Alfred "Esky" Eskildsen, 91, of East Peoria, passed away at 11:06am, Sunday June 24, 2014 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria He was born in Stambaugh Michigan on March 15, 1923, the son of Eskild A. and Anna Larsen. He married Betty Laurinec on July 20, 1946 in Chicago, IL. She passed away on June 9, 2014. 20 brothers and sisters also preceded him in death. Surviving are one son Larry (Linda) Eskildsen of Germantown Hills, one grandson Eric (Any) Eskildsen of Elgin and their children Noah and Charlie; one granddaughter Erin Eskildsen of Chicago. Also surviving are three step grandsons Eric Pond, Christopher (Robin) Pond and Brett Pond as well as three step great grandchildren Addison Pond, Nathan & Noah Hernandez. Also surviving is one brother Herb Eskildsen of Helena MT. and many nieces and nephews. He enlisted at age 19 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and fought in the South Pacific where he met his "foxhole buddy" Chuck Brown. He participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he earned two Purple Hearts and other medals for his military service. After moving to Peoria in 1954, he worked for Chuck Brown Builder in Peoria and later Don Hoerr and Sons builders for many years. He had many enjoyments in life including golfing with his buddies, bowling, dancing with his wife, spending time at family cookouts and dinners but especially enjoyed the "hunting camp" in Montana that he and his brother Herb began many years earlier. Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial visitation on Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 4pm until 6pm at Mason Funeral Home in Germantown Hills. A Memorial Service will be 10am Friday, June 27th at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills with pastor Bill White officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate. Notes of condolences may be sent using www.masonfuneralhomes.com.