Clarence J. Graber, 92, of Peoria passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Pekin Manor.
He was born June 25, 1930, in Peoria to John and Lena Closen Graber. He married Cora L. Atkinson Van Beuning, January 25, 1956 in Lincoln. She preceded him in death May 22, 1999. His parents; stepson, William Atkinson; sister, Mary Link and one nephew also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his stepchildren, Bonnie Schaub, Janice Fritsch, Darlene (Gary) Carter; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Dolores A. Million; five nephews and two nieces.
Clarence graduated from Pekin Community High School and worked for Caterpillar.
He enjoyed gardening, Larry’s Driftwood, and visiting with his friends at the Coffee Bar and Pottsies. He was an avid long-time fan of the Chicago Cubs. He always had two TVs on to watch sports.
He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Ann Catholic Church.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Father Michael Andrejek and Father Jeremy Freehill will officiate. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Ann Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in his name.
The family has entrusted Abts Mortuary in Pekin with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
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