Eugene Harper

Eugene P. “Gene” Harper Jr., 91, of Peoria, passed away at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2015, at The Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Peoria Heights.
Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, with visitation from 4 to 6 p.m., prior to services at the funeral home. The service will be concluded with Recitation of the Rosary by the Franciscan Friars of Holy Family Parish. A private interment will be at St. Clement’s Cemetery in Dunalp.
Gene was born on October 4, 1923 in Peoria, the son of Eugene P. and Norma E. (Hensley) Harper. He married Jeannette C. VanSpankeren on April 13, 1946 in Chicago. She preceded him in death on July 30, 1976 in Dunlap. He was also preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Phillip Pertraitis, and a great grandson, Aaron May. He married Norma J. (Miller) Weisser on April 11, 1977 in Peoria. She survives.
He is also survived by his children, Wallace E. (Kathleen) Harper of Peoria, Cynthia L. Petraitis (Charlie Saurs) of Barrington, Richard A. (Edna) Harper of Chillicothe, David M. Harper (Robin Forstrom) of Edelstein and Susan M. (Chris) Solka of Cary; step children, Garey (Cheryl) Weisser of Peoria and Lori (Bruce) Jacobs of Decatur; fourteen grandchildren; four step grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and one step great grandchild.
In 1984, Gene retired as a superintendant from Chris Hoerr & Son, after thirty-six years of service. After his retirement, he was employed at International Supply Co. in Edelstein.
He was of the Catholic faith and a former member of the Knights of Columbus Spalding Council 427, International Order of Alhambra, Teamsters Local 647, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and St. Clement’s Mens Club. He also formerly served as a Boy Scout Troop Leader.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus in Peoria.

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