Vic Durchholz

Victor D. Durchholz, 94, of Peoria passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital.

He was born to Victor and Mary Durchholz on a farm in Logan County, IL, on June 23, 1929. The family moved to Decatur, in his early years, where Vic graduated from Decatur High School. He then attended Millikin University, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and physical education in 1951. At Millikin, he played football and ran track, setting a school record in the discus throw. After college, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Florida, where he served as a finance supervisor from 1951 to 1955. Staff Sergeant Victor met and married young Nancy Gross of Winter Garden, FL, at the end of his military service in 1955.

Moving back to Illinois, Vic and Nancy started their family and his lifelong coaching career in Gridley, and then Farmington. Growing up, Melinda, Kurt, Brad and Amy often rode the team bus with their dad to countless basketball games and track meets, leading to a love of sports and competition. In 1961, Vic began coaching and teaching in Glasford. Though he retired from teaching earlier, he continued coaching until 2013; first at Glasford Middle School, then Illini Bluffs High School. His teams won 6 straight ICAC and several Tomahawk Conference titles. He had many state-champion track athletes over the years, as well as an Olympic hopeful who qualified as an alternate. Coaching was his true calling. After his retirement, he continued as a volunteer coach for his grandson, Reggie, who coaches track at Washington Middle School. He enjoyed doing this until age 93. Vic was one of five founders of the Heart of Illinois Senior Olympic Games in Peoria. He participated in both state and national Senior Olympic Games.

Vic was an avid follower of Reggie’s WMS 8th grade girls’ basketball team for the last several years and was thrilled to witness their state championship win in 2021. He was a fan favorite and could be seen on the floor, taking pictures of the celebration after the win.

Vic married his second wife, Myrna Glore, in 1981, and was a dedicated husband until she passed away in 1988. He then met and married Janice Lindsey, who he referred to as “my sweetheart,” in 1991. Vic and Janice were devoted to each other and enjoyed 31 years of marriage until her death in October of 2022.

Vic is survived by his three children, Melinda Reis of Middletown, RI, Brad (Susie) Durchholz of Houston, TX, and Amy Durchholz of Peoria; his daughter-in-law, Darlene (Jeff) Payne of East Peoria; and 7 grandchildren, Reggie, Chris, Casey, Mary, Laura, Julie and Daren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mildred “Millie” Smith; son, Kurt Durchholz; and grandsons, Tyler and Cameron.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023, at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Peoria, with additional visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Paul Oedewaldt will officiate. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Illini Bluffs Athletics. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.