Darrell "Dude" Meisinger

Born December 28, 1937 in Pekin to George Peter and Fanny Catherine (Eicher) Meisinger, he married Peggy Jane Van Middlesworth on May 15, 1960 in Canton. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Cole (Darla) Meisinger of Claremore, Oklahoma; one daughter, Kathy Bouton of Pekin; five grandchildren, Cassidy (Craig) Suits, Gage Meisinger, Jack (Alaina) Meisinger, Dani Meisinger, Shawn (Jessica) Bouton; three great-grandchildren, Casen Suits, Keegan Bouton and Aubrey Bouton; his brother-in-law, J. Alan Van Middlesworth of Longmont, Colorado; two nephews, Mike (Kristie) Sloter of Manito and Nicolas Van Middlesworth and a niece, Tobi Datillo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Darlene Sloter; his brother-in-law, Bob Sloter; his nephew, Jeff Sloter; a sister-in-law, Judith Van Middlesworth and the family dogs, Missy and Lexi.

He was a reservist with the United States Navy.

A 1955 graduate of Green Valley High School, he later graduated with his Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Illinois Central College in 1974.

Dude was a firefighter with the Pekin Fire Department for 26 years before retiring as Captain. He then worked for the State of Illinois with the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a Supervisor. In retirement, he worked for Farm Supply in Green Valley as an Agri Driver.

An avid golfer, he was a former member of We-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club near Cuba and Sunset Golf Club in Pekin. He also was an avid hunter and boater and was very passionate about airplanes and flying. Dude owned several airplanes and was a private pilot. Dude was proud to have served as past president of Pekin Firefighters Local 524 and was a Tazewell County Board Member for District 1 for many years. He was a Life member of William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin and Pekin Moose Family Center 916 and a former member of Pekin Elks and Pekin Boat Club.

Dude was a longtime member of St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024 at St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, rural Green Valley. Pastor Chris Sansom will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Additional visitation will be from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Sand Prairie Cemetery in rural Green Valley. Honors will be provided by the Pekin Fire Department Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Firefighters Local 524, P.O. Box 93, Pekin, IL 61555.

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