Herbert "Herb" Charles Gress

He was born on May 10, 1933 in Calhoun County, IL to Edward and Ethel (Beckman) Gress.

He married Ethel Hill on June 10, 1955 in Dunlap, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Chuck (Carol) Gress of Marietta, GA, Steve (Patti) Gress of Bellevue, IL, Jeff (Cindy) Gress of Pekin, IL and Carrie (Kelly) Steele of Peoria, IL; eight grandchildren, Jason (Cheryl) Gress of El Paso, TX, Tony (Jane) Gress of Atlanta, GA, Kylie (Nathan) Bosch of Springfield, GA, Steven (Krista) Gress of Dunlap, IL, Joshua (Andrea) Gress of Marquette Heights, IL, Jonathan (Jayde) Gress of Hoopeston, IL, Cassidy Steele of Peoria, IL and Kelsie Steele of Peoria, IL; eight great-grandchildren, Jonah and Eden Gress, Ryleigh Gress, Koen, Gabriel and Jack Bosch and Atlas and Arya Gress.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Gus "pop" Risius, brother, Bill Gress; and grandson, Jeremy Gress.

Herb graduated from Greer Automotive Technical Institute in Chicago, IL. He worked for 24 years at Keystone Steel and Wire and for 33 years was the owner of Herb’s Auto Repair.

He is a U.S. Army Veteran and served in the Korean War.

Herb accepted the Lord as his personal Savior in May of 1967 thru the ministry of the El Vista Baptist Church. As a member of that church, Herb served as the bus director and mechanic, deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and most recently as deacon emeritus, and in many other capacities as needed. Herb was a master wood worker. He used this talent to give to others by building the pulpit and communion table at his church, “little free libraries” that were placed around his neighborhood, gifts for family members, toy kits that he made and would use as projects to do with his grandchildren and neighborhood children.

Herb also served his community by being actively involved in the East Bluff Neighborhood Association, teaching mechanics class at Peoria Christian School, and mentoring young people in his life.

Herb loved his family and cherished every moment he could spend with them, especially his children and grandchildren.

Private family services will be held at El Vista Baptist Church in Peoria. Pastor Joey Watt will officiate.

Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to the El Vista Baptist Church Bus Ministry.

Online condolences may be made at www.woolsey-wilton.com