Carol Ann Peisker, 86, passed away on May 28, 2025, at the Pavilion of Ottawa. Funeral services will be private with Pastor Phil Potaczek of Trinity Lutheran Church and arrangements handled by Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa, Illinois.
Carol was born on July 6, 1938 in Ottawa, Illinois to Jerry and Florence (Gross) Looney. She graduated from Ottawa High School where she was the homecoming queen in 1955 and attended Northern Illinois University. She and Ronald Chevalier married in 1957 and they had three children together prior to the end of their marriage in 1986.
Carol worked at First National Bank of Ottawa, Town & Country Disposal, and retired from Illinois Bell after 22 years of service. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 50 years and taught Sunday School, using her beloved puppets in her classroom presentations.
Carol married Gene Peisker on August 22, 1993. Gene was a Lutheran minister and after their marriage, they did ministry work at the Sheridan Correctional Center for years. Upon Gene’s retirement, from 1998-2012, they traveled to numerous churches doing interim pastor work.
Carol enjoyed spending time with all the grandchildren. Within the blended families, many affectionately called her MeeMaw. MeeMaw would send cards to remember a special day, baked the best toffee bars and gingersnap cookies, and was known to always have plenty of ice cream on hand for the grandkids.
She had a fondness for Raggedy Ann dolls, Beanie Babies, and dressing in different costumes or fun hats every year for Halloween. Cherished memories were made playing in MeeMaw & Bompa’s basement and the hidden room in the crawlspace. She loved to dance The Twist, and was a canine parent to many in her life, with a special fondness for her dogs, Muggs & Mittsi.
After Gene faced health issues in 2012, Carol lived her life with grace and acceptance as his caregiver, and then in her own long journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Carol is survived by three children; Michelle (Michael) Jansz, Yvette (Doug) Pastirik, and Brian (Paula) Chevalier; four step-sons, Jim (Susan) Peisker, John (Lynn) Peisker, Dan Peisker, and David (Kelly) Peisker; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; her sister, Jerrilyn Looney; and her former sisters-in-law, Kay (Chevalier) Biffany and Joyce Chevalier. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the family for future charitable donation. Condolences may be sent to family members or to PO Box 2323, Ottawa, IL, 61350.
Carol leaves this world having been a servant of God and having loved the Lord with all her heart. One of her favorite verses was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Carol was laid to rest in the Garden of The Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.