Peggy Marie Kraynak, 72, of rural Oneida died Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at her home.
She was born June 24, 1953, in Galesburg, the daughter of Walter and Naoma “Marie” (Black) Bennett. She married Michael Kraynak on Dec. 18, 1982, at Old Main, Knox College, Galesburg.
Surviving is her husband, Michael Kraynak of rural Oneida; children, Michael (Laura) Kraynak of Bloomington, Angela (Rudy) Martinez of Galesburg, Gary Jones of Galesburg, Gavin Jones of Galesburg, Jamie Jones of Galesburg, Trent (Sharon) Jones of Bushnell, and John Merideth of Galesburg; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Joan Peterson of Wataga, Larry (Melody) Bennett of Galesburg; and sister-in-law, Sue Bennett of La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Nicholas Kraynak, and siblings, Walter Jr., William, Rex, Norman, Patty, Harriet Ewing and Eva Bainbridge.
She worked in various nursing roles in the area, then at Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg for 15 years, then Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Galesburg for the last 15 years before retiring. She enjoyed painting, gardening and watching her birds. Peggy expressed her love by cooking and baking for others, most notably her pies, kolachy, scalloped corn and twice-baked potatoes. She loved thrift shopping and antiquing, always finding new pieces of jewelry or other treasures. She loved her family and her dogs with all her heart. She was a member of the Western Illinois Beekeeper’s Association and the Galesburg Farmer’s Market, where she sold home-grown honey with her husband. She was of the Christian faith.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory in Knoxville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the funeral home in Knoxville with Pastor Scott Cramer officiating. Burial will be in Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, next to her son Nicholas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Western Illinois Beekeeper’s Association. Online condolences or expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com.
