- Date Of Birth: May 2, 1998
- Date Of Death: August 17, 2013
- State: Illinois
Peyton Joseph O’Neil, 17, and Zoe Marie O’Neil, 15, of Arenzville, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, due to injuries sustained in a traffic accident near Arenzville.
Peyton was born Jan. 29, 1996, and Zoe was born May 2, 1998, both in Springfield. Their parents are Joseph Edward and Holly Marie Witbracht O’Neil, and they survive in Arenzville.
They are also survived by their paternal grandparents, James and Judith O’Neil of Kenosha, WI; maternal grandmother, Mary Hoffman of East Peoria; maternal grandfather, James A. Brown of East Peoria; aunts and uncles, Heather and John Maubach of Bloomington, Amy Brown of Denver, CO, Nikki and Clint Cowley of Morton, Casey and Sarah Witbracht of Pekin, Lance Witbracht of East Peoria, Vincent and Jacquie O’Neil of Phoenix, AZ, and Julie and Tom Jermakowicz of Libertyville; and nine cousins, Emma, Tess and Ian Maubach, Autumn Jermakowicz, Cailyn, Terry, Toby, Brenyn and Cade Cowley; and their canine cousin, Murphy. They were preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Terry L. Witbracht.
Peyton was entering his senior year at Triopia Junior-Senior High School, where he played golf and basketball and ran track. His future plans were to become an accountant. He worked for Burrus Seed Co. and was a referee for the Jacksonville Soccer Association. He was a die-hard UNC Tar Heels fan. He was a prankster. He had a kind heart, and always had a smile on his face and a joke to share. His mission in life was to make everyone happy. Peyton was a loving, kind-hearted and respectful young man.
Zoe was entering her sophomore year at Triopia Junior-Senior High School, where she played golf, basketball and softball. Her future plans were to become an athletic trainer. She was a referee for the Jacksonville Soccer Association and babysat. She was a Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees fan. She was a compassionate friend to all who knew her. Zoe had a gorgeous smile, showing off her dimple and her beautiful blue eyes.
Peyton and Zoe loved and cared for their family and all people who knew them. They loved Arenzville, Triopia, and all of their friends. More than anything else, they loved their parents, and they loved each other.
