Martin "Marty" Allen Block

Pekin ~ Martin Allen "Marty" Block, age 45, of Pekin, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on August 17, 1980, in Pekin, a son of Verne David Block and Annie Jean (Powell) Block. Marty married Jessica Lynn Erps on November 9, 2007, in Pekin. She survives.

He is also survived by his father David Block, stepfather Jim Fleeharty, siblings Annessa (Jack) Parisi and Kyanne Block, grandmother, Blanch Stockert, 7 nieces and nephews and many loving family members and friends.

Marty was preceded in death by his mother Annie (Powell) Block, his stepbrother, Casey Fleeharty and his grandparents Allen and Lydia Block.

He was a graduate of Pekin Community High School, Class of 2000.

Marty last worked as an Assistant Manager for the past six years for Monical's Pizza of Pekin. He previously worked for 12 years as a cook for East Port Galley Restaurant & Pub in East Peoria.

He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois - Frank N. Nicol Lodge #1170 in Creve Coeur.

Marty lived life in his own unmistakable way — with loyalty, humor, and just enough stubborn independence to keep things interesting. He had the kind of spirit that didn’t bend easily to expectations, and the people who loved him wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Music was one of Marty’s great loves. As a drummer, he understood rhythm in a way that seemed to mirror how he lived: steady, passionate, and impossible to ignore. Whether behind a drum kit or simply talking about music, Marty carried that beat with him everywhere he went.

Marty also spent much of his life working as a cook, a role that suited his energy, creativity, and straightforward nature. Restaurant kitchens are fast-paced places that demand grit, instinct, and resilience, and Marty thrived in that environment. He took pride in preparing good food for others and had a natural ability to bring flavor and heart to the meals he made. While many people enjoyed dishes that came from Marty’s kitchen over the years, some of the most meaningful were the meals he cooked at home for Jessica — thoughtful, generous, and made with the same care he brought to everything he did.

He also had a special fondness for cats. Anyone who knew Marty knew that he admired their unapologetic independence — that slightly defiant, “take me as I am” attitude that, truthfully, suited him just fine.

Above all else, Marty was a devoted husband and a deeply loved member of his family. His loyalty and love for Jessica were evident to everyone who knew them. The life they built together was one of companionship, humor, and unwavering support.

Marty lived life with his own steady rhythm. You could hear it in the beat of his drums, see it in the meals he created in the kitchen, and recognize it in the independent spirit he shared with the cats he loved so much. He moved through the world in his own authentic way — loyal to the people he loved, committed to the things he cared about, and never pretended to be anything other than himself.

He will be deeply missed.

Marty's family has arranged a celebration of life gathering from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Pekin Moose Lodge 916.

Marty's cremation has been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Marty’s memory to AF & AM Frank N. Nicol Lodge #1170 or your local Animal Shelter

Online condolences may be shared with Marty's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com