Jeoffry "Jeff" L. Hayden

Jeoffry “Jeff” L. Hayden, 72, of Peru, passed away peacefully in his home on February 6, 2025.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 11, at St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with Rev. Paul Carlson and the Very Rev. Thomas Otto officiating. Burial will be at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in La Salle. Visitation will be Monday, February 10, from 4-8:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle and additional visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until time of services. Funeral services will be live-streamed via the Hurst Funeral Home Facebook page. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle has been entrusted with his arrangements.

Jeff was born in La Salle on April 15, 1952 to John “Jack” and Mary Louise “Chickie” (Orlandini) Hayden. He married Jeanne Schmoeger on October 7, 1972 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oglesby.

Jeff graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School, St. Bede Academy in 1970, and then Illinois Valley Community College. He began his working career in family businesses at Lou’s Supermarket in Oglesby and Tri-City Hardware in La Salle. He then worked at JB Contracting for many years and retired as manager of United Rentals in Peru. He spent his retirement as the sexton of St. Vincent’s Cemetery.

Jeff was a beloved member of the community and proudly involved in many organizations including being Assistant Chief and volunteer for La Salle Fire Department, third ward alderman in La Salle, and served on St. Vincent’s Cemetery Board. He was a member of the Bedan Club and board member of St. Bede Academy Alumni Association. Jeff was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Parish and served as an usher and on the Parish Council.  He was also a member of La Salle Knights of Columbus.

Jeff was blessed with a large loving family and many dear friends. He is survived by his wife Jeanne of 52 years; one son Jeoffry (Rachel) Hayden of Geneva; one daughter Julie (Eric) Arkins of Peru; five grandchildren Natalie and Allison Hayden, Hayden, Maggie, and James Arkins; three sisters Karen (John) Duncan of La Salle, Becky (Dale) Kalman of La Salle, and Mary Claire (Mark) Klinefelter of La Salle; brother-in-law Bill Crossman of La Salle; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Lisa Crossman, and one nephew Timothy Duncan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Bede Academy.

The pallbearers will be his nephews: Nick Duncan, John Duncan, Chris Duncan, Dale Kalman, Luke Kalman, Kyle Klinefelter, Matt Klinefelter, Cote Klinefelter, Adam Sadnick, Austin Sadnick, and Jared Sadnick.

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