Dr. Eugene E. “Gene” Peck, 68, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 11, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Gene was born the only child of Jack E. and Sara Ann (King) Peck on July 27, 1955, in New Hampton, Iowa. He married his best friend, Teresa Gerleman on July 29, 1978, in Rock Island, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife and partner of 45 years, Teresa of Galesburg; his children, Tony (KaLynn) Peck of Orion, Illinois, Nicole (Steve) Fishman of Fort Dodge, Iowa and Sean (Erin) Peck of Chesterfield, Missouri; his seven grandchildren, Payton, MyaLynn, Chesney, Dayne, Owen, Remi and Bristol and his father-in-law, Charles Gerleman of Reynolds, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Gene graduated from Everly High School (Everly, Iowa) in 1973. He continued his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota and completed his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College. It was there at Palmer he met the love of his life and business partner, Teresa. They worked together side by side for over 40 years, building a business with clients they considered family.
Gene was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a great supporter and volunteer of Costa Catholic Academy. Gene was active with the Boy Scouts of America and was instrumental in assisting his son, Tony, attaining his Eagle Scout rank. He was a GHS Band parent, followed his daughter, Nikki, from GHS swim team to Eastern Illinois University swim team as well as followed the GHS baseball team with his son, Sean. One of his many favorite pastimes was collecting baseball cards with Sean. Anyone that knew Gene, knew he was a proud husband, father, and family man. He was the biggest fan of whatever his children were involved in. Gene considered the family cabin at Lake Okoboji, his sanctuary, where he could enjoy the outdoors, boat and simply unwind.
Gene was a member of Lake Bracken Country Club and was an avid golfer, participating in several club leagues. He was a member of Rotary International, the Optimist Club, and the Knights of Columbus. Gene completed the Dale Carnegie Training and truly believed anyone could benefit from furthering their education.
To call Gene an Iowa Hawkeye fanatic would be an understatement. His love for Iowa ran deep. Gene was onery and displayed an onery grin and chuckle. He loved a good joke or a good razz with any Illini fan.
The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am Friday, January 19, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel with Deacon Michael Crummer. Visitation will be from 10:00-Noon at the chapel with services to follow at Noon with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
