Virgil Roy Cheesman

He was born on June 6, 1940 in Peoria to Lonnie and Lillian (Demoss) Cheesman.

Surviving are one daughter, Debora Barden of Pekin; his lifetime friend, Gary Brogan of East Peoria and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, Willis Cheesman, Wayne Cheesman, Frank Cheesman, Richard Cheesman, Charlie Cheesman and Tessie Albright and one son-in-law, James “Jim” Barden.

Virgil worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 30 years. He started in the foundry and worked his way through the ranks to become a pipefitter.

He was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed fishing and camping. He was an avid duck and goose hunter. Virgil spent every fall preparing for hunting season, building duck blinds, touching up decoys, refreshing dog training and when the time was right hunting every weekend.

Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving he would head for Cairo, Illinois for a goose hunting and calling competitions. Following retirement, he pushed for some of the larger estates in the area to allow him to find where ducks and geese could land, setting up for the winter.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. There will be no services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois CancerCare Foundation, 8940 Wood Sage Road, Peoria, Illinois 61615.

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