Linda Kay Juchems

Linda Kay (Peitzmeier),Juchems, 77, passed away on July 1, 2026, at OSF Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. She was the youngest daughter of the late Lawrence and Lucille Peitzmeier. Linda graduated from Illinois Valley Central High School in Chillicothe, Class of 1967. Go Grey Ghosts! During her high school years, she worked for Weaver’s Chicken in Chillicothe (way better than The Colonel’s). After work she enjoyed hanging out with her friends at The Sugar Shack. Linda married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Hartwig in 1968. Together, they had two daughters, Diane and Shelly. Stan and Linda later divorced in 1979. Linda was employed in her dream job as a buyer for Szold’s Department Store. She worked in the downtown Peoria location and would travel to New York to purchase the latest fashions! Linda was in New York , for a buying seminar, and just a few blocks away when the Beatles John Lennon was murdered. She later visited Strawberry Fields during the trip. Linda also worked for Bergner’s department store in the men’s department. After many years working at Bergner’s she retired. One Friday afternoon in 1991, Linda and her daughter Diane were having lunch at Yesterday's Bar and Grille in Peoria. Linda noticed a gentleman sitting alone at the bar. Linda said, “He’s good looking”. Diane started a conversation with the gentleman and asked if he was single. He said “yes” and Diane responded, “So is my mom”. That good looking gentleman's name was Larry. The rest is history. Linda and Larry Juchems married on February 29, 1992, at St. Mark’s Church in Chillicothe, IL. He survives. Linda was Elvis Presley's #1 fan. Larry and Linda would drive to Graceland to visit The King, with Brittney. One of Linda's fondest memories was watching the Peabody Ducks at the Peabody Hotel located in Memphis. Linda and Brittney would also travel to the Illinois countryside to shop for Beanie Babies. Since shopping was one of Linda's favorite hobbies, she looked forward every year to Black Friday shopping with Shelly and Kayla. They would get up before the sunrise, and shop for the best deals. Sometimes, not arrive home till after sunset. Linda also enjoyed spending time with her grandsons, Cole, Brandon and Bret, and great granddaughters, Addison, Maci, and Nollie. Linda is survived by her daughters Diane (Paul) Tuttle of Chillicothe and Shelly Urnikis of Sparland.Her sisters Marilyn Enda , Patricia (James) Ksycki, and Barb (Ficht) Webster, her grandchildren, Brittney Ragon, (Steve Molitor) Kayla Urnikis,(Tim Holmstrom) Cole Urnikis, Brandon Phelps, Bret Tuttle, and her great grandchildren Addison, Maci and Ben Ragon. Nollie Urnikis and Atlas Holmstrom. Along with many nieces and nephews. Linda is also survived by her bonus children, Patricia (Joe) Christen, Larry (Lilly) Juchems, Jeff Juchems, Joylynn Christen, and Brad (Flor) Juchems. Her bonus grandchildren Joey & Anthony Christen, Michael Juchems, Christopher, Emily, Jennifer, Melissa, & Jamie Christen, and Marc & Alejandra Juchems, as well as five bonus great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Martha Fry and younger brother, James (Myra) Peitzmeier, nieces Rosemary & Rosemarie Ficht, Kathy and Debbie Ksycki, as well as her nephews Larry Ksycki and Robert Fry. Per Linda’s wishes, there will be no services. Donations can be sent to The ARK, Lacon, Il. or sent to Larry Juchems (CEFCU) Linda will truly be missed.

Linda Kay Juchems

December 21, 1948 - July 1, 2026