Peter Lawrence "Pete" Gajewski

August 8, 1953 - August 30, 2020

Peter L. “Pete” Gajewski, age 67, of rural Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with his family near, at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2020, at his home. He was born on Saturday, August 8, 1953, in Chicago, IL, the son of Franke Martin and Gayle M. (Vietininghoff) Gajewski. Peter attended high school at Lane Technical College Prep High School located in Chicago, IL, graduating in 1971. After graduation he attended Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL, where he received as Bachelor Degree in Automotive Technology. During his time at high school and college, he sat First Chair in the Concert Band playing the clarinet. He was united to Deborah Ellen Belsher on Sunday, March 8, 2009, in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, South America, standing on a dive boat in front of “Darwin’s Arch”, and together they have shared over 11 wonderful years of marriage. Pete owned and operated Cablelink of Carterville, IL, an independent satellite retailer and also provided internet services around the area. He was of the Christian faith. Pete also enjoyed politics was a strong Republican and was an elected Republican Precinct Committeeman representing the Crab Orchard 2 Precinct. He was a proud member of the “National Rifle Association” and Past President of the “Heartland Dock Jumpers” a dog organization. He especially loved his five dogs Jake, Lacey, Dusty, Ollie and Nova. In his spare time he enjoyed scuba diving, being in the outdoors knowing the names of all the trees and flowers and feeding the many birds around his home. He was a former pilot and an excellent pool player and an avid Chicago White Sox, Cubs, Black Hawks and Bears fan and enjoyed going to Corvette Rallies. He loved his family and enjoyed the times they shared together. The many memories created will be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Deborah E. Gajewski of rural Marion, IL; daughter, Jeanette Ruggeri of rural Pittsburg, IL; three grandchildren, Savannah Ruggeri of Marion, IL, Logan Ruggeri and Ryder Cullum both of Pittsburg, IL; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Michael Ganger of Yorkville, IL, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Gajewski. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2nd at the funeral home. The funeral service will be on Thursday, September 3, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding. Interment will follow in the Coal Bank Springs Cemetery located southeast of Marion. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “The American Cancer Society”. Memorial contributions may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial contribution envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND BY THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, if you are planning on attending the visitation and funeral service it is suggested you wear a mask and social distance yourself from others.