Zachary “Zach” Gene Peavler, 40, of Loves Park, passed away unexpectedly from complications precipitated from his previous brain injury, on November 23, 2023, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born November 4, 1983, in Rockford, IL. The son of Jody (Shallenberger) and Gene Peavler. Zach attended Harlem High School where he met numerous lifelong friends. All four years of high school Zach played football and basketball, was on the Homecoming Court, and the student council. He played sports his whole life, was even a “bat boy” at 5 years old, for his brother Josh’s high school baseball team. His love for sports continued throughout his adult years. Whether he was watching, coaching, or cheering for his own children on the sidelines. Zach had 5 children, 3 whom he adopted when he was 29 years old. He loved his children, his family, and his girlfriend of 13 years, Stephanee Glavin. He was a huge Bears and White Sox fan. He was such a genuine person with the kindest soul, who loved to laugh, and was always willing to help others out, and always put others first. Zach had a smile that could light up a room, hugs so BIG they could melt any problems away, and a contagious, boisterous laugh.
Zach coached for the Carlson JR Huskies football league. He worked for the Harlem school district as a supervisory aid. During his time at Harlem High School, Zach was an assistant coach for Varsity and JV girls’ basketball. The impact, lessons, and mentorship Zach provided to his students was immeasurable and will be remembered for a lifetime. He was there for his students on and off the field and court.
Zach is survived by his mother Jody Peavler, grandmother Jeane Shallenberger, sister Jamie (Doug) Powell, sister Joy (Steve) Langley, brother Joshua Johnson; children Mckynzee (Hunter) Ramsey, Harmony, Cordae, Ziair, and Vincent “Vinny” Peavler; grandson Clayton Ramsey; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his father Gene Peavler, sister Casey Peavler, uncles Ted Shallenberger and Joe Rieffer, grandmother Marjorie Rieffer, and grandfather Fred Shallenberger.
The family would like to thank the OSF Cardiac ICU RN’s and staff; especially nurses Bridget and KC for all their kindness, warmth, and sincerity towards our family during this very difficult time. We also want to acknowledge the amazing staff at Park Strathmoor: Spring, Lisa, and ALL of the PT’s, OT’s, RN’s, and CNA’s who worked so diligently with Zach, and who became a 2
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family to us. We cannot thank you enough for everything you did for him and our family! A special thank you to Zach’s uncle Dann, for always being there and making him laugh, even through the toughest situations. We also want to thank Chris and Mary Zanoni for always being there for the Peavler family, and for their endless love and support. Thank you to all of Zach’s friends, the Harlem community, and his family who supported him through his “medical journey”. Your strength, love, and support never went unnoticed. Thank you again to everyone for all that you did to help our family, throughout this very difficult time in our lives.
There will be a Celebration of Life 10 am to noon on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, 7300 Belvidere Rd., Caledonia, IL with a service to follow at noon. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL. www.statelinecremations.com