Jess Isonhart

Jess Isonhart, 91, of East Peoria, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at his home. He was born in Peoria on September 28, 1934, to Jesse, Sr. and Helen (Baggs) Isonhart. On May 31, 1959, he married the love of his life, Nadine Sering in East Peoria. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage until she passed away on October 21, 2018.
He was also preceded in death by his 3 sisters, Mary Catherine "Cass", Dorothy, and Janet "Jan". He is survived by his sons, Bruce (Diane) Isonhart of Garland, TX and Scott (Vickie) Isonhart of East Peoria; four grandchildren, Justin (Amy) Isonhart, Trevor (Danielle Kalkwarf) Isonhart, Natalie (Joshua) Cregger, and Lindsey Isonhart; and 3 great grandchildren, Annika and Hayden Cregger and Wyatt Isonhart.
Jess graduated from Manual Training High School. As a teenager, he worked as a pin setter at the bowling alley. He then joined the Army and was stationed in Alaska. After completing his service, he worked as a delivery driver for Dean's Distributing and delivered Kitchen Made pies to local restaurants. He later worked for Mississippi Valley Stihl, until he retired in 1991.
Jess belonged to Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in East Peoria and previously participated in the Jay Cees. For many years, he umpired softball, baseball, and basketball games with IESA and Fondulac Park District and volunteered at the Enchanted Forest for the Festival of Lights in East Peoria. He was an avid gardener, bird watcher and deer hunter, and he enjoyed sharing countless silly songs and life stories with his family and friends. He had an amazing sense of humor and loved to tease. If you were ever teased by Jess, you can rest assured that he really liked you.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at GT Church in East Peoria, with a Memorial Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pastor Dann Berkel will officiate.
Full military rites will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fondulac Park District. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.