Andrew Joseph Gudehus Obituary (1918 - 2012)

Andrew Joseph Gudehus, 94, of Peoria, formerly of Oconee, IL, died at 12:00 am Sunday, October 21, 2012, at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria. He was born August 8, 1918, in rural Oconee, son of William and Margaret Lehn Gudehus. After graduating from Pana Township High School, Andrew proudly served his country four years, three months, and nineteen days in the United States Army Air Corps. One year was served in Italy during WWII. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1945. He was a member of Roy Ireland Post #317 American Legion in Oconee. While in Peoria he was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and later returned to his home church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oconee. After working thirty-three years in Peoria at Caterpillar, Andrew remained in Peoria until 2004 when he returned to the family farm near Oconee to care for his ailing sister, Agnes. In August, 2009, Andrew moved into Lutheran Hillside Village, Peoria, where he received the loving care of their staff for the last 3 years. Andrew is survived by three nieces, three nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clement and Edgar; sisters, Estella, Mildred Gudehus Matzker, and Agnes; and brother-in-law, Anton Matzker. Funeral Information Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Sacred Heart Church, Oconee with Father Dan Willenborg officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Oconee with graveside military rites by Roy Ireland Post #317 American Legion, Oconee. Visitation will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday followed by the rosary at 6:30 p.m. at McCracken-Dean Funeral Home in Pana.