George Albert Roos Jr. “Big Daddy”, 86, of Pekin, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 9:26 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist in Peoria, IL. George was born on December 30, 1938, in Pekin, IL. George was the son of George A. Roos Sr. and Anna (Brown) Roos. On September 7, 1963, he married Paula Kerrigan. They were married for 33 years. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2020. He later married Donna Hunter on October 6, 1999. They were married for 18 years until Donna preceded him in death on May 2, 2017.
George had one sister, JoAnn (Roos) Smith, who preceded him in death on October 26, 2004. He was the father of Michelle (Derrick) Deal, Sandra Roos, and Scott (Jennifer) Roos. He also had six stepchildren. George had nine grandchildren, Danielle (George) Giaccobbe, Devin (Lindsey) Deal, Darrah (Stephen) Caughey, Maryia Ellwanger, Parker Roos, Michael (Storm) Ellwanger, A Roos, Abby Spencer, and Grace Spencer. He also had three great grandchildren, Matthew (Rizzo) Keenan, Kieran Caughey, and Sammy Giacobbe. George has one surviving niece, Jody (Ronnie) Englebrecht, and one niece, Judy (Eugene) Marshall who preceded him in death.
George graduated from Pekin Community High School in 1957. He played both baseball and football while in high school. He also attended Western University. George worked at Keystone Steel & Wire for 38 years and retired on June 30, 2000. He previously worked at Corn Products for five years, prior to Keystone. George was an umpire for the Pekin Lettes. He also umpired for the Pekin Park district for 25 years and many other local and nonlocal games throughout central Illinois.
George was an avid golfer. He was very proud of his “hole in ones.” George was also on various bowling leagues. He also enjoyed playing men’s fast pitch softball. George gained many friends throughout his love for sports. Golfing at Parkview Golf Course and on his annual trip to Georgia brought him much joy and fun stories that he shared throughout his life. Sports also came through as a coach for his son’s various baseball teams. George loved attending the many sporting activities of his kids and his grandchildren. He not only loved watching the games, but he always enjoyed his bag of popcorn. He was always a proud Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. You could frequently find him reading the sports section of the Pekin Times to check the local sports scores, news, and highlights. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears.
He achieved a lifelong membership at the Pekin Moose Lodge 916. He was also a member of the Eagles 1869. The Moose was a great place for family entertainment, and spending time with friends. It also served as the “19th Hole”.
Later in life, George moved to the UAW. He enjoyed the many activities there as well as the multiple friendships he made. George leaves behind a special friend, Linda.
George was known as “Big Daddy” and was also known for giving his children, friends, coworkers, and any others he got to know nicknames. George was loved by many people and will be missed by all who knew him. He was the “rock” of our family.
George’s visitation will be held at Abts Mortuary in Pekin, IL from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025. There will be a private family burial service at Glendale Memorial Gardens. Those who wish to remember George in a special way may make gifts in his memory to FRAXA Research Foundation or Moose Heart International.
The family has entrusted Abts Mortuary in Pekin, IL with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of George Albert Roos Jr., visit the Tribute Store.
