Rudy P. Hannibal

Rudy P. Hannibal, 81, of Odell, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 1:45 a.m. surrounded by his family.

At Rudy's request, there will be no services. His motto was "Here today and gone tomorrow; you have your memories". Cremation rites will be accorded and he will return home with his loving wife of 60 years.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements.

Rudy was born October 8, 1935 in Chicago, IL to Vincent and Peg (Dowgialo) Hannibal. He married Gwen Wheeler October 26, 1957 in Chicago. She survives in Odell.

Rudy is also survived by his children, Wendy (Rick Holt) Hannibal of Bloomington, IL and Vincent (Kathy) Hannibal of Odell, IL; grandchildren, Garrett Holt of Bloomington, IL, Michael (Sarah Cook) LeBlanc of Weston, IL, Randi (Chad) Clifford of Pontiac, IL, Joseph (Catrina) LeBlanc of Odell, IL, Destina Puryear of Pontiac, IL, Rudy Hannibal of Odell, IL, and Bryce (Jaimi Lind) Hannibal of Pontiac, IL; great grandchildren, Ivin Clifford Hannibal, Dylan LeBlanc, Kayden Conroy LeBlanc, Henry Puryear, Daxton Hannibal, and two more great grandchildren arriving in March 2018.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Nola Tarlo and Sunny Krajci; and one great grandchild, Oliver Raymond Gonzalez.

Rudy served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was aboard the USS New Kent PA 217 in Havana, Cuba for one year but his heart remained always on the USS Monrovia APA 31, where he fought in the Mediterranean Sea for three years.

Rudy was in the Meat Cutter's Union in Chicago before moving to Odell in 1973 from Hanover Park, IL. He owned and operated the Odell Food Mart in 1973 and after working it with his wife for many years he sold the store but continued working for the next four owners. He retired in September 2016 due to health reasons.

Rudy was a past member of the Odell Lion's Club, joining in 1974 as a tail-twister serving all the way through presidency until the late 90's. He was a life-long member of Pontiac VFW Post 886.

Rudy's famous wave hello and goodbye was the Peace Sign. He had an infectious smile and an honest, hearty laugh for everyone he met. His joy was his wife, his family, and serving the public. He enjoyed reading and having coffee with his buddies.

Rudy will be missed by many and loved by all.

Memorials may be made to Odell Public Library, Odell Lion's Club, OSF Hospice or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.