Obituary of Charles "Chuck" Zentko, Jr.

Charles “Chuck” Zentko, Jr., 61, of Pekin, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. 

He was born in Peoria on June 4, 1964, to Charles, Sr. and Delores (Chasteen) Zentko. 

He is survived by his daughter, Julia (Sean) Perkins; grandkids, Leia and Adam; brothers, Tony (Lynn) and Joseph Hughes of Huntsville, Alabama; sisters, Stephanie Tegtmeyer, Blue Hughes, and Bonnie (Chad) Brockett; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bob Davis; and sisters, Vicky Block, Barb Segler and her daughter, Nicole.

Special thanks to family friend, Brett Davis, for taking him to doctor’s appointments and being there when no one else could be.

Chuck was a graduate of Pekin Community High School in 1982, then attended Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI, where he played football. He spent much of his career at Morton Metal Craft and later, was a skilled roofer at Heinz Roofing. His last job was a roofing foreman with his nephew, Kyle.

Chuck lived life to the fullest, spending a lot of time with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. According to Blue, he was one “bad ass” brother. We will all miss him dearly!

Cremation rites have been accorded. Cremation Specialist of Illinois is assisting the family. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the Pekin Moose Lodge on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Memorial contributions may be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left at www.CSofIL.com.

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