January 20, 1946 in Belmar, New Jersey. She died December 5, 1988 in Peoria. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Elmer and Kenneth Lambert), and one sister (Nellie Grimm).

Surviving are two daughters, Denice (Roger) Stranz of Bartonville and Brenda Lambert of North Pekin; three grandchildren, Lisa (Tom) Smith of Bloomington, Michelle Stranz of Dunlap, and Randall Stranz of Chicago; one great-granddaughter, Clara Smith; one sister, Mabel Howeler of Oswego, Oregon; and his long-time companion, Annabeth Mills of Leesburg, Florida.

He was a United States Army veteran of World War II.

Virgil worked as a Prudential Insurance agent for over 25 years. Previously, he was a car salesman for Verkler Rambler in Peoria.

He was a former member of the American Legion and Junior Jaycees.

Virgil enjoyed doing antique clock repairs for many years and was an avid pinochle player. He also enjoyed golfing and his fishing trips to Canada

His memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the service. The Rev. Imo Hinrichs will officiate. Private inurnment will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Foster Pet Outreach, Post Office Box 5084, Peoria, IL 61601.