Obituary for Pamela R. Reel
Pamela R. Reel, 58, of Peoria, IL, passed away peacefully at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL on October 13, 2025. Pam was born on January 16, 1967, in Lansing, IL to Barbara (Busch) and Raymond Zachary. She married the love of her life, Patrick Reel, on October 12, 2002, and was preceded in death by him in 2021. Surviving are her loving partner, Thomas Knight of Metamora, IL; sister, Kimberly Zachary of Lansing, IL; beloved step-daughter, Laura (Jim) Tessem of Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Savannah (Dalton) Dieckow of Mapleton, IL and Jimmy Tessem of Peoria, IL and great-grandchildren, Emilia Dieckow and Dax Dieckow.
Pam attended Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, IL. She then continued her education at Illinois State University, where she got her Accounting degree. Pam served as a CPA for several municipalities, including the Peoria Fire Department, City of Bloomington, and the Children’s Home.
Pam loved life and took time to appreciate the small things. She loved animals, including her beloved dogs, Murray, Molly, Marvin and Missy, and horses, Cisco and Zane. Pam preferred to be outdoors, riding horses with her husband, Pat in Sandridge State Forest and “camping” on Red Riley’s farm in their camper. They turned their backyard into an outdoor oasis and loved gardening, planting flowers, vegetables, and banana trees. She loved to travel and visited numerous National Parks including Glacier, Yellowstone, Olympic and Gettysburg.
Despite never having children of her own, Pam became a beloved grandparent (and eventually a great-grandparent) after marrying Pat and took great pride in this role. Pam was also a friend of Bill W. for 27 (?) years and helped so many people. Her faith in God and commitment of sobriety led her through hard times and she met so many amazing friends through this process.
A celebration of life will be held for Pamela Reel on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Trailside Event Center, 4416 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights, IL 61616. No outside food is permitted. If you have a story of Pam to share, her family would be grateful to hear it.
Memorials can be made to The A.R.K. Human Society 477 State Route 26, Lacon, IL 61540 in her name.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
To plant a tree in memory of Pamela R. Reel, visit the Tribute Store.
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