Peter Larson

He was born Oct. 19, 1926, in Peoria to Chester E. and Anna M. (Merkle) Larson. He married Barbara Ellen Sleeth on Oct. 25, 1947, in Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his only brother, Willard; and one daughter, Cynthia Hainline Whitby.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years; two sons, Gregory (Bonnie) Larson of Peoria and Kevin (Pam) Larson of Metamora; and one daughter, Karen (James) Horton of East Peoria; 10 grandchildren, Tracey (Troy) Bumeter, Jake (Nicole) Larson, Matt (Bree) Larson, Chris Horton, Scott (Jenny) Larson, Dawn (Eddie) Chalk, Kayla, Kami, Karah and Cody Hainline; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Peter was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the Occupation of Japan.

He was lovingly known as the "Chilli Man" for his 51 years as the local distributor of "Ray's Chilli."

He was a life member of St. Philomena Catholic Church, where he served many years as an usher.

He was a loving husband and father, who loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be Monday, April 23, 2012, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Peoria. Father David Richardson will officiate. Entombment will follow the service in Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philomena Church in Peoria.