Rev Roger E Cheek

Pastor Roger Cheek Rev. Roger E. Cheek, age 87, died Monday June 20, 2016 in Pinecrest Terrace, Mt. Morris, IL. Roger was born March 5, 1929 in Leaf River, IL the son of Edward E. & Violet (Kretsinger) Cheek. Roger graduated from Leaf River High School. Roger married Lorraine Ellen Hartje on October 23, 1948 in Leaf River IL; served in the United States Air Force; and was employed in the tool & die industry. At age 35 he went back to school; received a Bachelor Degree from Dakota Wesleyan University and a Master's Degree from Garrett Theological Seminary; and for 26 years, he served as a United Methodist Church minister. His ministry led them to make many communities in southeastern South Dakota and northern Illinois home. Roger and Lorraine lived in rural Galena prior to coming to Mt. Morris 18 years ago. All who knew him will remember he was a true "Jack of All Trades". He was passionate about cars and engines all of his life. He rebuilt countless cars, trucks, engines, and many, many pieces of equipment of all shapes and sizes. He loved camping and fishing and loved the outdoors. He built their retirement home with the help of only family and friends on a seclude spot overlooking the Mississippi River. His hands could fix or build anything and he rarely failed and never "gave up". Mostly he loved his family and made everybody he met a friend. Roger is survived by his wife Lorraine; 4 children: Denise & Deborah Cheek, Mt. Morris, IL; Edward (Rebecca) Cheek, DeKalb, IL; Belinda Cheek, Naperville, IL; and Marilyn Mason, Naperville, IL; 3 grandchildren: Rhonda Cheek, Heather Cheek, and Ethan (Amanda) Cheek; 1 great-grandchild: Liam Cheek. ​Roger is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Virgie (Thomas) Todhunter and Glenda King. ​Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL with Pastor Dwight Stewart officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport, IL. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 9:30 A.M. till service time. ​In lieu of flowers, memorials to Pinecrest Terrace, Mt. Morris, IL. ​