Joel P. Ommen

Joel P. Ommen, 70, of Peoria, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Joel was born in Peoria, IL, on January 14, 1955, to Henry and Eileen (Kahrs) Ommen.

They preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death was his sister, Kathleen S. Knapp, and one nephew.

He is survived by his brother; a total of 5 nieces, including Monica Knapp and Sarah

Siegrist, who attended to Joel during his final days, 4 nephews, 7 great-nieces, including a special grand-niece, Emily, and 7 great-nephews; and cousins, Lynda Demmin and Larry Molek.

Joel graduated from Christ Lutheran School and from Richwoods High School, though

a Manual Ram at heart, as that is where he attended his first 3 years.

Joel worked at Peoria Plastics and Caterpillar from where he is still remembered by the

friends he made there.

Joel was a faithful student of the Bible and a devout Lutheran. He was a member of

Christ Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois, where he was baptized and confirmed.

Joel loved people unconditionally and generously gave to others.

In his younger years, Joel was an avid gun collector and shot trap and skeet.

Joel had a unique and lifelong fascination for the fine arts. Joel had a keen eye and an

uncanny ability to see the beauty and quality in innumerable and diverse expressions of art.

Joel was well known in the Peoria Art Community. His passion for collecting and

supporting the arts remained with him his whole life. It was not uncommon to see items

from his vast and eclectic collection in exhibits at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. He

was a proud member of the Peoria Falcon Circle at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

To the end, Joel held fast the truth of Jesus Christ as his Savior. Joel was a child of God and is now with the Almighty in Heaven. This is his testament. If you believe as well, you will also experience the immeasurable joys of Heaven.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Wilton Mortuary. A memorial service is

planned to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Christ Lutheran

Church, located at 2020 W Malone St., Peoria, IL 61605.

Per Joel's wishes, memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church at

2020 W Malone St., Peoria, IL 61605; Lutheran Bible Translators at 205 S Main St.,

Concordia, MO 64020; Southside Mission of Peoria at 1127 S Laramie St., Peoria, IL

61605; or the Neighborhood House at 1020 S Matthew St., Peoria, IL 61605.