Eugene ("Gene") Lloyd Peck passed 8 February 2014 after succumbing to the dark cloud of Alzheimer's which extinguished the light of his life. He was born a Valentine baby 14 February 1923, the fourth child of Emma Ater Peck and Justin Harley Peck at Allerton Ranch #2 near Atkinson, Illinois. Near the age of two he lost his father in an accident. Gene lived several places before settling in Harvel, Illinois. His mother passed away when he was 16. He lived with friends until he graduated from high school. After graduating he was fortunate to attend three years at the University of Illinois in civil engineering before receiving "Uncle Sam's" call. Gene entered the US Army in the engineering corps then transferred to the Army Air Force to become a navigator, bombardier, and co-pilot in B-25s. In 1944 he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Lebeck and left for the China, Burma, India Theater where he flew 45 bombing/strafing missions over the Himalayan Mountains. After the ending of hostilities with Japan, Gene was transferred to Europe (Paris, France) as a logistics officer for transferring material throughout Europe and for returning to the USA. Gene spoke little of his experiences of this time although two were mentioned. One was an on-sight review of a Nazi death camp (which made a profound impact). The second was a visit to Hitler's Eagle Nest compound where he did what many soldiers did when viewing Hitler's bathtub. He left the Army as a Captain.

After returning to the USA he re-entered the University of Illinois to finish his BSCE degree and obtain a MSCE degree. Although he started the PhD program he left to be in the "real world" which was more exciting than academics. He later became a licensed Professional Engineer and a licensed Surveyor. Gene worked for a couple of years for the engineering company Sverdrup and Parcel, St. Louis MO, in drafting and design of bridges. He left when the lure of agriculture called. He managed/farmed a 1250 acre farm near Monticello, Illinois for a brother-in-law until the farm was sold. Gene then worked as the Assistant County Supervisor of Highways for Piatt County.

Gene was enticed to leave the highway office in Piatt County to join Midwest Prestressed Concrete Company of Springfield, Illinois and expanding to Rochelle, Illinois. He was tasked to convert the Baldwin/Whitcomb Locomotive buildings into a prestressed concrete beam production site as the plant manager and later as the VP of Operations. One of the memorable projects that put the Rochelle plant on the map was producing and delivering the hundreds of I-beams that support the 'departure' upper deck roadway at O'Hare Airport. Every time one walks out of the terminal at the 'arrival' level, one can look up to see them. There were a number of local projects such as the Spring Lake facilities, the Cooper Park band shell, and the Rt. 251 railroad overpass. Moving to northern Illinois began his "love affair" with the people of Rochelle and the surrounding area. Even though "prestressed concrete" work was his job, people and working with people in the community was his life. He was once quoted as saying "If I have any talent that can better my fellow man and help the world we live in, I should use it".

Gene was a long time member of the Rochelle Methodist Church serving on many committees throughout the years and a Sunday school teacher for youth and adults. He was quite active in Cub and Boy Scouts both locally and the Sinnissippi District. He received the Silver Beaver award for dedicated service. Gene was a devoted Rotarian and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. Gene served several years on the Rochelle Elementary School District 218 School Board and the Rochelle Hospital Board. He was President of each Board for one term during his tenures. The Illinois School Boards Association recognized him for his service to Illinois education. He was a member of the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, helped the Rochelle Chamber to become the first accredited Chamber in Illinois, and served as the Chamber's Chair of the Congressional Action Committee. Gene felt privileged to serve on the Village of Progress Board (Board President for four years) and as a member of Sinnissippi Services. He was also a member of the Rochelle Conservation Club and of Toastmasters International. After retirement he became a member of the Dement Township Drainage District.

In 1976 when the prestressed concrete company was owned by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Gene received the Westinghouse Company Community Service Award (one of only four within Westinghouse). He was greatly honored to be named the 1979 Rochelle Community Leader of the Year.

Gene was a man of service, whether it was washing dishes, walking in the CROP Walk for Hunger, making sure the boilers were working at the church on cold winter days, bagging sweet corn, or in leadership positions on various committees, commissions, and boards. He was a serious conversationalist and loved engaging people on almost any subject. He believed in 'inclusion' not 'exclusion' and shunned recognition.

Gene was married to his wife and partner, Helen, for 68 years until she passed in 2012. Gene has five surviving children: Don (wife Eileen Brown) of Raleigh NC, Ken (wife Narumon Tantrarat) of Raytown MO. Jan (wife Colleen O'Rourke) of Leslie MI, Kay (husband David Eiband, deceased) of Vail AZ, and Joy (husband Mark Storm) of Bradford RI; 10 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be given in Gene's name to the Rochelle United Methodist Church, Rotary International, Village of Progress (of Ogle County), and the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday 26 September 2014 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Rochelle United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM with reception on Saturday 27 September 2014.