Jeffrey Blaine Ferree

Born November 20, 1954 in Mattoon to Morris L. “Moe” and Norma (Weber) Ferree, he married Joanne Susan Getz on August 23, 1980 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mattoon. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother of Mattoon; one son, Brandon (Nicole) Ferree of Peoria; one daughter, Jordan (Trenton) Snoble of West Bend, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Roran Snoble and Adam Ferree; one brother, Benjamin Ferree of Teutopolis; four sisters, Lynn (Ed) Ferree-Bowlin of North Carolina, Jill Ferree, Johanna (Rich) Crackel, both of Mattoon and Jacalyn Ferree of California and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and an expected granddaughter, Gianna Ferree.

Jeff was a 1977 graduate of Bradley University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He was also a member of Chi Epsilon, the National Civil Engineering Honor Society at Bradley.

His career spanned three decades at Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO), where he began working at the Duck Creek facility near Canton for 14 years and continued at the E.D. Edwards Station in Bartonville for 15 years, last as general supervisor of maintenance. Following his time with CILCO, Jeff worked for Illinois Piping Corporation as superintendent of facilities in Canton at Duck Creek. He last farmed with Dirk Diekhoff in Delavan until his retirement in 2023.

Jeff had a love for the Ferree family farm in Mattoon and enjoyed his frequent visits to look after its care. He also enjoyed caring for deer in his backyard at home. He was a longtime fan of hockey, frequently attending events at Pekin Memorial Arena and participating in the coffee club for hockey dads. He was also a season ticket holder for the Peoria Rivermen for many years. Jeff was skilled in welding, a testament to his diverse interests and talents. His family will always remember his quiet acts of service, caring for family, friends and his church.

Jeff was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin and a member of Pekin Moose Lodge 916.

His memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Daniel J. Bishop will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Further visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mattoon, where a memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Andy Herzberg will officiate. Inurnment will follow the service in Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois CancerCare Foundation, 8940 North Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615.

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