Paul "Wally" L. Kannenberg

Paul “Wally” L. Kannenberg, 82, of East Peoria, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family after three days of keeping them in suspense, unsure whether he wanted to stay or go, ensuring they spent time together before he left them to their own devices, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 5:05 a.m. He was born in Peoria, IL on December 6, 1941, to Charles and Gertrude (King) Kannenberg. On February 14, 1986, he married Jennifer S. Murphy in Peoria. Paul was the youngest of 14 children. After his father passed away when he was just nine, Paul and two siblings were sent to the Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s School in Bloomington, IL, due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, Paul was placed with a loving foster family who welcomed him as one of their own. He maintained a close relationship with his foster mother, Pearl Kroll, and often made trips with his children to visit their “Grandma” Pearl in Watseka, IL. Their bond remained strong until her passing in 1996. At the age of 17, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served the next 6 years in Communications, including a year stationed in South Korea. After his honorable discharge, he began an apprenticeship at Warner Meats in Peoria, IL, where he became a skilled meat cutter. Paul later worked for Eagle Grocery in East Peoria for over 13 years until his retirement in 1992. Paul’s family would like everyone to know that this world will never be the same without him. He definitely put the fun in our dysfunctional family. His sense of humor, while occasionally annoying to his loved ones, was contagious. He made it his mission to get everyone he met to laugh, often with his sassy humor and his classic “dad” jokes. When anyone would ask if he needed anything, his favorite reply was always “I need a million dollars” which was always met with a chuckle. Paul’s hobbies reflected his curiosity and love for history. He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, and spent many years researching his family’s genealogy with his children. A lifelong White Sox fan, Paul could frequently be found cheering (more like coaching) from his recliner during game time. However, his greatest joy was his family. Whether playing games with his children or watching his grandchildren participate in sports, Paul’s love for his family was always evident, and his absence will be profoundly felt by those who knew him. Paul is survived by his wife, Jennifer, three daughters, Paula (the late Leigh Tabor) Kannenberg and Brandi (Patrick) Hogan both of East Peoria, and Stacy (Rodney Shoop) Kannenberg of Peoria Heights; two granddaughters, Logan Anderson (Walfred Manrique) of Aurora, IL, and Jacquelynn (Alex Renner) Hogan of Peoria Heights, who were both gifted with the same sense of humor and love for dad jokes as their pepaw and will continue to annoy the family in his honor; one grandson Zackery (Danielle Gravatt) Hogan of Scottsdale, AZ, who may not carry on his pepaw’s last name, but he will carry on his pepaw’s love for the White Sox, and his nephew J.J. (Sarah) Buckley of Jackson, WI, who he shared a special bond with, and while his family was the light of his life, they were all replaced by his new favorite child, his fur-son, Ty. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; June, Evelyn, Alice, Esther, Ann, Charles, Edith, Robert, Harold, William, Howard, Judith, and Peggy, and two daughters, Barbara Jo Kannenberg and Michelle Anderson. The family would like to thank the staff at Serenity Assisted Living for the care and compassion they gave to Paul, he truly felt like you were part of his family. We would also like to thank Traditions Hospice for their care and compassion over the last few months, their staff went above and beyond, oh - and we are sorry about the catheter situation. At Paul’s request, a private family service was held, although the irony is not lost, that the man who thought if you arrived on time, you were late, was 15 minutes late to his own funeral. Cremation rites have been accorded. Schmidt Haller is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to Paul’s “million-dollar fund” which can be donated directly to Congregation Anshai Emeth and TAPS Animal Shelter.

Paul "Wally" L. Kannenberg

December 6, 1941 - October 23, 2024