Gerald S Junker

Born November 22, 1919 in Hollis Township, Peoria County to Raymond Peter and Lena Starts Junker, he married Doris Alberta Lasister on May 30, 1941 in Peoria.

Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters, Julie (Patrick) McElwee and Jeri (Allen) Draper, both of Pekin; 6 grandchildren, A.J. Draper of Portland, Oregon, Angela (Gleb) Gorelick of Los Angeles, California, Matthew McElwee of Chicago, Jeremie Draper and Jillian Junker, both of Peoria, and Jackson Junker of Pekin; 1 great-granddaughter, Magnolia Gorelick of Los Angeles; 1 brother, Leland N. (Nilene) Junker of Pickens, Mississippi; and 1 sister, Marcella Barker of Peoria.

He was preceded in death by 1 son, Terry Lee Junker and 2 brothers.

He owned and operated Gerald Junker Contracting in Pekin for many years.

He served in the Pacific theater with the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Boise during World War II.

He was a member of American Legion Post #979 in Bartonville, Ducks Unlimited, Tri-County Ducks and Geese Forever, Carpenters Local #644 in Pekin, and was a charter member and former president of the Southside Businessmen's Association in Pekin.

He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 1, 2005at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Steve Bridwell will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Military graveside rites will be provided by the U.S. Navy Reserve and American Legion Post #979.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home, 1707 N. 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301.