Doris "Pat" Claudin

Doris “Pat” D. Claudin, age 87, passed away on February 19, 2026. She entered her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with many saints including her beloved husband, Russ, whom she faithfully loved, cherished, and doted on for 68 years until his departure from this earth on January 1, 2026.

Pat was born May 15, 1938, in Peoria, IL, to Clarence and Jean (Hartman) McKune. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Sharon Pugh and Janice Martin, and one brother, Michael McKune. Pat married Russell Claudin on May 5, 1957, in Peoria, IL, and the majority of their married life was spent in the Peoria and Morton, IL, areas.

Surviving are: three sons, Scott of Surprise, AZ; Mark (Kim) of Lakewood, CO; Ryan (Jen) of Bonsall, CA; one daughter, Kelli Zehr (Jim) of Knoxville, TN; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Claudin and Susan McKune; grandchildren, David, Stefani, Kylie and Addison; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Hollie, Jayden, Charley and Ryker; one great-great-grandchild, Penelope; along with many nieces and nephews, including nephew, Todd DeWalt, with whom she was especially close.

Pat was a graduate of Peoria Central High School. Following high school, she worked at Keystone Steel & Wire where she met Russ, her husband-to-be. After starting a family, Pat became a full-time stay-at-home mom but had also cleaned homes for other families and worked at a variety of temporary positions. Her favorite job was operating a daycare in her home. Pat loved children, and through her retirement years often spoke of the babies she cared for with fond memories. She also had much compassion for the elderly and helped be a caregiver to her mother-in-law and the grandpa she adored, “Roy,” as well as being a companion to elderly shut ins.

Pat loved the Lord and put her faith in Jesus. She was a member of Faith Missionary Church in Peoria, IL, for many years and had a passion for hosting missionaries in her home. Most recently, Pat was a member of Trinity Church in Morton, IL, where she served in the nursery and assisted with the Food Pantry when she was able. Pat’s second greatest love was for her husband. She served him well throughout their entire marriage. The two of them seemed to be the perfect pair.

In keeping with her wishes, a cremation has been arranged, and interment will take place at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, IL. Knowing how they always did everything together, it seems only fitting to have a joint Celebration of Lives for both Russ and Pat. It will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Trinity Church, 1901 S. Fourth Avenue, Morton, Illinois.

Mynatt Funeral Home, Powel Chapel is honored to serve the family of Doris "Pat" Claudin.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com