Pauline B. Thacker

Born May 24, 1927 in Pekin to Paul and Congetta C. (Rudolph) Gentile, she married Fae Ferrel Thacker on July 5, 1947 in Pekin. He died April 2, 2018 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Linda Juergens; one grandson, Sean Juergens and one sister, Lena Delong.

Surviving are three daughters, Cheryl (Richard) VanAntwerp, Bonnie (Greg) Sheppard and Anita (John Bonnett) Diekhoff, all of Pekin; five grandchildren, Jamie Brady of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Ryan (Courtney) Sheppard of East Peoria, Jeana (Rob) Lynall of Watkinsville, Georgia, Richie (Jennie) VanAntwerp and Ashley (Aaron) Martin, both of Pekin; six great-grandchildren, Alexis Juergens, Landon Martin, Isla Martin, Noah Lynall, Thea VanAntwerp and Emlinn VanAntwerp.

Pauline was a longtime loan officer in the area, last working for Security Savings in Peoria, retiring in 1997. She previously had worked selling Avon and also had worked for Auctioneer Mike Fahnders.

An avid reader, Pauline loved gardening and making crafts. She also enjoyed cross stitch, crocheting, playing cards and fishing.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the American Business Women’s Club.

Her funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 15, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the Mass on Monday at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, 300 South 6th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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