PERU – Everett J. (E.J.) Christopher, 93 of Peru, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Waltham Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joel Stevenor officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 9-11 a.m. in the church. Cremation rites will follow services and private burial will be at Waltham Cemetery at a later date. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family. 

Everett was born Sept. 6, 1928 in Freedom Township, Ill., to Mervin and Gertrude (Thompson) Christopher. He married Pat Finley on April 24, 2004.

He is survived by his wife Pat; two sons John (Pam) Christopher of Mt. Pleasant, Wis., and Dave "Orb" (Cindy Sobin) Christopher of Utica; the mother of his children, Barbara Christopher of Peru; stepsons Don (Waynea) Finley of San Antonio, Texas, and Steve (Chris) Finley of Utica; and grandchildren Cody, Tyler, Collin, Logan, Alexa and Sarah.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wayne in 2020 and a brother in infancy. 

Everett was a 1946 graduate of Serena High School. He served in the United States Army. He was President of the First National Bank of Triumph. He owned Christopher's Insurance in Triumph and was co-owner of Christopher and Schultz Insurance in Mendota. He also farmed and raised cattle.

Everett was a 36-year member of the Triumph Fire Department and served as Chief. He was one of the original co-founders of White Oaks Campground in Utica. He served on the Ophir School Board as President and was a past member of Waltham Curling Club, Mendota Elks Lodge, Mendota Moose Lodge, Mendota Shrine Club, Mendota Funsters, Mendota Kiwanis Club and Waltham Presbyterian Church. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. 

Memorials may be directed to Waltham Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com