Eugene Hess

Gene was born on September 22, 1938 in Sabetha, KS to Walter and Elsie Elizabeth (Grimm) Hess. He married Rhoda Mae Hodel on September 1, 1963 in Peoria.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Rhoda; his daughters, Valorie Jean (Daniel) Traenkenschuh of Pocola, OK and Michele Linn (Matthew) Adamson of Kankakee, IL; five grandchildren, Isaac Eugene Traenkenschuh of Sarasota, FL, Daniel Xavier Traenkenschuh of Urbana, IL, Benjamin Mark Adamson, Joseph Carlos Adamson, and Rachel Grace Adamson, all of Kankakaee, IL; and his two sisters, Bernetta (Bob) Binkele and Katherine (Max) Hoerr, both of Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gene graduated from Woodruff High School, where he was a linebacker on the celebrated, undefeated football team of 1956, which was inducted into the Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. He also graduated with a double Master’s Degree from Bradley University and was a School Psychologist for the Tazewell/Mason County Special Education until he retired in 1994. He was a member of the Peoria Association for Children with Learning Disabilities and was an integral part of the committee which presented the Annual Multi-Disciplinary Forum on Learning and Perception at Bradley University for many years. He was also a member of the Hiram Walker Rod & Gun Club. Gene was truly an adventurer; traveling and exploring with Rhoda all over the world. He was very sociable and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed keeping things light-hearted and was humorous. Gene was known for his compassion and giving nature. He loved mathematics and statistics and enjoyed tinkering with cars. Good food and fellowship was also something Gene enjoyed. Gene was an avid fisherman, as well as, loved to play golf and read.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10 am at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church on 3420 Sheridan Rd. Peoria, IL. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home on 2408 W Willow Knolls Dr., Peoria, IL and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Skylines or the Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped in Morton.