Julian Botello

Born June 2, 1920 in South Pekin to Armand Madero and Eugenia Susannah Hermina (Haake) Botello, he married Eileen T. "Ike" Stout on September 20, 1945 in Pekin.  She died June 12, 2009 in Pekin.  He also was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Aurora Marie Botello.

A World War II Army veteran, Duke attended Bradley University.

Surviving are one daughter, Denise A. (Jerry) Berardi of Pekin; one granddaughter, Christina D. (Tim) Staes of Edwards and one great-grandson, Joseph Julian "J.J." Staes.

A 1938 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Duke went on to play basketball at Bradley University.  He attended Bradley until he was drafted into the Army.  He served during World War II in the European Theater and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Duke was a partner in Botello & Maxey, a service station located at the corner of North Fifth and Caroline Streets in Pekin for 35 years, retiring in 1987.  He previously worked as a supervisor at Corn Products Company in Pekin.

He was a life member of Pekin Elks Lodge 1271.  He also was a member of William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin and Pekin Moose Family Center 916.  He was a former longtime member of the Peoria Sportsman's Club.

Duke enjoyed fishing and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  He enjoyed watching sports of all kinds and liked attending the Pekin Holiday Tournament.

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

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  The Rev Dwight E. Borden will officiate.  Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.