William J. "Buck" Urban

William Joseph “Buck” Urban 86 of Peru. Passed away October 15, 2014. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday 10:30 AM in St Valentine Church. Msgr. J. Brian Rejsek will officiate. Burial will be at St Valentine Cemetery. Visitation and celebration of his cherished life will be Friday from 9:30 AM till time of services in the Church. Ptak funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Buck was born December 19, 1927 in La Salle to Steve and Frances (Washkowiak) Urban. Buck was lifelong resident of Peru. He attended LPO Junior college, currently IVCC, where he became its first All-American football player. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Bradley University in Peoria. Buck was a school teacher in Spring Valley for 25 years. He was an avid sports fan whose passions included watching and going to Cubs games, daily runs and enjoying his daughter Sue growing up. He spent his retirement years following Sue’s sports endeavors at LaSalle-Peru High School and thru college. His attendance a constant, as he was her biggest fan and she was his. Buck also enjoyed exercising at the YMCA, playing softball and visiting his buddies at the Castle Park Tavern in Peru. Buck competed until age 80 in the senior Olympics track circuit. He ran the 50m and the 100m dashes and was the Midwest Champion in both events numerous times. He was a member of St Valentine Church. Buck is survived by his daughter Sue (Chris) Crowley of Chicago. 3 Grandchildren Christina Reese, Mick William and Catheryn Moon of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert Urban. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.