Gary A Tennell

PEKIN ~ Gary Alan Tennell, 64, of 2730 Allentown Road, passed away at 2:44 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2006 in the emergency room of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.Born September 27, 1941 in Pekin to Harry Thomas and Goldie Vernice (Thomas) Tennell, he married Donna Jean Hayes on May 13, 1962 in Pekin. He later married Janet Lynn Hieser on April 21, 1996 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Todd M. (Laurie) Tennell of Pekin; two daughters, Tricia R. (Dave) Dunn and Nicole C. (Brian) Goudie, both of Pekin; one step-son, Douglas J. (Patty) Saal of Normal; two step-daughters, Kimberle R. (Mark) Duffield of Fairview and Tracy L. (David) Misselhorn of Washington; five grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and two sisters, Beverly J. (Bill) Hardy of Mesa, Arizona and Murleen K. Swafford of Bloomington.

His parents preceded him in death.

He was a 1960 graduate of Pekin Community High School.

Gary worked for Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 37 years, retiring in 2000. While at Keystone he worked as a blacksmith, pipe fitter, and last as a welder, all in the Mechanical Maintenance Department.

He was a member of Saint Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin.

Gary enjoyed working with stained glass, making wine, working outdoors, helping his family, and traveling. He had wintered in Florida for the past several years.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 6, 2006at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dwight E. Borden will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.