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BORN
1965
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Eugene Gatchel Jr. Obituary
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 13, 2023 at St. Joseph's Church, Peru with Rev. Gary Blake, pastor officiating. Full military rites will be conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Peru Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be held 10-10:50 AM Saturday at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Peru.
Mr. Gatchel was born July 22, 1965 in Rockford to Eugene F. and Dolores (Farrell) Gatchel. He was a graduate of Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford. He married Christine Bruning on April 17, 1987 in Missoula, Montana.
Mr. Gatchel was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring after more than 20 years of service, with the rank of E7 Gunnery Sergeant. He also worked as a truck driver with Ruan Transport for over 20 years. Mr. Gatchel had a strong faith and was a proud Catholic Christian. He was an avid trivia and music buff and sports fan, especially of the Chicago White Sox and Dallas Cowboys. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Chris; four children, Jacqueline "Jaqx" Leota of Spring Valley, Eugene Gatchel III of Ladd, Dylan (fiance, Jason Hopkins) Gatchel of Princeton, and Taylor (fiancee, Kaylee Potochney) Gatchel of Peru; six grandchildren, Isaiah, Elijah, Masina-Rose, Elianah, Seren-Teuila, and Baby Boy Gatchel on the way; his mother, Dolores Gatchel of Peru; four siblings, Rose Gatchel of Rockford, Therese (Jerry) Bruning of Pekin, Tom (Lisa) Gatchel of Alexandria, IN, and Anne Gatchel of Chicago; and very special nephews and niece, Brandon, Matt, and Patience.
He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Gatchel Sr.; two sisters in infancy, Dolores and Mary Ann; and a brother-in-law, Brandon Bruning.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Gatchel Jr.
2 Entries
Clif & Geri Cook
January 13, 2024
Beloved son in law you will be missed.
How you can show support
Clif and Mom
January 13, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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Memorial Events
for Eugene Gatchel Jr.
Jan
13
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
St. Joseph's Church
1925 Fifth St., Peru, IL 61354
Jan
13
Service
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
St. Joseph's Church
1925 Fifth St., Peru, IL 61354
Jan
13
Service
12:00 p.m.
St. Joseph's Church
1925 Fifth St., Peru, IL 61354
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