Adrian D. Zehr

Adrian Dwayne Zehr, age 9, of Mackinaw, Illinois, went to be with his Heavenly Father at 10:06 PM on July 14, 2023, at the OSF Healthcare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois after being struck by a vehicle during a community festival.

Adrian was born on December 12, 2013, in Pekin, IL to Lydia Christine Zehr. A lively, outgoing child, Adrian was preparing to enter 4th grade at Dee-Mack Intermediate School at the time of his passing. Adrian is fondly remembered by his family and friends as smart, studious, athletic, and joyful with bright eyes, a contagious laugh, and a smile that lights up a room.

As a member of multiple local sports teams, Dee-Mack Warriors, Mackinaw Recreation Basketball, and the Dee-Mack JFL program, Adrian was always surrounded by friends. He was an active participant in the Mackinaw community, taking part in and attending sporting events, and helping his grandparents at their local business. He was a hardworking athlete and student, a devoted friend and brother, loved fiercely by his mother and brother, and treasured by his large family and the Mackinaw community as a whole.

We mourn the loss of Adrian, and his absence will be felt deeply for the remainder of our lives here on earth. As professing Christians, we do not mourn  without hope. We believe with conviction that on the day of his death, Adrian stepped into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, who lived a blameless life, was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead so that we may be cleansed of our sin and welcomed into heaven for eternity.

Adrian was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Byron and Patricia Zehr of Mackinaw, and maternal great-grandparents, Merlin Howard and Julia Howard. He is survived by his mother, Lydia and his brother, Carter Zehr (age 11), as well as his maternal grandparents, Brett and Christine Zehr of Mackinaw. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The visitation will be from 11am – 2pm with the funeral immediately following at the Dee-Mack High School Gymnasium. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear green, Adrian’s favorite color. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Adrian’s honor to the Adrian Zehr Memorial Fund at First Security Bank of Mackinaw.

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