Ezekyel Donald "Zeke" VonDerHeide

PEKIN ~ Ezekyel Donald “Zeke” VonDerHeide, age 5, of Pekin, passed away at 3:28 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the home of his grandmother in East Peoria following a brave battle fought against Batten disease.

He was born July 10, 2009 in Pekin to Jacob Donald VonDerHeide and Emily (Estrella) Lano.

Surviving are his parents of Pekin; one sister, Adella Rose VonDerHeide; his paternal grandparents, Donna Kaufman of East Peoria and Bradley D. VonDerHeide of Pekin; his maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Barbara Lano of Pekin and Valerie A. Carreon of Robstown, TX; his paternal great-grandparents, JoAnn VonDerHeide of Pekin, Donald L. Bandeko of East Peoria and Mary R. Watson of East Peoria and his maternal great-grandparents, Wade and Nelda Hall of Pekin and Jerry and Linda Lano of Davis. He also leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins to cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by a grandfather, John T. Watson and two uncles, Ricky L. VonDerHeide and Donald L. Bandeko, Jr.

Zeke had attended the Preschool Family Education Center and Schramm Educational Center, both in Pekin.

He loved the movie “Cars” and also liked the movie “Madagascar” and was often heard saying the phrase to family and friends to “move it, move it.” He loved being around people and was always was ready to offer hugs and kisses.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2014 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Rev. Gary L. Ford of Grace United Methodist Church will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ezekyel VonDerHeide Memorial Fund in care of South Side Bank, 3200 Veterans Drive, Pekin, IL 61554.

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