Kirk Patrick Gwillim

He was born on August 25, 1968 in Peoria, IL to Brent and Judy (Kirkpatrick) Gwillim. He married Karmen L. Becker on August 1, 2005 in Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and his maternal grandfather.

Surviving is his wife, Karmen of Bartonville, his parents Brent and Judy of Peoria, two step sons, Ryan and Nathan Darko of Bartonville, three brothers, Todd (Susan) Gwillim of Beijing, China, Brad Gwillim of Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan and Ryan (Morgan) Gwillim of Chicago, IL. Also surviving is his maternal grandmother, Lois Kirkpatrick of Peoria, one niece and one nephew, Lauren and Marshall Gwillim of Beijing, China.

Kirk graduated from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and did post graduate studies at Bradley University. He taught for over 15 years at Garfield Primary School in District 150 and spent the last year and a half as an educator with the Hult Education Center in Peoria. Kirk was a dedicated teacher who spent his life developing new and innovative ways to reach and engage children. He enjoyed cooking and golfing and he attended church at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin. Kirk was a wonderful husband and step-father, and a devoted son, grandson, uncle, brother and friend.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012 from 4 to 6 pm at First Federated Church in Peoria, with a funeral on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:00 am at the church. The Rev. Dr. Forrest Krummel will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Hult Center for Health Education, 5215 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614. Please visit Kirk’s story at www.woolsey-wilton.com.