Kenneth "Joe" J. McLaughlin

Kenneth “Joe” J. McLaughlin, 62, of Hampton, IL, died Saturday, January 14, 2017, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2017, at Hampton Township Cemetery, where casual attire is preferred.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2017, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline.  Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established for Joe’s son, Trevor.

Joe was born on May 14, 1954, in Moline, IL, the son of Clifford and Helen Wheeler McLaughlin.  He married Robin Peterson on May 17, 2001, in Rock Island, IL.  He was a member of the NRA.

Joe was very gifted mechanically and artistically.  During the 1990’s, he operated his own auto shop in East Moline, IL, where he rebuilt engines, transmissions, body work, and general repairs.  His talents also allowed him to build racing engines and restore vintage and muscle cars.  His preference was big block Chevy engines.

After closing the business, Joe enjoyed life on the family farm.  He and his son, Trevor, were always working on projects and were inseparable.  Joe had the skill and knowledge to do anything he wanted; construction, electrical, plumbing, etc., and could fix anything.  He loved running his backhoe, tractors, and dump truck.  He also repaired and rebuilt boat motors.

Joe was fun-loving, very witty, and always stood his ground.  He will be sadly missed by his family very much.

Survivors include his wife, Robin McLaughlin; son, Trevor McLaughlin; father, Clifford, McLaughlin, Moline; brothers, Clifford “Skip” (Peggy) McLaughlin, Hampton, and Tony (Julie) McLaughlin, East Moline; sister, Tracy McLaughlin, East Moline, and Cindy Breecher, Moline; aunts and uncle, Marv and Fran Wheeler, Hampton, and Marlene Sears, Hampton; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother and brother, Perry McLaughlin.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.