Al Peplinski

Alphonse J. Peplinski, 88, of East Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Al was born on June 14, 1937, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, to Alphonse Edward and Elizabeth Mary "Betty" (Staransky) Peplinski.

He is survived by his devoted wife of more than 62 years, Marilyn Peplinski of East Peoria; his children, Angie (John) Kruis of Carol Stream, Illinois, Robert (Julie) Peplinski of Houston, Texas, and Michele Peplinski of Chicago, Illinois; six grandchildren, Lauren Peplinski, Amanda Kruis, Sarah (Glendon) Durham, Alissa Kruis, Ryan Peplinski, and Kathryn Peplinski; one great-grandchild, William Durham and a nephew and niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Peplinski.

Al attended St. Clement Catholic School and graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Detroit in 1955. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Detroit in 1961. While attending college, he participated in a cooperative program with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Peoria, a relationship that would become his life's work.

In 1961, Al began a 35-year career as a chemical engineer with the USDA, retiring in 1995. His work reflected his deep interest in science, nutrition, and public service. His final assignment took him to Burkina Faso, West Africa an experience he valued greatly and often reflected upon with pride.

Al met Marilyn, a chemist, while both were working at the USDA. They were married on June 8, 1963, at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Peoria. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, learning, and family, raising their three children in East Peoria.

Family was at the center of Al's life. He treasured time spent traveling with loved ones visiting Disney World many times, exploring national parks across the United States and Canada, or journeying to Texas, Georgia, New Orleans, South Dakota, and Australia. He especially enjoyed watching Wildlife Prairie Park being built, enjoying the park and staying in the cabins.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Al faithfully read the Peoria Journal Star, The Wall Street Journal, and local newspapers wherever his travels took him. He enjoyed books on nutrition, organic gardening, and continued his love of learning through Bradley University's OLLI classes. A devoted sports fan, he was fiercely loyal to University of Michigan football (GO BLUE), the Detroit Tigers, and the Detroit Red Wings.

Al was a dedicated member of St. Monica Catholic Church for 62 years, where he served as a lector, altar server, usher, and a proud member of Knights of Columbus Council #7580. His faith guided his life, and he found great joy and community in serving his parish family.

Al will be remembered as a brilliant engineer, a man of deep faith, a devoted husband and father, and a steady, thoughtful presence to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in his family, his service, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, intellect, and quiet strength. GO BLUE.

Donations in Al's memory may be made to St. Monica's Catholic Church or St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Visitation will be held at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, Illinois, on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:15 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Additional view will be from 10:00-10:45 a.m., and rosary will begin at 10:45 a.m.. Interment will follow at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.