Each July, Peoria Magazines honors “Local Legends,” those individuals who have had a lifetime of impact on the Peoria-area community. The 2018 class—featured in this issue—will be honored at the Country Club of Peoria on July 17, 2018. (Limited tickets are available to the public at peoriamagazines.com/events.) This growing cohort of legendary leaders has left a collective legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Check out their stories below…
2017 Local Legends
Dr. Stephen & Patti Bash: Catalysts of Healthy Living
Royal Coulter: Business Leader with Integrity
Ken Hinton: A Caring and Compassionate Educator
Norman V. Kelly: Patriot, Storyteller, Historian
Joan Krupa: Public Servant & Health Advocate
2016 Local Legends
Byron DeHaan: Communicator of Culture
Jean Ann & Gordon Honegger: Sharing the Wealth
Mike Landwirth: A Life of Development
The Honorable David Leitch: A Tireless Workhorse
Sally Snyder: Advocate for Health and Education
2015 Local Legends
Wayne Baum: A Legacy of Servant Leadership
Bob Gilmore: “Yellow-Blooded” Philanthropist
James Polk: An Advocate for All
Dave Ransburg: Businessman and Civic Leader
George Shadid: The Principled Statesman
2014 Local Legends
John Bearce: Entrepreneur and Adventurer
Lowell "Bud" Grieves: Developer, Businessman and Conservationist
Gene & Harriett Swager: A Partnership in Service
Kathryn Timmes: Teacher and Counselor
Jay Vonachen: Businessman and Community Leader
2013 Local Legends
Glen Barton: Businessman & Visionary
Congressman Bob Michel: Distinguished Public Servant
Art & Judy Oakford: A Pair of Peoria Philanthropists
Gerald D. Stephens: Entrepreneur & Businessman
Pete Vonachen: Peoria’s Mr. Baseball iBi
