Marion "Jack" Gresham

Marion Burgess “Jack” Gresham, 82, of Washington, Illinois, passed away at 8:37 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 16, 1943, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Crofton and Mary Lee Douglas Gresham. He married Margene Pratt on November 12, 1966, in Eureka, Illinois.

Surviving are his wife and their children, including Bridget (the late Dana) Long of Decatur, Alabama; Brad (Tammy) Gresham of Waterbury, Vermont; Jack (Carole) Gresham of Brookfield, Illinois; and Brenda (Wally) Koch of Washington. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. His parents, two brothers, and two sisters preceded him in death.

For 38 years, Jack was a valued member of the Caterpillar Tractor Company, specializing in imaging processing. His expertise and dedication were evident in every project he undertook, and his retirement in September 2001 marked the end of a notable career. Outside of work, Jack was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in nature's simplicity. He cherished the times he spent camping with his family at Devil’s Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where they created memories that would last a lifetime. His love for the outdoors was matched by his passion for photography, a hobby that allowed him to capture the beauty of the world around him. A true sports enthusiast, Jack's spirit and enthusiasm were infectious, especially when cheering for his favorite teams, the Chicago Bears and the Washington Panthers. His loyalty to his teams was unwavering, and he enjoyed sharing this passion with his friends and family. Jack's ability to tinker with cars was well-known among his circles. He could often be found in his driveway with tools in hand, working on a car with a smile on his face. This talent was just one example of his love of electronics and his knack for understanding and improving how things worked.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Mason-White Funeral Home, with Pastor Dave VanHouwe officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.