Rodney Mehl
October 17, 1937 — November 19, 2015
Rodney Kent “Rod” Mehl, 78, of Peoria, passed away at 9:03 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Rod was born on October 17, 1937 in Peoria, a son of Harold and Anne (Claudin) Mehl. They preceded him in death, along with one sister, Gloria Messmore. He married Judith Peake on June 15, 1968 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Peoria; son Mike Mehl of East Peoria; daughter, Jennifer (Jerry) Schisler of Roseville; brother, Jay (Sarah) Mehl of Peoria; grandchildren, Grace, Caden and Ella Mehl and Mackenzie Schisler; niece, Christy Cody of Tulsa, OK; and nephew, Dan Messmore of East Peoria.
Rod attended Peoria High School, graduating in 1955. He went on to attend school at both the University of Illinois and Bradley University.
Rod was self-employed at J-R Pet Products, work at his family business; Illinois Highway Lines, and spent most of his career at Dawson’s Home Center in Peoria.
In 1961, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served at both the Presidio in California and was stationed in Nuremburg, Germany. After returning to the states, he continued to serve in the Reserves.
Rod was an avid model boat builder. His love was for building boats in the style of the old fashioned paddle wheeler, a love that stemmed from his family history and his great uncle, H.F. Mehl, who captained the Columbia Riverboat on the Illinois River in the early 1900’s. One of his model riverboats is on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Rod also held a love of cars. He collected many different models over the years, but the Corvette was his favorite. His 1973 Camaro also held a special place in his heart.
Rod was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria, where his visitation will be on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be no funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made in Rod’s name to Peoria Rescue Ministries, American Diabetes Association, Children’s Tumor Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
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