PEORIA - Charles Joseph "Joe" Trefzger Jr., 88, of Peoria passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Ill.He was born in Peoria in 1926 to Charles J. and Dora Trockur Trefzger. In 1948, he married Gladys Moody, his wife of 67 years. She survives.Also surviving are daughters, Sharon Corn and Beth Trefzger of Peoria; son, Joseph (Connie) Trefzger of Normal; brothers, John Trefzger of Bloomington and Thomas (Betty) Trefzger of Peoria; grandchildren, Amanda and Ronald Trefzger of Normal; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Michael Corn; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Trefzger and Billie Kimball; brothers-in law, John Kimball and Henry Almasy; nephews, Richard and Paul Trefzger; and his beloved aunts, Marie and Verna.Joe graduated from Woodruff High School in 1944, where he played varsity football and was a standout varsity baseball player. In 1943, he was named the school's first Homecoming Chief. At 17 years of age, he enlisted in the U.S Navy, becoming one of the younger members of the Greatest Generation. He served in the South Pacific on an oil tanker ship during World War II.Two days after returning from the Navy in 1946, he "reported for duty" at the family business. Trefzger's Bakery was established in 1861 by his great-grandfather, Simon. Learning from his father and from noted Peoria cake master, Adolph Benz, Joe became especially skilled at making cakes. From the early 1960s until 1993, Joe and his brother, Tom, were the fourth generation of Trefzgers to run the firm's operations. These years included the 1961-1977 period when Trefzger's products were sold in Peoria-area Kroger stores. In 1977, Joe, Gladys and Tom reopened their own store at the Prospect Road location. Family vacations always included visiting out-of-town bakeries. The popular chocolate and butterscotch flat coffee cakes, made to perfection by Tom each day, were inspired by products that Joe and Gladys saw in San Francisco. The well-known fondant "thumbprint" cookies were introduced by Joe and Tom's dad. The business was sold in 1993, and Joe was very happy that the current owners and staff continue to honor the long-standing traditions. He enjoyed visiting his "old haunts," where he was always warmly welcomed. After retiring, he met for lunch on Fridays for more than 20 years with lifelong Glen Oak School and Woodruff friends.Almost until the end of his life, he continued to bake at home for family events.The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Thomas Kouri and his nurses. He has been our friend and doctor for 30 years. To the caring people at the Fresenius dialysis center in East Peoria where Joe was a patient for the past five years, thank you. Thanks also to the nurses and therapists at the UnityPoint Health-Methodist's rehabilitation unit and Home Health. Finally, to the amazingly dedicated staff and volunteers at OSF Hospice, please accept our sincere appreciation.Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. A private family celebration of life will be held the following day. Memorial contribution in Joe's honor may be made to the Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund, P.O. Box 235, Morton, IL 61550; or to OSF Hospice at OSF Home Care Services, 2265 W. Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL 61615.Whenever we celebrate with a piece of cake, we will be thinking of our dad.
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