Chad Michael Tarr

He was born Sep. 20, 1956 in Kansas City, KS to James and Jane (Jochim) Tarr. He married the love of his life, Brenda (Tagatac) Smith, on May 28, 2011 at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL. She survives along with his mother of Rockford, IL, two sons: Benjamin Tarr of Peoria, Adam Tarr of Lombard, IL, and one sister, Debbie Nielson of Ottawa, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Chad was a United States Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War. He was a tool maker and worked at various companies including at Edward Hines, Jr. V.A. Hospital in Hines, IL where he retired in 2018. He was a member of the Masonic Pleiades Lodge # 0478 in Westchester, IL, and the A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Twin Rivers Chapter Motorcycle Club.

Chad was athletic, energetic, creative as well as imaginative. Whatever you needed made for whatever purpose, he could make it for you. If the task was impossible, he’d tell you. He was a man of high standards and high integrity. He was a very dedicated family man who loved and worked hard to provide for his family.

Family always came first.

He was free spirited and brave enough to do anything. He led an adventurous life and loved to talk about those experiences. Those stories may be unbelievable and unfathomable to some individuals. But for those who truly knew him, can attest that those stories were real. What you saw in him was what you got. He had a heart of gold and helped those in need.

He had a few hobbies that kept him pretty busy. He was a motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and wasn’t afraid to go cross country on a whim. He loved old classic muscle cars. The Mustang was his favorite, he owned a total of four at different times of his life.

He also loved his music. He had an extensive collection of vinyl records. Chad was teaching himself how to play the guitar.

He loved the warm weather and being near the water suited him. He loved sailboats. At several times in his life, he lived on a boat. He fulfilled his dream of sailing. He sailed across the Atlantic in a sailboat that he manned by himself.

He loved life and couldn’t wait for the next adventure. He lived his life to the fullest with determination and enthusiasm. He had no regrets.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Cremation will be accorded following the services.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.