Gene F. Dakin, 75, of West Burlington, IA, formerly of Roseville, IL and Peoria, IL. passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at his home.
Gene was born July 12, 1951, at home in Point Pleasant Township, Warren County, IL, the son of Russell and Virginia E. (Miller) Dakin. He was raised and educated in Warren County, graduating from Roseville High School in 1969. Following his graduation from high school Gene farmed with Dakin Brothers Farms in Point Pleasant Township for over 20 years.
Gene married Martha Jeanne Kettelkamp at the Stronghurst United Methodist Church on December 9, 1972, and she survives.
In 1993, Gene and his family moved to Peoria, but his heart remained with the farm for the rest of his life. Gene retired from the Department of Inspections for the City of Peoria in 2013. More recently he had spent 2 years as a building inspector for the City of Monmouth.
He was an avid woodworker, making either a cedar chest or memory box for his grandchildren. Each wooden keepsake included a plaque engraved; “To my favorite, Love Papa”. He was known as the “Camera Guy” and would take video & stills followed by hours of editing until they were perfect. He filmed and edited his first event for his son and daughter-in-law’s wedding and his last for his oldest grandson’s engagement. He was a member of the Live Oaks Community Church in Oxford, FL and was the best church volunteer you could ever find. Church involvement and his relationship with Jesus Christ were an integral part of his life.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Martha Dakin; his children, Kathryn (Brandon) Bentz, Sarah (Matthew) Hansen, JR (Aly) Dakin; 17 grandchildren, Serena, Jacob, Josie, Jenna, Ashton, Foster, Eden, Paisley, Charlie, Elie, Betsy, Willow, Salem, Della, Goldie, Jasper and Leo, all of which he truly adored; his sister-in-law, Betty Dakin; also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; both brothers, Lisle Dakin and John Dakin; granddaughters, Olive and Elsie.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be Monday, July 27, 2026, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau Foundation and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
