Obituaries
PEORIA-Kevin Palka, 51, of Peoria, passed away at 8:10 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011, at Proctor Hospital ER. He was born on March 25, 1960, in Peoria, to William A. and Mary Ann McAllister Palka. He married Juli A. Salmon on September 22, 1990 in Peoria. She survives. Kevin is also survived by two daughters, Madison Palka and Hannah Palka both at home; one brother, Gary (Stacey) Palka of Pekin; three sisters, Kathy (Dennis) Bucko of Homer Glen, IL, Ellen (Mike) Ringenberg of North Wales, PA and Amy (Chris) Matich of Chenoa, IL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Linda Palka. He was a graduate of St. Bernard Grade School, Spalding Institute and a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. Kevin worked for the U.S. Postal Services for 24 years. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. Kevin’s greatest joy in life was watching his two daughters participate in sports. He was also a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and St. Louis Cardinal fan. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 15, 2011, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Dustin Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the church and one hour before the Mass at the church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Wright & Salmon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 11 S. LaSalle St., #1800, Chicago, IL 60603-1344 or American Diabetes Association. Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com