David L. Peck

David Lee Peck, 77, of East Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at home Wednesday, November 11, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Some people leave footprints in the sand, while others leave an imprint on the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known them. David Peck was one of those rare individuals. A true gentleman, a class act, and a great man in every sense of the word, David touched countless lives throughout his 77 years. His legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the friendships he treasured, the young athletes he mentored, and the countless memories he created along the way.

David was born on August 7, 1949, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Robert and Helen (Stoerzbach) Peck. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1967, where he was a three-year letterman in baseball and also earned a letter in varsity basketball. During the summer of his high school years, he played American Legion baseball and continued his love of athletics at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he enjoyed an impressive baseball career as a four-year letterman. During his college summer days, he continued playing the game he loved with the Galesburg Pioneers and Bloomington Bobcats collegiate baseball teams. Later in his career, David continued his educational pursuit and obtained his Master of Education at Western Illinois University.

In August 1971, David married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Diana (Pecsi) Peck. During their 55-year marriage, they built a beautiful life centered on family, love, and lasting memories. David was a devoted husband, a proud father, and, above all, a deeply devoted Papa.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana; daughter Amy (Peck) Burford; son Ryan Peck and daughter-in-law Jennifer Zolper-Peck, all of Galesburg; and his six cherished grandchildren, Maddie, Makenna, Braley, Audree, Addison, and Josslyn. David is survived by sister, Sally Peck-Lundeen, and her husband, Steve Lundeen – children Kate (Mike), David (Kristen), Libby, Brian (Hannah), of Wisconsin; his brother, Jim Peck, and his wife, Helen – daughter Jennifer (Patrick), of Kewanee, Illinois; and his sister-in-law, Cindi Peck, of Galesburg, wife of his late brother Jon Peck – children Joe (Christie), Kimi (Todd), Lindsey (Jordan), brother-in-law, Joe Pecsi of Tennessee, as well as special friends Bob and Susie Currie and Gregg and Jody Rinker, whose frequent phone calls gave him much love, support and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Peck, and his younger brother, Jon Peck.

His greatest accomplishment, and perhaps the role he treasured most, came during his early retirement years when he became “Papa Daycare.” Those years spent caring for his six grandchildren were among the happiest of his life. Whether creating everyday memories, driving around his grandkids with “American Pie” playing in the background, sharing laughter, or simply being there, David gave them a gift that will last a lifetime: a Papa whose love was unconditional and whose presence made every day a little more special.

David dedicated 30 years of his professional life to teaching health and physical education in the Galesburg school system. But his influence extended far beyond the classroom. For three decades, he also devoted himself to coaching, impacting more than 550 young athletes and leaving behind a lifetime of stories, lessons, friendships, and memories.

His coaching career began with Little League baseball and included three years coaching eighth-grade boys basketball at Lombard Middle School. He went on to coach eight years of varsity football at Galesburg High School alongside head coach Kelly Kane, three years as an assistant varsity boys basketball coach, seven years as a sophomore basketball coach, and three years as head varsity boys basketball coach.

However, baseball remained his lifelong passion. David coached Galesburg High School baseball for 30 years, from 1975 through 2005/2006, working alongside Coach Bruington. Among the many highlights of those years were the 1987 Elite Eight appearance, the 1988 State Championship, and a third-place finish in the 1989 State Finals. These accomplishments were a testament not only to the talent of the players but also to the dedication, commitment, and leadership of the coaching staff.

Following his years at Galesburg High School, David spent his final 18 years of coaching as an assistant basketball coach at Knox College, working alongside head coach Tim Heimann.

While the championships and victories were memorable, David’s favorite coaching memories often came from the people and personalities along the way. One of his fondest stories dated back to his first-year teaching at the ROWVA School District, when he was asked to coach the eighth-grade B basketball team. The players affectionately named themselves “Peck’s Rejects”—a nickname and memory that remained close to his heart. It was moments like these that perfectly captured David’s personality, his sense of humor, and the genuine relationships he built with those around him.

Beyond the classroom and playing fields, David found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved golf and spent many summer mornings enjoying time on the greens with his golf buddies. His favorite summer destination was Holden Beach, North Carolina, where he and his family returned for more than 35 years. Those trips became a treasured family tradition, filled with sunshine, laughter, togetherness, and memories that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his family.

David’s life cannot be measured by the number of games he coached, the championships he won, or the years he spent teaching. His greatest victories were found in the lives he influenced, the friendships he built, the family he loved, and the countless young people who became better athletes and better people because he believed in them.

He was the kind of man who never needed the spotlight to make a difference. He led by example, treated people with respect, showed up for those who mattered, and made an impression that lasted long after the final whistle.

To his family, he was a loving husband, father, and Papa. To his players and students, he was a teacher, mentor, and coach. To his friends and community, he was a trusted friend and a true gentleman.

David Peck was simply one of the good ones. A great man, a true class act, and a life well lived. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St, Galesburg IL. On Sunday, December 27, 2026, from 1-4pm. In true Dave Peck fashion, wear your favorite team or vacation spot attire. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knox County YMCA, The Galesburg Public Schools Foundation, or Prairieland Hospice Foundation in Galesburg, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.