Ian Douglas Donald Peak, 38, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 11:46 pm November 10, 2025 at his home. He was born April 29, 1987 in Carbondale, Illinois to James H. and Catherine E. (Harder) Peak. Ian married Anna M. (Knight) Peak on March 29, 2025 in Makanda, Illinois.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ian is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Peak of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; his very special niece, Peyton Sloan; several nieces by marriage; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Ian was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wayne and Martha Harder; and paternal grandparents, Herb and Ruth Peak.
Ian was a naturalist, an enthusiastic hobbyist of the natural world. He was featured on the cover of a local magazine highlighting his foraging knowledge and cooked wild edibles on The Spiel on TV. He did presentations on foraging and was a guide for foraging tours. Ian was a talented musician and played many instruments. He was active with the Libertarian Party and never met a stranger. Ian will be missed by all who knew and cared for him.
A Visitation will be held Monday, November 17, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will begin at 7:00 pm. Memorials may be made in Ian ‘s honor to Friends of Giant City Park.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.