Waldo "Walt" E. Roeschley

Waldo E. "Walt" Roeschley, 89, of Peoria passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021, at University Rehab in Peoria.  Walt was born on April 4, 1932, in Gary, IN, to Noah and Estella Smith Roeschley.

He is survived by his children, Kevin L. (Teresa) Roeschley and Kerri (Mike Satawake) Roeschley; grandchildren, Kevin M. Roeschley, Kyle Roeschley, Kira Roeschley, Karl Edwards, Loretta Edwards and Elijah Bush; great-grandchildren, Cam (Madison) Roeschley, Carmen Cayson, Benjamin Graham, Liam Graham and Corina Cambric; sister, Opal (Ray) Lutke; and many nieces and nephews. His parents; one brother, Cliff Roeschley; and one sister, Loretta Ellsworth, preceded him in death.

He attended Southeastern Bible College and Grace Bible Institute, graduating with a degree in Music. Walt and his brother, Cliff, owned and ran Berean Bookstore in Peoria for many years, getting to know and caring for people throughout the Peoria-area church community. Walt was also a gifted keyboardist and vocalist, providing musical accompaniment and direction at Smithville Bible Church, Our Savior's Chapel, Grace United Methodist Church and, most recently, Zion United Methodist Church.

Walt had a fondness for antiques and birds, especially chickens. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his beautiful singing voice and his genuine care and compassion for others. One of his grandchildren had this memory of him on learning of his passing: "My grandpa stopped and turned to us and said 'you know it's funny, with Christmas, with families, there's usually friction. I feel like we just love each other.'"

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Walt's life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Zion Evangelical United Methodist Church. There will be no visitation. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.peoriafuneral.com.