Harmon Elliott Peaco, 94, of Crystal Lake, IL died on December, 17, 2018 at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born on July 6, 1924 to the late James and Elsie Peaco in rural Libertyville, IL.
He graduated from Libertyville public schools. After a year at Illinois State Normal University, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, with overseas duty in France and Germany.
In 1949 he was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from ISNU. That same year he married Marilyn, his wife of 69 years. The following year he earned his Masters of Arts degree in political science from Northwestern University, courtesy of the GI Bill, where he majored in international relations and political theory.
He was a loved and respected world history and contemporary world issues teacher for 37 years, 35 in Crystal Lake District 155; as well as serving as the chairman of the social studies department. He was also a long-time advisor to the American Field Service student chapter. He loved teaching and the interactions he had with his many talented colleagues at Crystal Lake Community High School. One of the most satisfying experiences of his career was the opportunity to co-develop the innovative humanities course that received widespread recognition throughout the Midwest. The course was team-taught and combined history, music, art, and literature. The team made presentations at conferences in St. Louis, Milwaukee, and at various universities in Illinois.
In addition to teaching, he was also a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake; serving in many capacities there including council president, mission chair, and choir director.
He was the oldest member of the Crystal Lake Lions Club, both in age and years of membership.
He also enjoyed gardening, sports, music, and reading. He maintained that he had little patience in a check-out line, but that pulling weeds was another story.
A long-time member of the Crystal Lake Great Books group, he also served as one of its leaders. At the same time for over three decades he was the field announcer for Crystal Lake Central track meets.
Survivors include his wife Marilyn and their children, Debbie (Harvey) Barlow, David (Mauri) Peaco, Jim Peaco, Julie (Todd) Kipfer, Jean (Scott) Fleenor; five grandchildren, Emily (Eric) Batten, Jonathan Peaco, Laurren (Daniel) Haydon, Lisa Peaco (Daniel Bratton), Allison (Andrew) O’Dell; and three great grandsons.
He is pre-deceased by his brother, Jack Peaco.
Arrangements will include visitation at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home on 500 W Terra Cotta Ave. on Friday, December 21 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral will be held at St. Paul’s UCC, 485 W. Woodstock St. on Saturday December 22 at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Paul’s UCC Endowment Fund, 485 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, Crystal Lake Lions Club, P.O. Box 48, Crystal Lake, IL 60039 or the National Parks Conservation Association, P.O. Box 97202, Washington, D.C., 20077-7435.
Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.
