Patrick A McElwee

Born January 22, 1941 in Peoria to Patrick and Clara Louise “Mike” (Blumenshine) McElwee, he married Julie Kay Junker on July 5, 1969 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Dianne (Al) Michalik of Sammamish, WA and Angela (Gleb) Gorelick of Chicago; one son, Matthew McElwee of Chicago; and four grandchildren, Taylor Rose Bouton, Magnolia Gorelick, David Gorelick, and Michael Gorelick.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Michael McElwee on September 20, 1985.

A 1958 graduate of Peoria Central High School, he received his bachelors of science in physical education from Western Illinois University in Macomb in 1962. While at WIU, he was a member of the golf team that won a national championship and was a member of the Sigma Tau Fraternity.

Pat worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 35 years, retiring September 1, 2000 as a marketing consultant at the General Office in Peoria. Previously, he taught 6th grade and coached basketball and baseball at Sipp School in Peoria for 2 years. Both of his teams went undefeated under his coaching.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Pekin, where he was a former elder, deacon and chairman of the church board. He also was a member of the Pekin Kiwanis Club. He was a former member of the First Federal Savings and Loan of Pekin Board of Directors.

An avid golfer, Pat enjoyed golfing in many area outings and tournaments. He also enjoyed music, working out, and volunteering with the Salvation Army and St. Jude.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Michael Roberts will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Pekin Salvation Army, 243 Derby Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614.

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