Charles Zentko Sr. Obituary

PEKIN ~ Charles "Red" Zentko, Sr., 84, of Pekin, passed away at 10:25 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Born January 13, 1939 in Peoria to Charles J. and Enelma (Block) Zentko, he married Deloris June Chasteen on July 8, 1963 in Peoria. She died April 7, 2014 in Peoria. He also was preceded in death by one sister, Janet Worms and one brother, Richard Zentko.

Surviving are two sons, Charles "Chuck" Zentko, Jr. and Tony (Lynn) Zentko, both of Pekin; three daughters, Tammy "Blue" Zentko of Pekin, Stephanie Tegtmeyer of East Peoria and Bonnie (Chad) Brockett of Pekin; eight grandchildren, Zoe Brockett, Lindsey Tegtmeyer, Kenneth (Vicki) Tegtmeyer, Cameron Gullett, Raymond Zentko, Julia Zentko, Celena Syrdale and Kyle Schintz; five great-grandchildren, Manny, Naomi, Asher, Adam and Laya; one brother, Norman (Vera) Zentko of Bartonville and several nieces and nephews.

He was a veteran of the United States Army.

Charles worked for Central Illinois Light Company for 28 years as a Chemist at the Edwards Station in Bartonville. He retired in 1999.

A diehard fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, Charles enjoyed fishing and watching deer. He also liked to bet on the horses and play the slots.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Pekin Moose Family Center #916 in Pekin.

His graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 Illinois Route 91, Peoria, IL 61615 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.