Jack D. Moore

EAST PEORIA-Jackie D Moore, 78, of Hendricks, MN, formerly of East Peoria, IL passed away at 10:30 PM on Monday, February 28, 2011 with his wife and children with him, after suffering for over 30 years with a progressive neurological disease. He went to his forever home with the Lord, whom he served all of his life. He was born on April 26, 1932 in Kalamazoo, MI to Earl V. and Ruth Dillon Moore. Jack graduated from Benton High School in 1950. Immediately after graduation, he came to Peoria, IL and began his career at Caterpillar, Inc. He went through Caterpillar's 4 year apprentice course. He then served his country for two years in Germany with the US Army from 1954-1956. While serving in Germany, Jack sent for the love of his life, Joanne Kellum, and they married on December 3, 1955 in New Ulm, Germany. After returning from Germany, the couple settled in East Peoria, where Jack continued his lifelong career at Caterpillar. He attended Bradley University from 1956-1971, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He continued to work at Caterpillar as a Mechanical Engineer until his retirement due to health reasons in 1994. Jack faithfully served the Lord during his lifetime, singing solos and with the church choir from the time he was a teenager until he could no longer walk. He served Faith United Methodist Church in East Peoria, IL as Financial Secretary and church Treasurer for over 20 years. He was also a member of the church golf league, earning his only hole in one while playing. Jack was an avid baseball fan, faithfully following the St. Louis Cardinals all of his life. He loved playing the guitar and singing gospel songs. Jack was multi-talented, able to fix, build and repair anything. He built the home that they lived in for 50 years in East Peoria, repaired all of the vehicles, built their first color television, their first stereo and fixed anything that was broken in thier home. There was never a repairman called to the Moore home. He was also a master carpenter, creating many precious heirlooms for his wife, children and grandchildren to cherish. This was a hobby enjoyed by Jack and Joanne together as Joanne picked the patterns, Jack made them and Joanne did the finishing work. Other hobbies included reading, especially his Bible, working puzzles and doing crossword puzzles, running in many area races, including the Steam Boat Days race. He also enjoyed playing golf for many years until he had to quit due to his disability from Cerebellar Ataxia. Jack was so devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. Blessed to have shared his life are his wife of 55 years, Joanne (Kellum) Moore; his daughter, Cheryl (Brad) Belsly of Hendricks, MN; son, Roger (Lisa) Moore of Rochester, IL, and daughter, Ann Marie (Gary) Nuese of Hendricks, MN;1 brother, Gerald (Patsy) Moore of East Peoria, IL; 1 sister, Jerri Ruemmler of Ewing, IL, and 13 grandchildren, Justin, Jessica and Jonathan Belsly, Seth, Grace, Aaron, Rebekah, Ruth and Josiah Moore, Kayla, Alex, Katie and Brenna Nuese. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Scott in 1969; his parents; sister, Marilyn Speerly and brother, James Moore. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Faith United Methodist Church in East Peoria. Pastor Robert Baker will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Friday, March 4, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in East Peoria. Additional visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Jack D. Moore

April 26, 1932 - February 28, 2011