John Shallenberger

Born July 20, 1954 in Peoria to Vernie Ray and Doris Agnes (Akridge) Shallenberger, he married Debbie Relker on June 9, 1973 in Sunnyland. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, John (Jennifer) Shallenberger of Pekin and Jason Shallenberger of Morton; three grandchildren, Carter Shallenberger, Mia Shallenberger and Grayson Shallenberger; two sisters, Regina Martin and Ramona Howard, both of Pekin; his sister-in-law, Julia Boeck of Pekin and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gary Lee Shallenberger and two sisters, Frankie J. Freeman and Melody E. Tackett and three brothers-in-law, Johnny Martin, William Howard and Michael Boeck.

John retired from Caterpillar, Inc. on January 1, 2016 with 43 years of service. He then went to work for the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office as a Bailiff at the Court House on January 4, 2016. Since March 20, 2021, John has held the position of Chief Bailiff.

A retired member of United Auto Workers Local 974, John was active in their leadership for many years, last serving as their Financial Secretary. He also was civic minded and had served as Groveland Township Supervisor, as a Village of Creve Coeur Trustee and as a Precinct committeeman.

Family was a priority to him and he loved watching his grandchildren in sports and their activities. He also enjoyed gardening and was known for raising jalapenos and making jalapeno jelly.

He attended First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Creve Coeur.

His funeral will be at 6 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Dwight Winnett will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 5:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Honors will be accorded by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral and private inurnment will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, 825 College Boulevard, Suite 102, Oceanside, California 92057 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

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