Ronald Peak

Ronald Lee Peak, 71, of Rushville, passed away at 7:52 AM, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

He was born on September 22, 1946, in Macomb, the son of Ernest and Wilma (Heaton) Peak.  Ron grew up in the Marietta/New Philadelphia area and graduated from Bardolph High School, with the class of 1964.  He served his country in the United States Army, serving with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam.

On March 30, 1984, in Lancaster, Missouri, he married Jane Downs Kessler, who survives.  Also surviving are two sons Michael Kessler and wife Michele of Rushville and Mark Kessler and wife Tina of Astoria, three grandchildren Seth and Ali Kessler of Astoria and Macon Kessler of Rushville, one sister Patricia Andrews of Elizabeth, Colorado, one niece and one daughter Rhonda Grafton and husband Michael of Good Hope.  He was preceded in death by his parents and step father Temple Teel .

Ron was an over-the-road truck driver for many years, working for Munson Transportation, Gully Transportation and MG Industries.  He retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation in September 2013, after over 10 years of service.  Ron was recognized as a 50 year member of the American Legion in 2017.  He was a member of the Illinois Draft Horse and Mule Association and the American Shire Horse Association and was serving as trustee for Woodstock Township.

Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching old westerns on television and baling hay.  His jovial attitude will be missed by many.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 22, 2018 , at Camp Butler National Cemetery, in Springfield, with David Haney officiating. The procession to the cemetery will leave from Wood Funeral Home in Rushville at 9:30 AM, Friday, June 22, 2018 .  Military rites will be conducted by the Interveterans’ Burial Detail of Sangamon County and US Army Honors Detail.  A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday, June 23, 2018 , in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church in Rushville.  In lieu of flowers the family request donations to either the Guardian Angel Basset Rescue, P.O. Box 288, Dwight, IL, 60420 or the Blessing Foundation for Hospice, 1121 Broadway, Quincy, IL, 62301.