Edward J Sipka

Born June 2, 1929 in Pekin to George Steven and Genevieve Sophia (Warozenska) Sipka, he married Mary Frances Jane Chitwood on June 30, 1951 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Karla Sipka and Paula (James) Jennings, both of Pekin, and Sherrie Sipka of Bicknell, Indiana; one son, Eddy (Lisa) Sipka of Pekin; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers, George (Mary) Sipka and Paul (Mary) Sipka, both of Pekin; and two sisters, Wanda Lutke of Pekin and Helen (Russell) Fischer of Edgewater, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Lori Ann Sipka; one granddaughter, Mary Frances; one great-grandson, Carter Sipka; one brother, Walter Sipka; and two sisters, Cecilia Thurman and Ann Sipka.

E.J. worked at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 35 years, retiring in 1982 from the steel mill. After retirement, he tended bar at Ol’ Dad’s in Pekin for 13 years. He also had been a commercial fisherman.

He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.

E.J. enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and fishing. He liked to fry up the fish that he caught for family and friends to eat.

Private family services will be Monday at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Father Scott Potthoff will officiate. There will be no visitation.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com