Duane Cordrey

     Duane David “Dave” Cordrey, 56, of Peoria, passed away at 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at his residence.

     Dave was born in Kewanee on April 7, 1953, a son of Leonard and Patricia (Foley) Cordrey. His parents and a brother, Tim Cordrey, preceded him in death. He married Carol J. Dotzert on October 23, 1992 in Peoria. She survives.

     He is also survived by his children, Dustin Dotzert of Peoria, Melanie Gebhart Schwartz of Viginia and Tiffany Cordrey of Peoria; granddaughters, Grace Dotzert, Kendra Dotzert, Elexus Dotzert, Aubrey Gunzenheiser, Cheyenne Etnier, Skye Etnier, Taylor Gebhart and Tristan Gebhart; brothers, Robert Cordrey, Jerry Claassen, Terry Cordrey, Tom Cordrey and Scott Cordrey; and sisters, Kelly Cordrey and Millie Beston.

     Dave was employed in the maintenance department of Peoria Area Retarded Citizens (PARC) and also owned Essential DJ & Karaoke Inc. He hosted entertainment for many weddings and nightspots in Central Illinois. He received his Associates Degree in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and was formerly employed with Fritch Heating and Cooling in Peoria.

     Dave was an amazing man of many talents. He had the ability to fix almost anything that was broken and if it was “unfixable”, he would find a way. He enjoyed computers and electronics and was a gifted musician and artist. He did many oil paintings and taught his son to play the guitar. Dave enjoyed playing and listening to Southern Rock, The Oldies and old Country music.

     He enjoyed spending time in front of his computer and playing music, but he loved the time he spent with his family, especially his wife and granddaughters. He helped everyone he loved and often took in family members in times of need. He will be remembered as a loving, strong, talented and trusting man. He touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed.

     Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009, at Clary Funeral Home in Peoria. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.

     Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to Illinois CancerCare or to the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery.