Gerrit Joe West

Born December 5, 1945 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Duane and Louise (Evans) West, he married Diana Lynn Rupp on August 14, 2004 in Pekin. She died June 21, 2019 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Randy West and one brother, Billy West.

Surviving are two daughters, Tammy Jo (Robert) Strasser of Marquette Heights and Kathy Jo (Ken) Steenrod of Pekin; two stepdaughters, Margie Wyman of Pekin and Donna Longden of Mackinaw; one step-son, Scott (Janice) Penning of Franklin, Indiana; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; two sisters, Rosemary Long and Edie (Jim) Rupp, both of Pekin and one brother, Gary (Teresa) West of Pekin.

Joe worked as an independent carpet installer and later for Vonderheide Floor Coverings before retirement.

He was an avid fisherman and a true Chicago Cubs fan like his son. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, laughing and joking. He never met a stranger and was loved so much by all who knew him.

His kind heart and caring nature will be missed.

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

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Keith Moore will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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