Galesburg High School Class of 1963 In Memoriam 1963

Galesburg High School
Class of 1963
In Memoriam
1963 - 2016
tx.v1
3/14/16
FOREWARD
I received an email from Lola Gregg telling me that Rob and Candace Gordon had the idea of creating a
PDF file with links to classmate obituaries. I thought it was a great idea and volunteered to take on the
task.
Obviously, of the 80 deceased classmates that we are aware of, many passed long before there was any
such thing as the World Wide Web and links. Under the advisement of webmaster Frank Johnson Sr. I
created a text version rather than using links that could eventually disappear. I used resources such as
Ancestry.com, Northwestern Illinois Obituary Collection, WGIL Obits Archive, Legacy.com, Hinchliff
Pearson West website, findagrave.com, and Google. By far the greatest resource was the Galesburg
Register-Mail on microfilm at the Galesburg Public Library.
I have found obits on all known deceased classmates with the exception of Steven Hunter. If anyone has
information on Steven, please let me know. For that matter, if you find incorrect information in this file,
or anything that needs to be added (a few of the obituaries were rather sparse on information), or if
someone I am unaware of needs to be added, contact me at [email protected].
Class members are listed by page number in the table of contents. Names followed by an asterisk have a
link to Find-A-Grave which allows you to view their grave-site/headstone. Click on Grave-site and after
the link opens, click on the image to view full screen.
Phil Adams
1060 N. West St.
Galesburg, IL 61401
[email protected]
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CONTENTS
Page 6
Dixie Anderson Sopher*
Linda Baughman Mason
Page 7
Don Beamer*
Ruth Bolton Cutbirth
Page 8
John Broadhead
Larry Brown
Page 9
Dennis Bush
Robert Bushnell
Page 10
Tom Campbell*
Page 11
Kenneth Carr*
Lennie Cooper
Roger Coziahr*
Page 12
Dina Crouch Nelson
Kathy Curtis
Patrick Daves
Page 13
John Davis* – Register-Mail article and obituary
Page 14
John Delawder – Register-Mail article – Photo by Hal Fuson
Page 15
John Delawder obituary – Tribute by Bob Alps
Page 16
Michael L. Dysert*
Patricia Feely Nicklaus*
Page 17
Dale Florer* – Register-Mail Articles and obituary
Page 18
John Geist
Penny Gemmell Selvig
Page 19
Ted Godsil
Linda Grayson
Page 20
Dennis Gummerson
Betty Haines Carlson*
Page 21
Bonnie Hankins Friend*
Page 22
Don Hanson
Page 23
Dave Hare*
Steven Hunter
Paul Johnson*
*grave-site link
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CONTENTS
Page 24
Sheila Kimbrough Taylor
Cheryl Landes-Fleming
Page 25
Jack Larson*
Diane Melton Jones*
Page 26
Julia Luker Miller* - Register-Mail article
Page 27
Julia Luker Miller
Dan Meriwether
Page 28
Sandra Miyler Cullyford
Connie Myers
Page 29
Nathan Nyman obit and eulogy
Page 30
Nathan Nyman eulogy
Page 31
Nathan Nyman eulogy
Nancy Palmer
Page 32
Dick Palmer*
Sharon Pesci
Page 33
Judith A. Pendry Mueller*
Page 34
Karen Sue Pennington Bowton-Banks
Claudia Perdue May*
Wayne Peterson
Page 35
Vernon R. Plympton*
Roger Porter
Page 36
Linda Ramsey Buck
Phyllis A. Reed Patterson
Page 37
Nancy Reffett Kilby*
Larry Lee Roberts
Page 38
Glenn E. Rosenberg*
Connie Ruland Damitz
Page 39
Nadene Ryner*
Lonna Schuster
Page 40
Virginia Shelly Tilden – newspaper article and obituary
Page 41
Van Smith
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CONTENTS
Page 42
Steve Sorensen*
Linda Spellman Hunter
Page 43
Mike Stake
Page 44
Gary Sterr*
Frank Stewart*
Page 45
Judy Stewart obituary and Chicago Tribune article
Page 46
Sharon Stromsted Agar
Barbara Swanson*
Page 47
Ronald Swanson*– Register-Mail article and obituary
Page 48
Marilyn Swartz Frisby*
Nancy Marie Swinger Gilmore*
Page 49
Tim Toureene*
Rodney Tracy*
Billie Treadway McKee
Page 50
Louis Michael Tropp*– Register-Mail article and obituary
Page 51
Bill Van Dusen
Mary Jo Van Fleet*
Page 52
Robbin Watters*
Jack Wells*
Page 53
Robert Willsie
James Wolfe*
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Dixie Anderson-Sopher 07/24/1944 – 07/09/1999
Grave-site
Knoxville Dixie L. Sopher, 54, 809 S. Market St. died at 10:10 PM Friday at
home. She was born July 24, 1944 in Galesburg, of Russell and Helen Ebbing
Anderson. She married Joe Sopher on Oct. 4, 1963, in Knoxville. Surviving are
her husband, two daughters, Amy Johnson, Gilson, Kimberly Minarik, Knoxville,
her parents, both of Galesburg, one sister Bonnie Van Fleet, Galesburg, one brother,
Gary Anderson, in California, and one granddaughter. She was preceded in death
by one grandson.
She was reared and educated in Galesburg and was graduated from Galesburg High
School. She was a teller at First Bank in Knoxville. She was a member of First
United Methodist Church in Galesburg.
Burial at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Memorials made to the
Susan G. Kormen Breast Cancer Chapter.
Linda Baughman-Mason 12/03/1944 – 08/22/2011
Linda Lucyle (Baughman) Mason, age 66, died August 2, 2011 in Omaha. Linda was born on December
3, 1944 in Galesburg, Ill. to Ivan and Lucyle (Brown) Baughman. She graduated from Galesburg High
School in 1963. As an adult she lived primarily in Lincoln, and Las Vegas. She was employed by the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln with student housing, and later at Nextel Partners and CVS Pharmacy.
She is survived by a brother and a sister and their spouses, Raymond and Cindy Baughman and
Connie and Jerry Sims; three sons and a daughter and their spouses, Mark and Chris Mason, Eric Mason
and Todd Montgomery, Brett and Kelly Mason and Jill and Jeff Swanson; nine grandchildren and three
great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. August 6, 2011 at Church on the Move, located in the Kiewit
Middle School, 15650 Howard St., Omaha. Private interment In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed
to Linda's family to be used for ministries and charities of their choosing. Visit www.bramanmortuary.com
to leave a condolence. Arrangements by Braman Mortuary, South West Chapel, 6505 S. 144th St., Omaha.
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Don Beamer 12/19/1944 – 09/01/1979
Grave-site
Peoria – Donald L. Beamer, 34, of 1109 Forrest Hill Ave., died Sunday at 7:40
A.M. In St. Francis Hospital, where he had been a patient since Aug. 21.
He was born Dec. 19, 1944 in Peoria. He married Jane Schroeder on June 26,
1964, in Galesburg. She survives with two daughters, Shelley Anne, and
Melissa Kay, both at home, his mother, Mrs Myrle K. Beamer, of Monmouth,
and a sister, Mrs Ralph (Myrna) Cannon, of Galesburg.
Mr. Beamer was employed at Caterpillar Tractor Co. For 15 years as an
inspector. He was a member of the Forrest Hill United Methodist Church, and
was a member of its administrative board. He was also a member of the Lorance
Lake Club in Laruel, IL.
Funeral was at the Forest Hill United Methodist Church. Burial in Swan Lake
Memorial Gardens. Memorials to the American Cancer Society or the church.
Ruth Bolton Cutbirth 08/19/1945 – 06/21/2011
Lily Ruth Cutbirth, 65, of Hermitage, formerly of Conway, died Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Cox Medical
Center South in Springfield, MO.
She was born Aug. 19, 1945, in Peoria, Ill. to Max Bolton and Lily (Smith) Bolton, who preceded her in
death. She also was preceded in death by her grandson, Sampson Paul von Beesten Frisby.
She was a homemaker and formerly attended Twilight Church in Conway.
Survivors include her husband, Ronnie; four sons, Timothy James Frisby, Jr., of York, Pa.; William David
Frisby, of Parker, Colo.; Paul Bradley Frisby, of Brighton, Colo. and Todd Patrick Frisby, of Springfield; a
daughter, Teresa Renee Moger, of Denver, Colo.; three stepsons, Michael Roy Cutbirth, of Hermitage;
Herman J. Cutbirth, of Laquey, and Eric Clemont Keithley, of Springfield; two step-daughters, Tina Marie
Groshong, of Jefferson City; Carrie Nichole Gregory, of Eldridge; an adopted daughter, Aleesha Marie
Cutbirth, of Hermitage; an adopted son, Thomas James Cutbirth, of Des Moines, Iowa; a sister, Sharon
Parmenter, of Robinson, Ill.; a number of grandchildren, and several other relatives.
Funeral services for Lily Ruth Cutbirth will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011, in the Twilight Church
at Conway with Paul Frisby officiating.
Burial will be in the Twilight Cemetery, Conway, MO under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home of
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Marshfield.
John Broadhead 11/10/1944 – 11/03/2007, Omaha, NE
BROADHEAD-John E., age 62. Preceded in death by parents, Vernon and Caroline
Broadhead. Survived by wife, Susan Broadhead; son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and
Sarah Broadhead; brother-in-law, Jody Dewey; host of friends.
FUNERAL SERVICE 108th St. Chapel. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorials to Nebraska Humane Society or Alegent Hospice Home Care ROEDER
MORTUARY 2727 North 108th St. 496-9000
Larry “Brownie” Brown 08/16/1945 – 03/05/2016
Mr. Larry Emory Brown
70, formerly of Galesburg, died at 2:01 p.m. Saturday, March
5, 2016 in Royal Oaks Nursing Home in Kewanee with his
family present.
He was born August 16, 1945 in Galesburg, the son of Emory
and Dorothy (Peterson) Brown.
He is survived by several cousins including, Audrey Swanson
and Ken (and Cathy) Peterson of Oneida, who where his
caretakers; and a good friend, Phil Adams.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill
Brown.
Larry graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963, where he was the class president. He graduated from
Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky in 1967. Larry worked as a teacher, in sales at J.C. Penney, and
was self-employed. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.
Cremation will be accorded. The family will host a memorial service at 10 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016 at
the United Church of Oneida. Rev. David Pyell will officiate. Private family burial will be in Oneida
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses. HinchliffPearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is handling cremation arrangements
for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
Four years ago I found out that Larry was residing at the Royal Oaks Care Center in Kewanee. I began
driving to Kewanee monthly to visit Larry. He and I would take off on our road trips to the surrounding
small towns where we would break bread in some family owned restaurant.
Over time, Larry began to share with me his past struggles with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I had
no idea this had been going on in his life. I can look back now and see what this horrible incapacitating
mental illness did to a bright young man, who by every measure was on his way to success.
Classmate Chuck Nelson wrote “In my mind's eye Brownie is eighteen years old. I'm sure he will always
look that way as his soul roams happily through eternity”. Carolyn Hallberg Grenier wrote “I will always
remember him as our awesome class president!”
As for me, I think I will also choose to remember the young Larry Brown that had the world by the tail, a
bright and shinning star of our senior class.
Phil Adams, Galesburg High School Class of 1963
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Dennis Bush 09/26/1945 – 10/10/2008
FAIRFIELD, Iowa - Dennis J. Bush, 63, Fairfield, Iowa,
passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, at University of Iowa
Hospitals in Iowa City
.
He was born Sept. 26, 1945, in Galesburg, the son of Donald
and Jessie Humes Bush.
Dennis is survived by two daughters, Katie Bush of Fairfield,
Iowa, and Merri Bush of Burlington, Iowa; and a brother,
Richard D. Bush of Galesburg, Ill. He was preceded in death
by his parents and a daughter, Melissa Bush.
He worked at Black Bros. Hardware and Automatic Vending of Burlington, Iowa.
Cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Behner
Funeral Home in Fairfield, Iowa. Friends may pay visits to family one hour before the service.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Cards may be sent c/o 805 W. Stone, Fairfield, IA
52556.
Robert Bushnell 11/04/1945 – 05/25/2006
ROBERT "BOB' ALLEN BUSHNELL Mr. Robert "Bob"
Allen Bushnell age 60 of Tucson, AZ formerly of
Galesburg, IL died Thursday, May 25, 2006 at Northwest
Medical Center in Tucson AZ.
He was born November 4, 1945 in Galesburg IL the son of
Russell Glenn and Eula V. Clark Bushnell.
He is survived by one daughter, Ginger Schulmeister of
Kansas City, MO; his mother, Eula V. Mahnesmith of
Springfield, IL; two brothers, Charles (wife Anita) Bushnell
of Columbia, TN and Gary (wife Cheryl) Bushnell of Springfield, IL and one sister, Mary Trone of Peoria, IL.
Several nieces and nephews also survive in the Galesburg area and other locations. He is preceded in death by
his father and one brother, Kenneth.
He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War performing rescue missions in the Mekong Delta by boat and
Huey Helicopters. He was assigned to the USS Ticonderoga from July 1965 to July 1966. He worked as a
custodian for school district Amphitheater Public School in Oro Valley, AZ and also the Health South
Rehabilitation Center in Tucson, AZ. He worked breaking horses in Lebannon, MO and worked on a dairy
farm in Carthage, MO. He also worked delivery routes in Kansas City, MO.
He graduated from Galesburg High school in 1963. He is remembered fondly for his endless teasing, his love
of his car and his cowboy boots.
A Memorial Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, July 15, 2006 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Hinchliff-PearsonWest Galesburg Chapel with the presentation of the flag at 5:00 p.m. by Ralph M. Noble American Legion
Post 285. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society. Burial of the cremated remains was in
Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg, IL and also scattering in the mountains of Arizona.
Published in the Arizona Daily Star on July 12, 2006
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Tom Campbell 03/20/1945 – 06/14/2013
Grave-site
Mister Thomas P. Campbell, 68, of Galesburg, died at home with his family at 8:52 p.m. Friday, June 14,
2013.
He was born March 20, 1945 in Oakland, Ill. the son of Paul M. and Dorothy E. (Davison) Campbell.
He married Sandy Magnuson in 1963. He later married Lynn Bruget in 1973. In 1982, he married Susie
Swanson.
He is survived by his wife, Susie; five children, Patricia Campbell, Brent Campbell, Bryan (and Jenee)
Campbell, Erin Campbell, and Richard (and Tina) Swanson; a brother, Jerry (and Marty) Campbell; a sister,
Betty (and Doug) Anderson; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry
Campbell; and a sister, Kay Goff.
Tom was a Teamster truck driver for 41 years. He received his Teamster card at the age of 18. He drove a truck
for Brown’s Specialty, Burlington Chicago Cartage, Tobler’s, and Maytag, where he drove for 20 years until
their closure in 2005. By retirement, Tom had driven 3,000,000 miles. Tom had also worked for Burlington
Refrigeration Express (better known as “The Ice House”) and leased the Owen’s Gas Station on Henderson
Street for a time. Over a span of 35 years, he owned and operated Big 4 Bike Shop and Tom’s Repair. Tom
could work on motorcycles, cars, and everything else, and was a major Chicago Bears, Bulls, and White Sox
fan.
Tom was a member of the Galesburg Motorcycle Club and the AMA for 25 years. He raced go-carts for 12
years and Honda motorcycles at Cordova and Havana. He rode motorcycles for 50 years and also raced roller
skates.
Funeral will be 10 AM Thursday June 20, 2013 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Paul
Frinsthal officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park
Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus.
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Kenneth Carr 04/17/1945 – 10/08/2001
Grave-site
Oquawka – Kenneth R. Carr, 56, Oquawka, formerly of Galesburg, died at
10:21 p.m. Monday (Oct. 8, 2001) in Monroe City, MO. He was born April 17,
1945, in Fort Pierce, FL, the son of B. R. “Sparky and Marion Graham Carr.
Surviving are his mother, of Galesburg, one son, Troy Carr, Galesburg, two
grandsons; and one brother, John Carr, Denver, CO.
He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963 and attended Western
Illinois University, Macomb. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad, was
a construction worker for 20 years, and was a truck driver for M&M Transport,
Burlington. He was a member of the Army Reserves.
Memorial at Watson Funeral Home, burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, memorials to
Corpus Christie Catholic Church. Kenny died of a heart attack while driving his
truck per Pat Napier.
Lennie Cooper 11/23/1945 – 11/08/1992, Pompano Beach, FL
Lennie D. Cooper, 47, Pompano Beach, Fl, formerly of Galesburg, died at 5:15
p.m. Sunday (Nov. 8, 1992) in North Broward Hospital, Pompano Beach.
He was born Nov. 23, 1945, the son of Lloyd D. and Astrid I. Elm Cooper. He
married Ginger Hayen on Dec. 31, 1983, in Texas.
Surviving are his wife; one son, Troy Douglas, Houston, Texas and one brother,
Ronnie Cooper, Lombard.
He was graduated from Galesburg High School and attended Western Illinois
University, Macomb. He worked as a carpenter in Galesburg, Macomb, and
Pompano Beach.
Cremation rites were accorded. Memorials made to Bethel Baptist Church,
Galesburg.
Roger Coziahr 01/16/1945 – 09/16/1996
Grave-site
East Peoria – Rodger S. Coziahr, 51, died at 10:33 a. m. Monday (Sept. 16, 1996)
in St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
He was born Jan. 16, 1945, in Galesgburg, the son of Charles and Ruby Wilkins
Coziahr.
He married Dolores Campbell on July 31, 1965, in Galesburg.
Surviving are his wife; his mother, Ruby Coughlin, Galesburg; one son, Barry
Coziahr, St. Louis, Mo; one daughter, Jackie Coziahr, at home; two brothers,
Howard C. Coziahr and Jerry C. Coziahr, both of East Peoria, and two
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by is father and one brother.
He was and independent sales representative in the lawn and garden industry.
From 1967 to 1976, he was a vice president and buyer for Schradzki's Fashion
Apparel Stores in the Peoria area. Most recently, he worked for the National
Association for the Self Employed.
Funeral at Remmert Funeral Home, East Peoria. Burial in Fondulac Cemetery.
Memorial made to the Rodger S. Coziahr Memorial Fund in care of Fondulac
Banking Center, East Peoria.
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Dina Crouch Nelson 12/03/1944 – 08/26/1987
Bernadine C. Nelson, Bishop Hill, died Wednesday in Galesburg Cottage
Hospital.
Bernadine Crouch was born in Galesburg Dec. 3, 1944. She married Ronald E.
Nelson in Bishop Hill, June 26, 1976. Surviving are her husband; her mother,
Geneva Crouch, Galesburg, four daughters, Melissa Johnson, Bishop Hill, Kelly
Craig, Galva, Jennifer Nelson, Galesburg, and Amy Nelson, Bishop Hill; one
sister, Pat Rader, Knoxville, one brother, John Crouch, California; and two
grandchildren.
She was employed as the developmental director of the Bishop Hill Heritage
Association. She was a member of the Western Illinois Tourism Council and the
National Association of Fund-raising Directors.
She was cremated. Runge Mortuary, Davenport, Iowa, was in charge of
arrangements. Memorials mad to the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
Dina died from recurring cancer.
Kathy Curtis Belville 11/26/1944 – 07/27/2000
GALESBURG – Kathryn May Curtis Belville, 55, Canoga Park, Calif., formerly
of Galesburg, died Thursday (July 27, 2000).
She was born Nov. 26, 1944.
Surviving are two daughters, Stacey Quiroz and Amanda Belville; both of Canoga
Park, Calif.; three brothers, Don Curtis, Terry Curtis, and Dan Curtis, all of
Galesburg: and one sister, Bonnie Parish, Galesburg.
There will be no local services. Interment was in Canoga Park, Calif.
Memorials may be made to Stacy Quiroz, 20921 Gault St., Canoga Park, Calif.,
91303.
Patrick Daves 10/04/1944 – 03/26/2000
Crystal River, Fl. - Patrick Clinton Daves, 55, Crystal River, formerly of
Galesburg, IL, died Sunday (March 26, 2000) in the Veterans Administration
Medical Center, Gainesville, FL.
He was born Oct. 4, 1944, in Flint, MI, the son of Ralph and Jewel Daves.
He married Shirley Pilcher in 1968 in Galesburg.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Alisa Odell, Crystal River, and Laura
Crosby, Atlanta, GA; one son, Michael Patrick Daves, Ocala, FL; one brother
Robert Daves*, Galesburg; one sister Mary Louise Plish, Galesburg, and four
grandchildren.
He served in the Navy from 1963 to 1965 during the Vietnam War. He worked
for the City of Crystal River.
Funeral in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL, where military honors were
conducted by Marine Corps League 708. Moring Funeral Home, Melrose, FL
was in charge of arrangements.
*also GHS63 graduate
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Grave-site
John Davis 06/23/1945 – 06/02/1992
Register-Mail, June 3, 1992 – from AP and staff reporters
California crash kills former residents
TEMECULA, CA – A former Galesburg man and his son died Tuesday when
their car was struck by a station wagon involved in pursuit by U.S. Border Patrol
agents.
A stolen station wagon believed to be carrying illegal aliens crashed into a car
driven by John f. Davis, 46, formerly of Galesburg, IL, as the station wagon fled
U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Also killed in the car were John Davis' son, Todd R. Davis, 18, and a teenage
friend. The accident occurred as the elder Davis was taking the two to school.
Two high school students on the sidewalk also were killed when they were hit by
the careening station wagon; two dozen people were injured.
John Davis was a 1963 graduate of Galesburg High School. He attended the former Brown's Business
College, Western Illinois University and he worked at Farmers and Mechanics Bank in the late 1960's.
He moved to California in 1969 where he worked in banking, but he and his son still made two to three trips
to Galesburg each year, according to John Davis' sister, Linda O'Dean, Galesburg.
Four of the 12 passengers in the station wagon were seriously injured; two were listed in critical condition.
The other passengers and the station wagon's driver were treated for minor injuries and taken into custody,
agents said.
Steven Kean, a Border Patrol spokesman, said agents at the Temecula station, about 70 miles north of the
Mexican border, began chasing the station wagon when it skirted the checkpoint on I-15.
Meanwhile John Davis was driving Todd and Todd's girlfriend's sister to school, said O'Dean.
Kean said agents broke off the chase when their siren and lights failed, and came upon the accident when
they crested a hill.
But a witness, Jose Guadalupe Alegria, said he heard a siren just before the collision. Border Patrol
spokesman Earl Beasley said the siren may have come from a backup patrol car.
O'Dean said friends and family in Temecula said border agents continued their chase into the residential
neighborhood through the school zone.
They should not have been doing that in a school zone,” she said.
Elia Esparza, publisher of an area Spanish-language shopping publication criticized the Border Patrol for
chasing the car into a residential area near a school. The students killed on the sidewalk were the children of
her cousin.
“They could stand outside our office in Temecula and catch all the illegals they want to,” Esparza said.
“Why do they have to chase them?”
Gus De la Via, chief of the San Diego Border Patrol division, said a preliminary investigation indicated that
the pursuing agents acted properly.
“This is another tragedy directly caused by an unscrupulous alien smuggler with complete disregard for
human life,” the Border Patrol said in a statement. Obituary follows:
John F. Davis, 46, Temecula, CA, formerly of Galesburg, IL, died Tuesday (June 2, 1992) in Temecula.
He was born June 23, 1945, in Galesburg, the son of Frederick and Bernice Davis. He married Linda
Johnson on Aug. 21, 1971, in California. Surviving are his wife; one stepson, Greg Davis, San Francisco;
his parents, of Galesburg; his grandmother, Mabel Wagher, Galesburg; Three sisters, Linda O'Dean
Galesburg, Kim Davis, Madison, WI, and Karen Hamilton, Onalaska, WI, and aunts, uncles nieces and
nephews. He was graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. He attended the former Browns
Business College, Galesburg, and Western Illinois University, Macomb. He worked at Farmers &
Mechanics Bank, Galesburg, in the late 1960's. He moved in 1969 to California, where he worked as a
vice president-manager at Wells Fargo Bank. Most recently, he was vice president-branch manager at First
Interstate Bank, Hemet, CA. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Galesburg, and he attended
Sunridge Community Church, Temecula.. He was a member of the Athletic Club, Racquetball Club,
Rancho CA Softball League and Kiwanis Club. He was director of a golf club tournament charity for
13
abused children. Funeral arrangements in San Diego, CA. Memorials to Bethel Baptist Church.
John T. Delawder III 11/19/1944 – 02/18/2016
Emotional Return to Lombard Middle School
Galesburg Register-Mail 09/09/2015
GALESBURG — A longtime District 205 teacher and
administrator returned Tuesday to Lombard Middle School as
one of his dying wishes.
John Delawder, 70, is on hospice care with atypical Parkinson’s
disease and as one of his last wishes, Hospice Compassus
arranged a visit to Lombard Middle School.
Over 30 people welcomed Delawder at Lombard, including
former colleagues and students as well as current teachers and
administrators.
Principal Nick Sutton led Delawder on a tour of the building,
pointing out what has changed over the years.
“It’s a very, very pleasant surprise,” Delawder said. “It’s
beautiful. The kids ought to really appreciate it.”
Delawder served as teacher, dean and principal throughout District 205. He finished his career as assistant
regional superintendent at the Regional Office of Education.
“He's been at almost every school,” his wife Linda Delawder said.
His former colleagues were shocked to hear about Delawder’s situation and were eager to stop by.
“It just totally broke my heart,” longtime Lombard teacher Phil Erickson. “It was quite an honor to be able to
work with him.” Erickson said they bonded over similar values.
“I enjoyed talking with him, not just about school business, but we'd talk about a lot of other stuff, too, because
he's a big family man, and I was a big family man, and we shared that interest,” Erickson said.
Pat Callahan said he enjoyed working with Delawder when they were both assistant principals in District 205.
“He was just a joy to work with as an administrator,” Callahan said. “He's just a wonderful human being and a
good Christian man.”
Following the visit, Delawder visited the new football field and field house at Galesburg High School.
Ben Zigterman: (309) 343-7181, ext. 255; [email protected]; @bzigterman
Photo by Hal Fuson
Continued
14
Mr. John T. Delawder III 71, of Galesburg, went home to
be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 7:05 a.m.
Thursday, February 18, 2016 in OSF Holy Family Medical
Center in Monmouth, Illinois.
He was born November 19, 1944 in Galesburg, the son of
John T. and Rosaleen (Dahler) Delawder Jr. He married
Linda Thompson on November 28, 1971 in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda; two sons, Scott
Delawder of Galesburg and Eric Delawder of Bonita Springs,
Florida; a brother, David (and Rita) Delawder of Godfrey,
Illinois; and a sister, Ann (and Rick) Larson of East
Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents. John graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. He
served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969, where he was stationed in Germany. During that time,
he played his trombone in over 23 countries. Upon returning to Galesburg, he attended Carl Sandburg College,
where he earned an associate’s degree in 1971. He went on to Knox College, earning his bachelor’s degree in
1973. John started his teaching career at Winola Junior High School in New Windsor in 1973.
He worked during this time on his master’s degree and Ed.S. from Western Illinois University. After earning
the degree in 1977, he returned to Galesburg to begin a long career with District 205. He worked over the
years as a teacher, principal, assistant principal, dean of students. During his years in teaching and
administration, he earned his Ph.D. in 1998. The final years of his career in education were spent as Assistant
Regional Superintendent of Schools. He retired in 2009.
Outside of his career, John was active with the Knox-Sandburg College Community Band, Knox Symphony,
Carl Sandburg College Pep Band, and the Regional Teachers’ Institute Band. He composed the Carl Sandburg
College School Song. He attended Crosswalk Chapel in Pekin, Illinois. He also enjoyed canoeing, tennis,
golf, racquetball, computers, and computer education. John had been a coach with the YMCA, soccer, tee
ball, softball, and flag football.
Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the chapel with Pastor Mark Bassen officiating. Military honors
will be offered at the funeral home following the funeral. Private family burial will follow in the Roseville
Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to The Knox County
Sheriff’s Department Shop With A Cop Children’s Program, Crosswalk Chapel, or Jimmy Swaggart
Ministries. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
A Tribute to the Life of John T. Delawder III by Bob Alps
It is a little late, but I wish that my life could be as full and fulfilling as John’s appeared to be. I knew John
from band in high school. He and John Davis were the two top trombone players. How wonderful that this
youthful experience was the start of a significant aspect of his adult life. I am also deeply impressed by
John’s ongoing journey of education. I know there are a fair number of our classmates who got a PhD (I am
among them). I would wager that John earned his later than any of the rest of us. At a time in life when most
of us have accepted or gotten used to who we are, he was continuing to become a different and better
person. There is a line in a Bob Dylan song (The Man in the Long Black Coat) that I have always liked that
goes “People don’t live or die, people just float.” That path of least resistance lures us all in one way or
another, and it is inspiring to see someone who, while perhaps leading a quiet life, sometimes took the path
less traveled by.
15
Michael L. Dysert * 10/09/1944 – 09/13/2004
Grave-site
Michael Dysert, 59, of Woodhull, died Sept. 13, 2004, at home. Graveside services
at Woodhull Cemetery. There was no visitation. Memorials left for the family.
Peterson-Wallin-Knox, Woodhull, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born Oct. 9, 1944, in Galesburg, a son of Louis and Terri Shepherd Dysert.
He married Linda Vilardo Nov. 16, 1963, in Galesburg.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; children and spouses, Keely and Darrell
Leafgreen, Rio, Shawn and Gary Daly, Woodhull, and Michael Patrick and Jami
Dysert, Macomb; 12 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; stepmother, Mary Dysert
and half-brother, Larry Dysert both of Macomb; and a half-sister, Jan Dunham,
Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents.
*member of class of 62, actually graduated 1963.
Patricia Feely Nicklaus 02/22/1945 – 11/24/2004
Grave-site
PATRICIA ELAINE (FEELY) NICKLAUS , 59, of Dixon died Wednesday Nov.
24, 2004, at her home.
Mrs. Nicklaus was born Feb. 22, 1945 in Galesburg, the daughter of Joseph E. and
Jeanne (Farrell) Feely.
She attended St. Joseph Academy, Corpus Christi High School and was a 1963
graduate of Galesburg High School.
She married Gordon Nicklaus on June 19, 1975 in Dixon. She was a member of St.
Patrick's Catholic Church, Dixon and the National Society of Foresters.
Survivors include her husband; three sons, John Rogers of Dixon, Joe Rogers of
Galesburg and Chad Nicklaus of Dixon; a daughter, Amy Nicklaus of Dixon; her
mother, Anna Jeanne Feely of Galesburg; four sisters, Colleen Trask of Marietta
Ga., Sharon (Myron) Shreeves of Knoxville, Sheila Crist of Galesburg and Ellen
(Bill) Milnamow of Wheaton; a brother, Joseph E. (Linda Feely II) of Wataga; three
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Prayer service is at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Preston-Schilling, followed by an 11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Rev. Robert W. Jones
officiating. Burial is at Chapel Hill.
16
Dale Florer 05/28/1945 – 07/30/1969
Grave-site
Register-Mail article 7/31/69
Soldier Dies At New York Army Camp – Spec. 4 Dale Florer, 24 year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Stanley Florer of 238 W. Fremont St., was found dead Wednesday at Camp Drum N.Y., where he was
stationed with the Army.
His parents said that Army authorities told them this morning that their son died of a gunshot wound
yesterday at 1:15 p.m. in a supply room. Further details were expected to be released by authorities today.
His parents reported their son had been working with the camp's Headquarters
Group training Reservists. Mr. Florer's main base was Ft. Dix, N.J.
Mr. Florer was born May 28, 1945, at Galesburg and was graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963
and University of Denver, Colo., in 1968. He joined the Army in June 1968. Surviving besides the parents
is a brother, Richard of Aurora, Colo.
Register-Mail article 8/1/69
Authorities: Fatal Wound Self-inflicted
A 24 year old serviceman, who was found dead Wednesday at Camp Drum, N. Y. apparently died from a
self-inflicted gunshot wound, a United Press International story quoted military authorities as saying
Thursday.
The body of Spec. 4 Dale Florer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Florer of 238 W. Fremont St. was found
Wednesday in a supply room. A .45 caliber pistol was found nearby, military authorities said.
Florer had been assigned to the Headquarters Group of the camp, where thousands of National Guard and
reserve troops receive summer training.
Camp officials and state police were continuing an investigation of the death.
Services are pending at Hinchliff-Pearson West Chapel Galesburg.
Obituary: Spec. 4 Dale R. Florer – 238 W. Fremont St., died Wednesday (July 30, 1969) at Camp Drum,
NY. Military authorities said Thursday they were continuing their investigation into the death. Cpl. Florer
was found dead of a gunshot wound, and a pistol was lying nearby in the supply room where died.
Funeral services were Aug. 5, 1969 at Hinchliff Pearson-West Chapel, Dr. Joseph Hoffman, pastor of First
United Methodist Church, officiated Mrs. Roy H. Pearson Jr. was organist. Burial was at Memorial Park
Cemetery. Pallbearers were Phil Adams; Terry Anderson, Rob Gordon, Jerry Smith, John Broadhead and
Doug Smith. He was survived by his parents Stanley and Ludie(sp?) Florer, and a brother Dick Florer,
Aurora, CO. His parents refused to accept the possibility of suicide.
17
John Geist 04/03/1945 – 03/24/2011
John R. Geist, 65, passed away on Thursday (March 24, 2011) at the Paula J. Baber Hospice House in Fort
Dodge, Iowa.
Survivors include his wife Betty, son Brad and his wife Jennifer of Grimes, daughter Laura of Fort Dodge,
granddaughter Baylee and a sister Valla Wrona of Avondale, AZ. John was preceded in death by his parents
John and Betty (Coultas) Geist; and his best friend, Ron Kacher of Waterloo.
John R. Geist was born April 3, 1945 in Jacksonville, Illinois. As a young child he and his family moved to
Galesburg where he attended school graduating from Galesburg High School.
In 1965 he enlisted in the United States Army serving mainly in Germany. Following his honorable discharge
in 1968 he attended and graduated from Hawkeye Technical School in Waterloo.
John was united in marriage to Elizabeth Kimball in Waterloo and following John’s education the couple
established their home in Fort Dodge. John was employed with Associated Engineering, M.E.R. Engineering
and later R.U.A.N Securities retiring in 2009 as vice-president of public finance.
John was a Member of Holy Trinity Parish and was a past member of the Noon Lions Club. He and Betty
were past Co-Chairs of the St. Edmond Ball.
Burial will be in Corpus Christi Cemetery with full military honors presented by the V.F.W. Post 1856.
Memorials: Memorials may be left to Trinity Hospice of Fort Dodge or to the discretion of the family.
Penny Gemmell-Selvig 06/17/1944 – 11/05/1999
Penelope L. “Penny” Selvig (nee Gemmell), a resident of Chicago, formerly of
Richton Park and Country Club Hills, died Friday, Nov. 5, at her home.
A 10 a.m. Funeral service will be conducted Tuesday at St. Lawrence O'Toole
Catholic Church, Matteson. Interment will be in Assumption Cemetery,
Glenwood.
Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 9 p.m. At Hirsch Funeral Homes Memorial
Chapel, Tinley Park.
The former Penelope Gemmell was born June 17, 1944, in Chicago. She was
employed as an administrative assistant for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill,
Chicago.
She is survived by two sons, Kenneth of Chicago and Jeffrey (Brandy) of
Hanna City; a sister Eugenia (Michael) Kidd of Texas; three brothers, Joseph of Chicago, Michael of San
Francisco, Calif; and Patrick (Debbie) of Biggsville; and two grandchildren.
Her husband, Robert, died in 1997.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, South Cook Area Office, 6720 W. 167th St., Suite
3, Tinley Park 60477.
18
Ted Godsil 05/10/1945 – 06/13/2015
The Villages, Fla.- Ted Godsil,70, passed from this life Saturday, June 13,
2015 in Florida. Born May 10, 1945 in Galesburg, IL he was the son of the late
Larry and Ruth (Tingley) Godsil.
Ted was retired from the Maytag Corp., of Galesburg, IL. He was an Army
veteran of the Vietnam War. He moved to The Villages from Galesburg, IL in
2007. Ted enjoyed golf and computers.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Judy Godsil and
brothers, Dave and Steve.
Ted leaves his sons, Troy and wife Kelly of Loveland, CO; Scott and wife Krista
of Galesburg, IL; daughter, Julie Lundeen and husband Roger of Galesburg, IL;
brothers, Jack and wife Kathy of The Villages, Jeff and wife Keiko of Columbia, SC; sister, Jane
Anderson and husband Rev. Tim of Altona, IL; (7) grandchildren and (1) great grandchild.
Services will be held on Monday June 22, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson – West Abingdon Chapel, Abingdon,
IL from 1 to 3 PM.
Ted was in our class through his junior year.
Linda Grayson 09/22/1945 – 05/02/2014
Linda Lee Grayson, 68, of Mattoon passed away at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2014 at Mattoon
Health Care.
Memorial Services honoring her life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Smyser
Christian Church northwest of Gays, IL with Reverend Mel Workman and Reverend David Finney
officiating. Burial will follow at Neoga Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00
p.m. until time of service at the church. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with the
arrangements.
Linda was born on September 22, 1945 in Shiloh Valley, IL the daughter of Ernest and Connie
(Upchurch) Grayson.
Survivors include her nieces, Amy (Doug) Baker of Neoga, IL, Wendy (Craig) Greeson of Hanover Park,
IL; nephews, Andrew (Michelle) Kersey of Neoga, IL, Bob Kersey of Chestertown, NY, Lee (Christy)
Kersey of Memphis, TN; and seventeen great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her
parents and sister, Becky Kersey.
Linda worked for CCAR in Charleston, IL and was a past member of the Smyser Christian Church. She
will be sadly missed.
Memorial donations in her honor may be given to Lincolnland Hospice or CCAR.
19
Dennis Gummerson 03/04/1945 – 01/18/1999, Weems, VA
Dennis W. Gummerson 53, Weems, Va. Formerly of Galesburg, died Jan. 18, 1999, at home.
He was born March 4, 1945, in Galesburg, the son of A. W. “Tiny” and Louise Gummerson. He married
Michele Halker.
Surviving are his wife, in Weems, two sons, Brett Gummerson, Cheyenne, Wy, and Sage Gummerson, in
Alabama, his mother, Louise McCreigh, Galesburg, and two brothers, Donald Gummerson, Galesburg, and
James Gummerson, Omaha, Ne. He was preceded in death by his father.
He served in the Army in the military police from 1965 to 1968 in Europe. He was employed with the
military police in Washington, D.C. He retired in 1995.
Cremation was accorded. A memorial service was held in Virginia.
Betty Haines-Carlson 1/22/1945 – 06/15/1988
Grave-site
Betty J. Haines Carlson, 43, Annapolis, MD, formerly of Galesburg, died at home Saturday at 2:30 a.m.
She was born Jan. 22, 1945. She maried Dan Carlson in Galesburg Sept 4, 1965.
Surviving are her husband; her mother, Dorothy Carlson, Galesburg; and two sons, Brad Carlson,
Annapolis,and Steve Carlson, Decatur.
She was a member of the Decatur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Junior Welfare Association, was a past
board member of M.C.A.D.D, and was a member of the Great Dane Association of Illinois.
Funeral at Brintlinger's Funeral Home, Decatur. Graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg.
Memorials to the Macon County Resources, Inc.
20
Bonnie Hankins-Friend 10/13/1945 – 06/04/2007
Grave-site
Mrs. Bonnie Jean Friend age 61 of 200 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Abingdon, Il.
passed away surrounded by those who loved her after a courageous nineteen
month battle with lung cancer.
She is survived by her husband Louis Friend, her four children Teri Ann (Charles)
Daly, Glendale, Az., Andrew Michael (Angela) Morrissey, Chesapeake, Va.,
Tammy Sue (Paul) Miller, and Lynn Ann (Colonel) Van Winkle both of Abingdon,
three step-children Bart Friend, London Mills, Amanda Jones, Pima, Az. and
Christi Syron Galesburg, sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is
also survived by her father, Winfred (Bo) Hankins, and three brothers Alvin (Beth)
Hankins, Larry (Theresa) Hankins, and Terry (Linda) Hankins all of the Galesburg
area. She was preceded in death by her mother Lucille Hankins, a brother Gerald
Hankins, and a grandson Timothy Daly.
Bonnie was raised in Galesburg and graduated from Galesburg High School in
1963. She began her diverse work life as a waitress at the C.B. and Q. Stockyard
Restaurant ran by her parents Bo and Lucille Hankins before working as secretary
for the carpenters union and working for Admiral's. In 1981, while being a wife
and mother in her thirties Bonnie undertook the challenge of becoming an Illinois
State Trooper and went on to have a career which included patrol, DII, and DCI
before concluding her distinguished career as a gaming agent with the Illinois
Gaming Commission at the Rock Island Riverboat Casino. She achieved the rank
of Sergeant. She retired in 2002 with twenty-three years of distinguished service.
She was a charter member of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police. Bonnie was the
owner of Big Foot's Bar and Restaurant.
She had an outspoken, "Fight for what you want" attitude that she has instilled in
her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bonnie had a great love of
travel, gambling, and in retirement, of fishing in Wisconsin with Louie and her
sister-in-law Sandy Watters. She was greatly loved by her family and many friends
and her passing will leave a void in the lives of many that will never be filled.
Bonnie has chosen to be cremated and her remains will be interred this fall at the
Henderson Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be at Hinchliff-Pearson-West
Chapel in Galesburg on Saturday afternoon from 1-3 pm. Family and friends are
invited to a dinner to be held at the Abingdon Bowling Alley Restaurant following
the visitation. The family requests memorials be made to the charity of the givers
choosing.
Bonnie was previously married to Andy Morrissey, GHS class of 63.
21
Donald R. Hanson 09/22/1945 – 03/26/2011
Donald Ray Hanson of Fort Collins died Saturday, March 26 of a sudden heart attack. He was 65 years
old. He was born on September 22, 1945, in Peoria Illinois.
Don graduated high school in Galesburg, Illinois and immediately moved to Colorado where he worked as
a trail ride wrangler in Estes Park. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Fort Collins and he rejoined
them to study art briefly at Colorado State University. He enlisted in the US Air Force, serving as a
military policeman in Okinawa and an illustrator / graphics artist in North Carolina. In his free time he was
a talented painter of landscapes.
His true passion, however, was music. Don had a booming bass voice with very wide range, and he
quickly found his outlet in SPEBSQSA -- better known as barbershop harmony. For the rest of his life he
sang in various local barbershop quartets, choruses, and church choirs.
After his Air Force duty, Don returned to Fort Collins and CSU where he became involved in the Aggie
Haylofters square dance club. Once again, his voice soon raised him to be "caller" for the exhibition dance
team. While at CSU he acquired a degree in Industrial Arts Education.
Don was an entrepreneur in many ventures, leading to his broad range of skills. He knew a little about a
lot, and could build or fix just about anything. The majority of his work was in construction: from rough
framing to fine finish carpentry, he could do it all.
He was an active church member at Peak Community Church, and most recently at Life Church of Fort
Collins. He was a member of multiple small groups. At church and in the community, Don was a friend to
many and loved by all.
Don is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Hanson and father, Howard Hanson both of Fort Collins. He
is survived by a son, Michael David Hanson of Albuquerque New Mexico; a daughter, Andrea Lynn
Hanson of Sidney, Nebraska; a brother, Lloyd Hanson of Loxahatchee Florida; and a brother, Milan
Hanson of Fort Collins.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Life Church of Fort Collins, 1501
Academy Court, Fort Collins.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Life Church of Fort Collins in care of Bohlender Funeral
Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 to continue the Lord's work to which Don was
dedicated.
22
Grave-site
Dave Hare 09/18/1945 – 08/13/1983 – Columbus, GA
Columbus, Ga. - Retired Army Capt. David L. Hare, 37, Columbus, GA, died
Saturday in Martin Army Hospital, Fort Benning, GA.
He was born in Galesburg Sept. 18, 1945. He married Connie Waits. Surviving are
his wife; his mother, Lillian Catherine Hare of Denver; three sons, Jason Lyle,
Jeremy Lee and Justis Landon Hare, all of Columbus; three brothers, Jack Hare of
Wataga, Bill Hare of Santa Ana, CA, and Daniel Hare of Denver; and two sisters,
Diane Marek of Smithville, MO, and Pam Hare of Denver.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 1982 and was a Vietnam veteran. He was a
member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Columbus and a former member of the
Society of American Military Engineers.
Funeral and burial in Columbus, with military honors. Memorial to the American
Cancer Society. Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA, was in charge of
arrangements.
Steven Hunter – 1998?
Paul Johnson 09/12/1945 – 09/26/1996
Grave-site
Paul E. “Pete” Johnson, 51, Springfield, formerly of Galesburg, died at 6 p.m.
Thursday (Sept. 26, 1996) in Ridgeland Community Hospital, Ridgeland, SC.
He was born Sept. 12, 1945, in Galesburg, the son of Robert V. and Bernice J.
Rossi Johnson. He married Diana Brown in June 1968 in Nauvoo. Surviving
are his mother, in Galesburg, one son, Daniel Edward Johnson, Columbia, MO;
one daughter, Sylvia Lynn Johnson, Columbia, MO; and one brother, David
Richard Johnson, Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his father.
He was graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963, and from Knox College
in 1967. He earned a master's degree from the University of Kansas, where he
also had started work toward his doctorate. He moved to Missouri in 1969 for
12 years, retiring in 1980. He published a book of poetry entitled “Delusions of
Grammar.” He was of the Baha'i faith.
Funeral at Hinchliff Pearson West chapel, with the Rev. Tom Larsen, Mary Lou
Lauchner and Wiley Mays officiating. Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery
Memorials made to a charity of the donors' choice.
23
Sheila Kimbrough-Taylor 05/28/1945 – 04/19/2008
Sheila Anne Taylor, age 62, of 845 Avenue A Street, Galesburg, Illinois died on
Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 3:22 P.M. at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria,
Illinois.
She was born on May 28, 1945 in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Frank James
and Hazel Gullick Kimbrough. She was married to David B. Taylor for 44 years.
They were married on April 6, 1964 in Galesburg, Illinois. He survives of
Galesburg, Illinois.
Also surviving are three daughters, Grace Ellen (Vincent Martin) Loveless of
Peoria, Illinois, Tiffany Nicole Taylor-Tyson of Galesburg, Illinois and Lindy
BreAnn Waggoner of Burlington, Iowa; two sons, David Bruce (Barbara Louise)
Taylor, Jr. of San Marcus, California and Andre R. Kyle of Vacaville, California;
nine grandchildren; her mother, Hazel Kimbrough of Galesburg, Illinois; one sister,
Debra Faith Kimbrough of Galesburg, Illinois and four brothers, Eugene "Buster"
(Hope White) Goodlow of Wataga, Illinois, Cletus (Carolyn Carson) Goodlow of
Portland, Oregon, James Kimbrough of Galesburg, Illinois and Charles Bond
Kimbrough of Galesburg, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her father; three
sisters: Grace Kimbrough, Helen Shelton and Mary Jean Goodlow and two
brothers: William Goodlow and LeRoy Kimbrough.
She was raised and educated in Galesburg, Illinois graduating from the Galesburg
High School in 1963. She was unit secretary for Cottage Hospital in Galesburg,
Illinois for 10 years and also worked for Help At Home and other health care related
agencies in Galesburg, Illinois. She was one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Cremation Rites will be accorded.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. at The
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Galesburg, Illinois. Rubin Randolph
officiating. There will be no visitation. Hurd Hendricks Funeral Home and
Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois in charge of arrangements.
On-line condolences may be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
Cheryl Landes-Fleming 04/15/1945 – 11/04/2013
PEORIA - Cheryl D. Landes-Fleming, 68, of Peoria passed away Monday, Nov.
4, 2013, at Unity Point Health-Methodist.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell E. and Mildred C. Gray Landes
of Galesburg. She had no siblings. Cheryl married Walter A. Fleming. There were
no children. (?)
Cremation has been accorded. There will be no services. Cremation Society of
Mid-Illinois Co., Pekin/Peoria, is in charge of arrangements.
Published in Peoria Journal Star on Nov. 8, 2013
24
Jack Larson 06/19/1945 – 08/18/1996
Grave-site
Iowa City, Iowa - Jack E. Larson Jr., 51, 604 Normandy Drive, formerly of
Galesburg, IL, died at 11:30 a. m. Sunday (Aug. 18, 1996) in the University of
Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.
He was born June 19, 1945, in San Angelo, TX, the son of Jack E. and Martha
Houlton Larson.
He married Sharon Putnam in 1966 in Memphis, TN. He married Dianne Gracey
on March 3, 1979, in Kona, Hawaii.
Surviving are his wife; his parents, of Galesburg; two daughters, Allison Larson
and Megan Larson, both at home, and three brothers, John Larson, Washington,
IL, Jeff Larson, St. Charles, MO and James Larson , Springfield, IL.
He was graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963, and from Western Illinois
University, Macomb.
He moved in 1988 to Iowa City, where he was manager of A. Y. MacDonald
Plumbing and Heating Co.'s branch there. Before that, he was a building
contractor in Memphis and had taught at Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg. He
was a member of the Iowa City Home Builders Association.
Funeral at Donohue-Lensing Funeral Service, Iowa City. Burial in oak Hill
Cemetery, Coralville. Memorials to Renal Transplant Clinic in care of Mayo
Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Jack was the first born of Galesburg radio personality Jack Larson.
Diane Melton Jones 08/22/1945 – 12/16/2013
Grave-site
GALESBURG - Diane L. Jones, 68, of Galesburg, died at 6:38 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at home.
She was born Aug. 22, 1945, in Galesburg, the daughter of Virgil L. and E. Iola Swanson Melton. She
married Gary L. Jones on Nov. 28, 1964, in Galesburg. He survives.
Also surviving is her son, Todd L. Jones of Galesburg; and her granddaughter, Morgann. She is preceded in
death by her parents.
She worked as an office manager, receptionist, file clerk and bookkeeper for numerous physicians for over 45
years. She graduated from Galesburg High School. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church. Diane
enjoyed boating, camping and spending time with friends.
Graveside services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, in Wataga Cemetery. Rev. James Ecklund
will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the family. Family will receive friends
at 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 285 at 571 E. North St. in Galesburg. Hinchliff-Pearson-West
Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to
www.h-p-w.com.
25
Julia Luker-Miller 07/20/1945 – 08/12/1988
Grave-site
Galesburg Register-Mail Aug. 16, 1988 by Tom Jackson – edited for length
Boy charged with murder in death of business woman
A 14 year old boy was charged Monday in Knox County juvenile court with two
counts of first degree murder for the Friday stabbing death of Julia K. “Judy” Miller
43, 513 N. Cedar St.
Dennis N. Wilbur, 527 N. Cedar St., was arrested Friday at 7 p.m. for allegedly
stabbing Miller several times in the chest and slashing her throat with a knife Friday
afternoon in her home...........
Assistant State's Attorney, Jonathan Schlake, said that Wilbur has not been ruled out
as a suspect in other recent stabbings. The other incidents include that of a 23 year
old woman who received a slight cut on her back after being assaulted with a knife
May 31 in the 100 block of North Cherry Street, and that of a 25 year old woman who was hospitalized after
being stabbed in the left side June 29 in the 200 block of North Prairie Street.
While police reports describe the suspect in the May 31 incident as an 18 to 19 year old male, the suspect in the
June 29 stabbing was described as a 13 to 16 year old male.
“Sure, you could call (Wilbur) a suspect (in the other stabbings)” Schlake said, “But we don't have any
information on that yet. We're still just looking into it.”.........
Police investigator, Rodney McCants, said that police were met at Miller's home at 513 N. Cedar St. by Miller's
son, Jamie Empson, who led them inside to where his mother's body was found. Reports indicate that Miller's
clothing was covered with blood and that there was a cut to her neck, McCants said.
Empson reportedly told police that he found his mother's body while returning the key to her new home in the
area of Brown Avenue ad Dudley Street, McCants said.. Empson had borrowed the keys to retrieve personal
belongings which had been moved to the new home.
McCants also testified that Empson also told police that “a neighborhood boy named Dennis” had been around
his mother's house around the time of the crime to see her pet birds, and the boy was located by police and
subsequently interviewed after a canvass of the neighborhood.
Although Wilbur was not initially considered a suspect in the crime, McCants said , he and his mother were
summoned to the Public Safety Building for questioning, at which time he told police that he had been working
on a go-kart when he decided to go for a walk, leading him through the driveway of Miller's hose, but he
continued on home where he took a bath and changed his clothes.
The police obtained consent from Wilbur's mother to investigate the clothes, although the blue jeans, black Tshirt, shorts, socks and underwear he had been wearing were wet from being in the washing machine. However,
the tennis shoes the boy had been wearing were found to have splatters and stains which were believed to be
blood, McCants said.
Wilbur and his mother were once again summoned for questioning at which time Wilbur was read his Miranda
rights and asked to give more details about his involvement in the incident, McCants said. At first, he said, the
boy denied entering the house, although he later admitted to entering to look at the birds.
When asked three separate times if he had stabbed Miller, Wilbur stared at the floor and did not respond,
McCants said. After being asked for the third time, Wilbur asked his mother to leave the room, after which he
was asked the question again. The boy nodded his head, McCants said.
McCants also told the court that Galesburg Police Investigator Lt. James E. Hasselbacher asked Wilbur where
he placed the knife used to stab Miller, and Wilbur said it was on top of a stereo stand in the living room of his
home.
McCants added that Miller's body was taken to St. Mary's Hospital where an autopsy was performed. The cause
of death was multiple stab wounds, he said.
Investigations have produced no apparent motive for the crime, Schlake said.
Obituary on following page:
26
Funeral service is set for victim of stabbing
Julia K. “Judy” Miller, 43, 513 N. Cedar St., died at her home Friday at 2:35 p.m. She was the victim of a
stabbing. She was born in Galesburg on July 20, 1945. She was the daughter of Ralph and Virginia
Shumate Luker. Surviving are her mother of Galesburg; one son, James Stanley Empson,
Galesburg; Three brothers, Stan Luker, Oconomowoc, WI, Jeff Luker, Galesburg, and Ronnie Hunt,
Columbia, MO, and one sister, Jane Mason, Galesburg. She was a real estate broker and a former partner in
Knox Realtors. At the time of her death, she was a certified appraiser and worked for Midwest Appraisers
She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Businesswomen of America, Galesburg Board of Realtors,
Optimist Club and Society of Real Estate Appraisers. Funeral at Hinchliff Pearson West Chapel, with the
Right Rev. Donald J. Parsons officiating. Burial in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials to Grace Episcopal
Church or a charity of the donor's choice.
Dan Meriwether 09/04/1945 – 05/31/2011
CRYSTAL LAKE - Daniel Lee Meriwether, 65, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 31,
2011, from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his loving family.
Born Sept. 4, 1945, in Galesburg, to Helen Edwards and Neil Meriwether. He married Anita Johanson on Oct.
24, 1970, in Galesburg.
His hobbies included golf, fishing, landscaping, any financial project and do-it-yourself home repair projects.
He enjoyed studying languages, reading, traveling and rooting loudly for the NY Yankees to WIN. He will be
remembered and treasured for his wit and sense of humor, generous nature and outgoing personality.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anita; daughter, Jennifer; son, Brent; four siblings and their families.
He graduated with a MBA from Northern Illinois University and retired from finance and business dealer
development with Clark Equipment, Volvo-White GMC and Nissan Forklift Corporation NA.
A veteran of the Army, he was a sergeant honored with a purple heart and decorated with the National Defense
Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam
Campaign Medal w/60 DVC. He held a Combat Infantryman's Badge and three Expert Infantry Badges
including marksmanship.
A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church,
with the Rev. Teri Peterson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to pancreatic cancer research (http://curepc.org), to the
Hospice Association of Northeastern Illinois (http://www.hospiceanswers.org) or to the Ridgefield-Crystal
Lake Presbyterian Church (http://www.rclpc.org).
27
Sandra Miyler-Cullyford 02/14/1945 – 11/10/1982
PHOENIX, AZ. - Sandy Cullyford, 37, Phoenix, died Wednesday at her home
after a short illness.
She was born in Galesburg Feb. 14, 1945. She married John F. Cullyford;
Surviving are her husband; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Miyler of Galesburg;
one brother, Jack Miyler of Galesburg; and one sister, Jill Miyler of Galesburg.
She graduated from Galesburg High School.
She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa sorority. In Phoenix, she was a judicial
secretary for Maricopa County Superior Court.
Funeral in Memory Chapel, A. L. Moore & Sons Mortuary in Phoenix. There
was no visitation.
Connie Myers 02/08/1945 – 10/18/2007, Davenport, IA
DAVENPORT, Iowa - Constance Martha Myers, 62, died Thursday (Oct. 18, 2007) at Fejervary Healthcare
Center, Davenport, Iowa.
Constance was born in Galesburg on Feb. 8, 1945, the daughter of Charles H. and Bernice L. (Whitmer)
Myers.
She is survived by her mother of Galesburg; three brothers, Charles T. (Florence) Myers, William F. (Bonnie)
Myers, both of Rockford, Ill., and David M. Myers of Crystal River, Fla.; four sisters, Mary K. (Jay) Matson
of Galesburg, Joan E. (Prem) Myers-Singh of Alexandria, Va., Janet (Mark) Benassi of Louisville, Colo., and
Susan C. (Steve) Crawford of Denver, Colo.; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, greatgrandnieces and great-grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her father.
Constance was graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. She attended the University of Illinois in
Champaign.
She was instrumental in the opening of the Calico Cat gift store in Galesburg and managed the business
during its early years. Constance was an avid reader and taught remedial reading while at the University of
Illinois. She enjoyed creative writing, poetry in particular. Constance loved antiques and collectibles and had
a penchant for interior design and display. She designed and sold jewelry.
In her late twenties Constance developed schizophrenia. Her enormous promise and talent were lost to this
incapacitating disease. Family and friends are greatly saddened by her death.
Cremation was accorded. There will be a memorial service by family members at a later date. A memorial
fund in Constance's name has been established at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Memorial
contributions or expressions of sympathy may be made on line at www.nami.org or mailed to NAMI, Donor
Services, P. O. Box 630577, Baltimore, MD 21263-0577
28
Nathan Nyman 08/18/1945 – 11/03/2009
Willard Nathan Nyman, age 64, beloved husband of Margaret, nee Johnson, for 40 years; dear Papa of
Nelson, Lars, Linnea (Adam) Curington, Klaus, Hans (Katy), Louisa and Birgitta; cherished brother of
Kenneth; loving grandfather of Nicholas and Skylar.
Born in Galesburg, IL, on August 18, 1945, to his late parents, Willard and Lois Nyman.
Respected Chicago attorney for 37 years, active member of Moody Church and later The Orchard Evangelical
Free Church of Arlington Hts. A believer in Jesus Christ, faithful to God and his family.
Visitation Friday, Nov. 6, 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral Saturday, Nov. 7, at 12 p.m. at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303
N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625. Interment, Rosehill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave.,
Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or Moody Church, 1635 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60614, or Pacific Garden
Mission, 1458 S. Canal St., Chicago, IL 60607. Info: 773-561-6874.
●
Eulogy of Willard Nathan Nyman
Posted on November 7, 2009
(by Linnea Nyman Curington,
read at the funeral by the four brothers, November 7, 2009)
Youth
Willard Nathan Nyman, who we have always called Papa, was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on August 18th,
1945, to Willard and Lois Nyman. Four years later his brother Kenneth entered the family. Their father, a
jewelry store owner, and mother, an elementary school teacher, instilled in their boys a strong work ethic and
taught them the value of education. Papa loved being a student. In high school he was captain of the debate
team and editor of the school newspaper.
From there he went on to Northwestern University, majoring in history with a minor in Russian, graduating
in 1967. But Papa didn’t just get his degree. The things he learned became part of his identity. He was called
by many friends a “walking encyclopedia”, able to recite historical dates and facts quickly off the top of his
head. As for his Russian, he continued to practice the language, going through flashcards in his spare time
and often announcing at the dinner table the Russian word for “peas” and “chicken” and anything else on the
family menu that night.
Education and Career
After earning his undergraduate degree, my dad entered law school at the University of Illinois. The Vietnam
War held America’s attention at that point, and Papa joined the military ROTC, entering officer’s candidate
school as well. He also served in the active Army Reserves for eight years.
After graduating from the U of I in 1972, Papa began his career in the trust department at a Chicago bank
before moving into a law practice with several other lawyers. He went on to develop his own law firm,
which evolved into a real estate investment firm. For the past twenty years, my dad practiced law
independently in the Loop, working alongside his brother-in-law Tom and a group of lawyers he came to
know and love. He also served as a Police Commissioner in Prospect Heights from 1988 to 2009.
continued
29
●
Eulogy of Willard Nathan Nyman (continued)
Marriage
Papa loved to work, but his life was so much more than that. He was forever changed the day he met Margaret
Johnson during his senior year at Northwestern. From their first meeting (on a blind date!), he knew she was the
one he wanted for his wife. They were married at Moody Church on November 29th, 1969, and for the rest of his
life our dad was devoted to his Margaret, our mom. Over the years he brought her countless bouquets of flowers,
and it was a Nyman family joke that when it was time to buy something for her, he would do it in multiples.
Whether it was a camera for Christmas or birthday jewelry, Papa would always give my mom at least two
versions. Even when it came to milk from the grocery store, a request for one gallon always meant Papa would
arrive home with two or three. He loved providing for her and taught by example that a husband should treasure
his wife.
Faith
Our dad was also devoted to God. He became a member of Moody Church in 1969, faithfully attending every
week for twenty years until he and my mom decided to attend church in the suburbs where the kids could attend
mid-week activities. They became members of the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church (now called The
Orchard Evangelical Free Church) in 1989. At Moody Church Papa was a high school sponsor and Sunday
school teacher, rewarding scripture memorization with dollar bills. He continued teaching Sunday school at The
Orchard, also enjoying the men’s retreats and his small group, which he liked to call his “Encouragement
Group.” He also went with Josh McDowell on a mission trip to Russia to deliver shoes to children, using his
Russian to communicate with the locals.
Fatherhood
Papa’s goal was to be a good example, especially to his children. He worked hard to model integrity and
faithfulness to all seven of us. He also wanted us to have fun – a LOT of fun. He was a master at organizing big
outings to places like Great America and Chuck E. Cheese. Traditions were very important to him. Every
Sunday after church he took our family out for brunch, usually at Granny Annie’s Pancake House. Each year
during the holiday season he treated us to lunch at Marshall Fields downtown. Back before restaurants used
pagers, he would stand in line for what was usually a two-hour table wait at the Walnut Room, holding
everyone’s coats while we ran around and shopped.
Big vacations were another specialty. For years Papa took us to the north woods of Wisconsin every summer,
hauling a trailer filled with motorcycles and go-carts behind the family station wagon. A Spring break trip to
Sanibel Island, FL, was another favorite family tradition. So many of the photos displayed here today show our
dad in his swimming suit, enjoying the water with all of us.
One of Papa’s favorite trips of all time was to a legendary place he’d been fascinated with for years. We all know
how much he loved Elvis, and finally in 2005 he went with a few of us to Graceland. He liked it so much he
went back again in 2007, this time taking his brother Ken along for the ride.
As his kids grew older and moved away from home, Papa made more of an effort to communicate with us.
Never one to quickly embrace new technology, he instead chose to send each of his kids a weekly note. Every
Sunday after church and lunch, he would sit down and write on an index card a brief update on life at the Nyman
house. His horrible handwriting made reading the cards a challenge, but it was always worth the effort. The
amount of information he included on those tiny index cards was remarkable. Just to prove it, I’ll read you a
little sample. This was a card sent to me on August 13, 2006:
“Nels – Weez & Gitta in Covington, Louisiana for Katrina missionary work for a week. Thine mother provided
‘sufficient inspiration’ right up to the closing of the bus door. So left from AHEFC at 9:30pm on a sleeper bus
for the 20 hour ride to Dixie. Today Jack the dog gets a shampoo and bath. Then he crawls under the evergreens
in a hole he dug. So nice. Hans and Katy come in tomorrow at 1pm per a Saturday morning call. They don’t
seem to think any big delays. They fly from Manchester to Chicago. We’ll see about the timing. Next weekend
in Shorewood? Love, Papa.
continued
30
Eulogy of Willard Nathan Nyman (continued)
Cancer
Until this year, Papa led a healthy life, but on September 22nd, that changed. In a meeting with a panel of
doctors, he and my mom learned that he had cancer, and not just cancer, but stage four, metastasized
pancreatic cancer. The doctors were surprised to see him arrive for the meeting in a suit and tie, straight from
a full day of work. From what they’d seen on paper, they’d assumed he’d show up in a wheel chair. Despite
his pain, he’d been heading to the office faithfully every day, just as he always had. Quiet perseverance was
always one of Papa’s defining characteristics.
Over the following 42 days, as Papa’s cancer spread and his pain level increased, he never complained. He
accepted the reality of his diagnosis and bravely discussed his limited future and our future without him.
Always a careful provider, he wanted to make sure he left everything in order for us. He stoically endured
fourteen radiation treatments, each involving a 150-mile round trip from Michigan to Chicago. Family
dinners had always been a highlight of his day, and he continued the tradition even when it was too painful
for him to sit in a straight chair at the dining room table. Instead we would pull chairs up around his recliner.
As the days passed, he ate less and less, but he still welcomed everyone to enjoy their dinner around him.
My mom has said many times over the last six weeks that God’s fingerprints have been all over these
difficult circumstances, and Papa’s death proved the truth of her words. Many pancreatic cancer patients die
in horrible pain, but our dad slept peacefully for twenty-four hours before simply taking one last quiet
breath. All of his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren were in the house when it happened. And his
wife, as always, was right by his side as he entered eternity, kissing his face while her tears streamed onto his
cheeks. It was an awful, but beautiful moment – a painful goodbye, but another sweet testimony to God’s
gentle care for Papa and the genuine love of our parents’ marriage. We are so blessed to have had Papa for
our dad and we are grateful that God has promised a happy reunion again someday to all who believe in him.
●
Nancy Palmer 09/27/1945 – 10/07/1994
WILSON, NC – Nancy Sue Palmer, 49, Wilson, died Friday (Oct. 7, 1994) in
Wilson Memorial Hospital.
She was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of James D. and
Roberta Carrier Palmer. Surviving are her mother and stepfather, Roberta Palmer
and Paul H. Steck, both of Galesburg, IL; one brother, James H. Palmer, Galesburg,
and one sister, Linda Lou Robinson, Warsaw, IL. She was preceded in death by her
father..
She taught at Wilson Christian Academy for 27 years.
Funeral in Peace Free Will Baptist Church, Wilson, with the Revs. Gordon
Sebastian and Roy Wise officiating. Burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson, NC.
Memorials made to Wilson Christian Academy, 4165 Wilson Christian Road,
Wilson, NC 27893, and Peace Free Will Baptist Church, 2838 Tilgham Road,
Wilson, NC 27893
31
Dick Palmer 06/23/1945 – 10/16/2000
Grave-site
Richard Henry Palmer, 55, Springfield, formerly of Galesburg, died Oct. 16,
2000, at home.
He was born June 23, 1945, in Chicago, the son of Clark and Alice Palmer. He
married Delores I. Atwood in August 1968 in Sparks, NV. Surviving are his wife
in Springfield; one daughter, Kimberly Elizabeth Palmer, serving in the Navy in
Newport, RI; his mother, of Galesburg; three sisters, Suzanne Kindig, Livingston,
MT, Mary Alice Palmer Redenius, Boulder, CO, and Kathleen Balderson,
Macomb, one brother, Robert C. Palmer, Downers Grove, and three foreign
exchange sons, Roberto Igue, Felix Jeske and Norman Dicks. He was preceded
in death by his father and one brother.
He was graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. He worked for the State
of Illinois Department of Human Services. He was a motorcycle safety instructor
at Illinois State University, Normal. He co-owned P. C. Mechanics. He was a
volunteer for Contact Ministries, Springfield.
Memorial service held at Wilson Park Funeral Home, Rochester. Memorials
made to Contact Ministries, 1100 E. Adams, Springfield, IL 62703
Sharon Pecsi-Lyon 04/23/1945 - 05/25/2011
Lyon, Sharon Kay 66, died on May 25th, 2011 in Hollywood, Florida.
She was born on April 23rd, 1945 in Galesburg, Illinois to James and Marion Pecsi.
She grew up there and attended Galesburg High School where she met her husband to be Charles Michael
Lyon. They were married on June 8th, 1963 and moved to Miami, Florida where they raised a family of two
boys and two girls.
Sharon lived for her family and spent a great deal of time organizing family get-togethers. She enjoyed reading,
traveling and watching her grandchildren grow up.
She is survived by her mom Marion Garside, four children, David Lyon, Jodi Ege Lyon, Jeffrey Lyon, Jenny
Lyon, and three granddaughters.
There will be a gathering for friends and family at Tropical Acres Restaurant, 2500 Griffin Road, Ft.
Lauderdale, FL 33312 on June 26th starting at 11am.
32
Judith A. Pendry-Mueller 05/15/1945 – 01/07/2013
Grave-site
Mrs. Judith A. Mueller, 67, of 706 Briarwood Dr., Macomb, Ill. died at 11:35 a.m. Monday, January 7, 2013,
surrounded by her family, in Heartland Health Care Center, Macomb.
She was born on May 15, 1945 in Galesburg, Ill. to Marion James and Sarah Ann Snodgrass Pendry. She
married Conrad S. Mueller on March 18, 1967 in Knoxville, Ill. She is preceded in death by her parents and a
sister, Karen Pedigo.
Judith is survived by her husband, Conrad Mueller of Macomb; her step-father, Fred Norris of Galesburg; a
son, James Stewart (and Tina) Mueller of Macomb; a daughter, Jennifer Lynn (and Tom) Hitt of Macomb; two
brothers, Terry (and Mary) Pendry and Robert (and Kymm) Pendry, both of Galesburg; a brother-in-law, John
Pedigo of Galesburg; and three grandchildren, Hannah Feld, Skylar Mueller and Lauren Mueller, all of
Macomb.
Her family was very important to her, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed treating her grandchildren to
lunch and having tea parties with them.
Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2013 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with
Mrs. Eleanor Landon officiating. Visitation will be 2:30-3:30 p.m. Friday at the chapel. Burial will be in
Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Online
condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.
33
Karen Sue Pennington Bowton-Banks 12/9/1944 – 7/29/2009
ABINGDON ~ Karen Sue Bowton-Banks, 64, of 504 South Washington Alley,
passed away at 8:50 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Morton Villa Care Center in
Morton.
She was born December 9, 1944 in Galesburg to Lester Kenneth and Marguerite
(Osgood) Pennington.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Karen was a teacher.
There were no services or visitation Her body was donated to medical science.
Karen was first married to Keith Lundmark in October of 1963. The 1998 GHS63
reunion booklet states that Karen was a teacher in Korea for the two years previous.
Claudia Perdue-May 11/24/1945 – 02/07/2013
Grave-site
Mrs. Claudia (Susie) May, age 67 of 3290 Oxford Lane,
Galesburg, Ill. went to be with Jesus on Thursday
February 7, 2013 at 11:51 a.m. at OSF St. Mary Medical
Center.
She was born November 24, 1945 in Galesburg, the
daughter of Herschel W. and Wilma Sherman Perdue.
She married Loren A. “Lonnie” May in Galesburg on
June 6, 1964.
Susie is survived by her husband; one sister, Frances
Suman of Naperville, Ill.; and numerous nieces and
nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, John P.
May on February 28, 1992.
She graduated from Galesburg High School in June of 1963. She worked for Maytag Corporation on the
assembly line and as an inspector for 28 years, retiring in 1998.
Susie will be sorely missed by Lonnie, her loving and devoted husband of almost 49 years.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday February 12, 2013 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel
with Rev. Jack Wingate officiating. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the chapel. Burial
will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the National Network of Organ Donors.
Wayne Russell Peterson 10/14/1945 – 03/23/2015
There was no obituary for “Waynard”.
He was born to Isaac O. and Betty J. Peterson. His dad was the professor of art at
Knox College from 1948 to 1979. The following is a portion of an email that
Wayne had sent to Hal Fuson prior to our class reunion: “....When I went through
Galesburg from Richmond VA in 78 to go to San Francisco, my mother warned me
that Mary Allan West was gone and would be replaced. That school had a group of
kids who were related to Knox College by parents who worked for the college . A
few months ago I dubbed us the Knox Brat Pack, though we weren't a pack and we
were well-behaved. Members included Rene Ballard, John Umbeck (I think)) Jim
Melvillle and I think Pete Robinson.”........
Wayne told me he worked in the Circuit Court. He didn't tell me exactly what his duties were.
34
Vernon R. Plympton 06/14/1944 – 12/27/2002
Grave-site
Vernon R. “Bubby’’ Plympton, 58, Galesburg, died at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at home.
He was born June 14, 1944, in Galesburg, son of Ralph V. and Delia Merrifield Plympton.
He married Penny Hare in 1963 in Galesburg. He married Sally Wozniak.
Surviving are his father and stepmother, Louise Plympton, Galesburg; a son, Randy (Amy) Plympton,
Victoria; a stepbrother, John (Sharon) Samulson, Grantsburg, Wis.; a sister, Elizabeth Bent, Abingdon, a
stepsister, Hattie (Jim) Jacobs, Galesburg and three grandchildren.
He worked in the auto body department at Weaver-Yemm Chevrolet and for City Cab.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Chapel, with elder Darrell King
officiating.
Burial was in Knoxville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Knox County or to the family
Roger Porter 11/06/1945 – 01/17/2013
Roger Lee Porter, 67, of Middletown, IA, died at 5:52 PM Thursday, January 17, 2013, at the Great River
Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born November 6, 1945, in Galesburg, IL, he was the son of Otha and Mildred L. Heilener Porter.
Roger worked security at the American Ordinance Plant in Middletown. He also did photography. He was a
1963 graduate of Galesburg High School. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War on the
USS Ticonderoga. He was a member of the V.F.W. He enjoyed photography, scuba diving, dancing, and
teaching at Arthur Murray. He also enjoyed restoring cars and was a member of several old car clubs.
Survivors include one son, Roger Lee Porter Jr. of Fruita, CO; one daughter, Rebecca Kremer of
Crawfordsville, IA; four grandchildren, Michaela and Jessup Kremer and Madison and Montana Porter; one
brother, Robert W. Porter of Galesburg, IL; three sisters, Loretta Day of Arlington, TX, Lois Horton of Saginaw,
TX, and Donna Vineyard of Galesburg, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has been entrusted to Thielen Crematory. A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Sunday, January 20,
2013, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Chapel in Galesburg, IL with Rev. James Ecklund officiating.
35
Linda Ramsey-Buck 06/23/1945 – 02/18/1995
BARABOO, WI – Linda Lee Ramsey Buck, 49, Baraboo, WI, died at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday (Feb. 18, 1995) in Independence Regional Hospital, Kansas City, MO.
She was born June 23, 1945, in Kansas City, the daughter of Horace B. “Pete” and
Lena Crouse Ramsey.
She married John K. Buck on Jan. 15, 1971, in Baraboo.
Surviving are her husband and one son, Jeffrey John Buck, Baraboo.
She was graduated from Galesburg High School, Galesburg, IL,and attended the
University of Illinois. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Galesburg.
Funeral at Conway Funeral Home, Lyndon Station, WI. Burial in Saint Mary's
Cemetery, Lyndon Station, WI.
Phyllis A. Reed-Patterson 08/20/1945 – 05/21/2011
●
Another Sad Day
By Mark J Kittleson on May 28, 2011 in Generally Speaking, The HEDIR Discussion
On Saturday, May 28, 2011 Pat Hanson from California, shared with the HEDIR the passing of Phyllis Reed.
Dr. Reed was an outstanding health educator who spent her professional career at the University of Nevada–
Reno. Below is the memo that Pat shared.
Dr. Phyllis A. Reed
August 20, 1945 May 21, 2011
It is with poignant memories of all that she taught me, among other things networking about AAPHERD,
APHA and SOPHE annual conferences; that I sadly announce the death of a dear colleague. Phyllis was a
student of Bob Russell's at S.I.U. (Ph. D.1980) and a Saluki through and through. Even after her retirement
from the University of Nevada at Reno, where she chaired the Health Education Department, she maintained
contact to our field through this HEDIR.org list-serve. We both taught Human Sexuality and Women's Health
early on, and it is no accident that the most recent picture I have of her here, was when we met in 2009 at a
play in Berkeley In the Next Room (now on Broadway), a farce on the use of vibrators by physicians in the
1890s to treat women's hysteria.
Phyllis was in a very happy phase of her life. This spring she purchased a cottage on the California coast in
Gualala near Mendocino, and was fixing it up, visioning many pleasant years ahead. (Don't we all?) Last
Saturday she had a stroke.
She is survived by Dick Patterson, long time companion of 27 years, husband of seven; and two kitties Callie
and Cooper, and many many friends and colleagues.
On or near what would have been her 66th birthday, August 20th, those of us who can make it, are invited to
celebrate and commemorate her life and scatter those ashes, at a to be determined site in Gualala or on
California’s coast. Please send mementos, photos, tributes written or sung, and your contact information to
Pat Hanson @ 1823 Wedemeyer Court, Marina, California 93933. 831-601-9195. [email protected]
36
Nancy Reffett-Kilby 10/14/1945 – 09/11/2010
Grave-site
ELKTON, Mo. - Mrs. Nancy Jo Kilby, 64, Elkton, died at 10:21 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at Citizens
Memorial Health Care Facility, Bolivar, Mo.
She was born Oct. 14, 1945, in Galesburg, Ill., to Norman R. and Ilah Mae Johnson Reffett. She married
Stanley J. Kilby on Nov. 30, 1978, in Burlington, Iowa. He survives.
Also surviving is her mother, Ilah M Reffett of East Galesburg, Ill.; two sons, Norman Lee (and Carn) Stewart
of Wheatland, and Robert Wayne (and Kristie) Hagg of Bolivar; a brother, Ronald E. Reffett of East Galesburg;
a sister, Kathleen M. (and Larry) Legg of East Galesburg; a sister-in-law, Beverly Reffett of Abingdon, Ill.;
three stepdaughters, Kerry, Diane and Kathi; five grandchildren; and nine step-grandchildren She was preceded
in death by her father and a brother, Terry Reffett.
Nancy worked for Galesburg Cottage Hospital in the lab department and the Unitog Factory and Becky's
Restaurant, both in Missouri. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. She was of Christian faith.
She enjoyed crocheting and her flower garden.
Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, in Gerlaw Cemetery, Gerlaw, Ill., with the Rev. Milton
Marquith officiating. There will be a private family visitation.
Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
Larry Lee “Tiger” Roberts 09/30/1944 – 08/20/2012
Class of 62, graduated 1963 There
was no obituary
37
Glenn E. Rosenberg 11/05/1945 – 05/21/2003
Grave-site
GLENN E. ROSENBERG , 57, of Franklin Grove, IL died Monday, June 2,
2003, at his home following a long illness. He served as chief of police in Franklin
Grove for 27 years and was employed by Plews/Edelmann, Dixon, for 15 years
until retiring. Mr. Rosenberg was born Nov. 5, 1945, in Galesburg, the son of
Glenn and Florence (Hatch) Rosenberg. He married Mary Joan Purvis on Oct. 13,
1979, in Franklin Grove. He was a member and elder of Franklin Grove First
Presbyterian Church, a Franklin Grove Fire Department trustee and was a past
firefighter and EMT. He also served on Franklin Grove Village Board, Lee County
Sheriff's Reserve and was active in the DARE Program of Franklin Grove.
Survivors include his wife of Franklin Grove; four daughters, Sharon (Randy)
Clark, Nancy (Scott) Petersen and Susan (Steve) Bennett, all of Dixon, and
Bonnie Nordman of Oregon; a son, William (Deb) Purvis of St. Peters, Mo.; three brothers; two sisters; and
nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister. The funeral is at 10 am.
Friday at First Presbyterian Church of Franklin Grove with the Rev. Colleen Lawrence, pastor, and Sheriff
Tim Bivins officiating. Burial is at Franklin Grove Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m., with the family
present from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Thursday at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon. Memorials have been
established to First Presbyterian Church of Franklin Grove and Franklin Grove Fire Department.
Connie Ruland-Damitz 10/10/1945 – 06/03/2012
Mrs. Connie L. Ruland Damitz, 66, of Galesburg, died at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, June 3, 2012 at home.
She was born October 10, 1945 in Galesburg the daughter of Robert E. and Vivian Starr Ruland. She married
Larry Damitz in 1963 in Galesburg.
She is survived by two daughters, Robyn Montgomery of Galesburg and Roni (Rob) Bern of Rock Island, Ill;
six grandchildren, Tristan and Nathaniel Sosa, Nicole and Nicholas Grady, Aubrey Thomas and Skylor
Montgomery; three great grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Gary Ruland and Ronnie Ruland of
Galesburg; and a sister, Barbara Steele of Ft. Myers, Fla. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Connie was a manager at Foxmoor in the Sandburg Mall, retiring in 1985. She graduated from Galesburg High
School in 1963 and attended Carl Sandburg College. Connie was of Methodist faith.
Funeral will be 1:00 pm Thursday, June 7, 2012 in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Lisa CatoCrider will officiate. Visitation will be from Noon-1:00 pm Thursday at the chapel. Cremation will be accorded
following the funeral. Memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation or Hospice Compassus. Online
condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
38
Nadene Nelson Ryner 1/21/1945 – 2/15/2015
Grave-site
Mrs. Nadene Ryner, of Oneida, Ill. died 7:50 a.m. Sunday, February 15, 2015 at her home.
She was born January 21, 1945 in Galesburg, Ill. to Harold and Erma Driwer Nelson. She married Carl
“Tom” Ryner October 6, 1962 in Galesburg. He survives.
Also surviving, are two daughters, Renee (and Robin) Fay of New Windsor, Ill. and Tina Ott of
Williamsfield, Ill., a sister, Lois Pierce of Galesburg, four grandchildren, Sammi Ott, Austin Ott, Nathan
Fay and Matthew Fay and a great granddaughter, Rylee Doubet.
Nadene graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. She was a surgical technician at Cottage
Hospital for 19 years and later for Dr. Dan Kasper and Dr. Bruce Bobofchak for five years. She retired
January 1, 2010. She was a member of Little John Conservation Club.
Cremation will be accorded. Memorial service will be 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2015 at the
Community of Christ Church, Galesburg. Bonnie King and Joyce McCanless will officiate. There will
be no visitation. Private family burial of cremated remains in the Oneida Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online
condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
Nadene's father, Harold Nelson, was a partner with Pat Napier for 17 years at their Main St. barbershop.
Pat said that Nadene had been battling cancer for 20 years.
Lonna Schuster 03/09/1945 – 02/15/2010
Lonna Anne Schuster, 64, passed away February 15, 2010 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Normal.
A daughter of Adriana and Frank Schuster, Lonna was born in Burlington, Iowa on March 9, 1945.
She leaves on earth, her mother, Adriana, two sisters, Rhonda Unsicker and Carol Johnson, several cousins
and many close friends and neighbors.
Lonna lived near Carlock, IL in a home she loved, surrounded with pets and worked at a chosen profession
she loved.
Cremation rites will be accorded with burial of ashes in the I.O.O.F Cemetery in Indianola, IA later this
spring. There will be no services. Kibler-Smith Memorial Home, Bloomington handled arrangements.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.kiblersmith.com.
Lonna actually graduated from high school in Bloomington, IL according to Pat Napier
39
Virginia Shelly-Tilden 03/08/1945 – 08/06/1995
Western Springs woman dies in bike trail accident article by Joseph Sinopoli
A 50 year old Western Springs woman died of injuries suffered when she
apparently fell from a bicycle while riding on the Salt Creek trail in Western
Springs about 12:20 pm Sunday.
Virginia Tilden was riding with her 14 year old son, Michael, on the Cook
County Forest Preserve District path near Wolf Road and 31st Street when the
accident occurred according to Western Springs police.
Dr. Richard Kraig, a professor of neurology at the University of Chicago and a
former Cicero resident , was riding on the bike path with his daughter and
discovered Tilden lying on the path.
Kraig rode to a nearby house to call 911 and returned to assist paramedics,
according to the physician's wife, Marcia.
The neurologist accompanied Tilden in the ambulance to Loyola Medical Center, Maywood, where she was
treated for head injuries.
Hospital officials said she was pronounced dead at 10:27 p.m. Sunday.
Police said it was unclear whether Tilden had fainted or what caused her to fall off the bicycle.
A spokesman for the Cook County Medical Examiner's office said Tilden died of cerebral injuries and her
death was ruled accidental.
She was an account manager for Commonwealth Edison in Bolingbrook. Her husband James, is a former
Western Springs trustee.
Obituary:
Virginia Ruth Shelly Tilden of Western Springs died Sunday, Aug. 6, at the Loyola Medical Center in
Maywood.
Mrs. Tilden, 50, was born March 8, 1945, in Hinsdale. She graduated from Knox College in 1967 with a
bachelor's degree in history. She was the regional account manager for Commonwealth Edison Co. in
Bolingbrook. She was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Western Springs and served as a
member of the vestry and as both junior and senior warden. She also was active in school and community
organizations as the president of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and as a member of the board of Salt Creek
Ballet in Hinsdale.
She is survived by her husband, James; her daughters, Christine of Woodridge and Janet of Western
Springs; her son Michael of Western Springs; her brothers Richard Shelly of Bellingham, Wash., and John
Shelly of Galesburg; her sister, Janet Shelly Poppiti of Salerno, Italy; her mother, Janet Winston Shelly of
Frankfort Mich.; and thirteen nieces and nephews in the United States and Italy.
A choral Eucharist and memorial service will be held 6 p. m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 9, at All Saints
Episcopal Church, 4370Woodland Ave., Western Springs. A reception will follow the service in the church
parish hall. Interment is private.
Memorials may be sent to All Saints Episcopal Church Endowment Fund.
Funeral arrangement were made by Merker and James Funeral Home, Western Springs.
40
Van Smith 02/06/1945 – 05/24/2012
Van R. Smith, of Belleville, IL, born February 6, 1945,
in Avon, IL, passed away suddenly Thursday, May 24,
2012, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Van’s early life was centered around the love of athletics
and frolics of free-spirited friends in Wood River, IL. He
attended elementary school as a Wood River Oiler and
moved to Galesburg, IL as a sophomore. In high school
Van was heavily involved in baseball, basketball and
various choirs. He was an accomplished singer as well as
an athlete and took great pride in having multiple
interests.
Van was recruited to play baseball and basketball at the University of Houston where he earned a BS degree
in business from the University of Houston. His work ethic flourished as Van was a student, an influential
southpaw on the baseball team and a dedicated employee of various jobs to make ends meet.
He married Ann, his high school sweetheart, during this time. Van was blessed beyond measure for the
relationship that he shared with his wife Ann. The love, dedication and humor that they displayed were a
pleasure for us all to witness and grew richer with time, years and shared history.
Van had a tender spot and respect for his parents, and upon graduation, Van and Ann began their married life
in Belleville, working alongside his parents in the Mister Donut business. For 23 years Van owned, managed
and served his treats that helped expand all of the waistlines in St. Clair County. The hours in the doughnut
business allowed for a dual career and time for his passion, which was to be involved in the baseball world.
Van coached baseball at the collegiate level at both McKendree and Southwestern Illinois College. Although
one might think he did this all for the crack of the bat, the smell of the glove or the thrill of competition, but
for Van it was all for his tremendous love of people and wanting to impact lives, especially in the name of
Christ.
In 1991, Van accepted a position as a major league scout with the San Diego Padres Baseball Club. He
scouted far and wide, traversing the U.S. and Latin America. It is noteworthy to mention that he spent his
entire professional scouting career with one organization. His loyalty and dedication were unwavering. Van
was tireless in his quest for talent and also in his labor of love, which was supporting his team and those that
touched and cared for it, all with a tremendous amount of selflessness.
Van was a man of integrity and enjoyed serving others. He was involved in various board positions in the
community, such as the Harmony Emge School District 175 (President), Southwestern Illinois College Board
of Trustees and his church session board.
Van was inducted into the McKendree College Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. He was named the San Diego
Padres Scout of the Year in 2001, and was elected to the Midwestern Scouts Hall of Fame. While all of these
are honorable, without a doubt he would say that his greatest induction would be of entering the Kingdom of
Heaven. His team and uniform are that of Jesus Christ, whom he dedicated his life and heart.
Van was preceded in death by his father, Dean Smith; his mother, Verna June Smith; and his granddaughter in
infancy, Gabrielle Kirchoff.
Surviving are his wife Ann; his four children, Christine (Ben) Kirchoff of O’Fallon, IL, Tad (Trista) Smith of
Heathrow, FL, Robin (Jeff) Ballenger of Swansea, IL, and Lindsey (fiancé Stan Simek) Smith of Millstadt,
IL; six grandchildren, Drew and Sydney Kirchoff, Tate, Sage and Sawyer Smith, and Brandt Ballenger; his
sister, Deanna Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Presbyterian Building Fund.
It is no mere chance that our father…father to all who knew him, works for the Padres. He was the ultimate
Padre. Van, job well done, thy good and faithful servant!
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012, at the First United Presbyterian Church,
1303 Royal Heights Road, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Conley Zomermaand officiating.
Must-read condolences: http://www.rennerfh.com/index.aspx?news=2883
41
Steve Sorensen 09/08/1945 – 02/18/1998, Petaluma, CA
Grave-Site
It was nice to hear from someone who knew Steve - he was a very integral part of
my life until he died.
He went to school in Boulder, Colorado right out of high school but joined the
Marines during the Viet Nam years so didn't finish up there. He did a tour in Da
Nang, Viet Nam as a communications specialist and when he got out, he moved to
Springfield, Illinois where my husband and I lived and he got his MBA at the U of
I at Springfield(aka Sangamon State Univ.).
We all moved to the San Francisco Bay area in the early 80's and he became a free
lance medical and college textbook indexer. My son was impressed when he first
saw his uncle's name on the inside of his freshman biology book when he was at
UC Santa Cruz.
Steve was married for a brief time but never had children. He always enjoyed his place at the head of the
table at our house for Thanksgiving and other special occasions. We obviously still miss him and I have a
number of pieces of artwork throughout my home that belonged to him.*
*Information provided by Jean Sorensen.
Linda K. Spellman-Hunter 11/27/1945 – 12/12/2015
Linda K. Hunter, 70, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 5:20 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, at Galesburg
Cottage Hospital, Galesburg, Illinois.
She was born on Nov. 27, 1945, in Holdrege, Nebraska, the daughter of Joseph and Florence Holmes
Spellman. She married Gary L. Hunter on March 22, 1986, in Galesburg, Illinois.
Surviving is her husband, Gary L. Hunter of Knoxville, Illinois; one daughter, Kerstin (Sammy) Coombs
of Knoxville, Illinois; one son, John "Bill" Henning of Abingdon, Illinois; two grandchildren, Brittney
(Jeff) Allen of Knoxville, Illinois and Colton Coombs of Gilson, Illinois; two great grandchildren, Ella
and Jett Allen; and her beloved dog, Katy Scarlett O'Hunter. She was preceded in death by her Parents,
one sister, Joan Moorehouse and one brother, Larry Spellman.
She worked as an insurance clerk for Galesburg Cottage Hospital over 30 years retiring in 2010. She
loved to shop and was very dedicated.
Cremation rites will be accorded. There will be no services at this time. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes
& Crematory are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and sympathy cards may be sent
through www.hurdhendricksfuneralhome.com
42
Mike Staff 11/07/1945 – 12/18/2005
Michael L. Staff, 60, a resident of Rio Rancho, NM since 2000, passed away
on Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Mike was a former resident of Redlands, CA until his retirement when he
moved to New Mexico.
Mike was born November 7, 1945, the son of Alfred Edson and Martha Jane
(Worral) Staff in Rushville, IL.
He grew up in Galesburg, IL and graduated from Galesburg High School. Mike
was a Marine Corps veteran during Vietnam. He later went to work for
Southern California Gas Company and retired from there after 33 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Denise; children: Michael Christopher Staff
of Riverside, CA, Lisa Bahner of Rio Rancho, Gregory Evans of Albuquerque,
Blake Evans, and Vanessa Loza, both of Rio Rancho; seven grandchildren;
sisters; Diana Bogart of Burlington, IA, Linda Talley of Monmouth, IL, Peggy
Lanier of Charlotte, NC; and his mother-in-law, Ethel Costello of Rio Rancho.
Mike will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was
also a faithful playmate to his youngest grandchild, Arianna.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 20, 2005 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Vista Verde
Mortuary, 4310 Sara Road at Meadowlark Ln in Rio Rancho. A Celebration
Gathering will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2005 in the Chapel of Vista
Verde Mortuary. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe
on Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements by Vista Verde
Mortuary Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
43
Gary Sterr 12/15/1944 – 12/01/1991
Grave-site
PRINCEVILLE, IL - Gary C. Sterr, 46, of Princeville, principal of Princeville High
School since July 1979, died at 9:12 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 1991, at Methodist
Medical Center in Peoria, IL.
Born Dec. 15, 1944, in Galesburg, IL to Clyde E. and Iris E. Allen Sterr, he married
Ann V. Selman on July 6, 1968, in St. Charles.
She survives along with his stepmother, Catharine Sterr of Knoxville; two sons,
David A. and Jason A., both at home; two brothers, George F. of Knoxville and
Gene E. of Brigham City, Utah; and one sister, Mable Joyce of Battle Ground,
Wash. His parents preceded him in death.
He earned his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in 1968 and his
master's degree there in 1972. He was a teacher, dean of students and taught driver's
education at Irving Crown High School in Carpentersville from 1968-79. He was a
member of Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria, Illinois Principals Association,
Princeville Lions Club, Princeville Chapter of AFF, and Princeville Masonic Lodge
360, AF&AM. He coached in Little League and assisted with Cub Scouts in
Princeville.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Princeville United Methodist Church, the
Revs. Arthur J. Larson and David Allin officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 9
p.m. Wednesday at Hammitt Funeral Home, and one hour before the services at the
church. Burial will be in Princeville Cemetery.
Frank Stewart 3/29/1944 – 02/28/1999
Grave-site
Thomas F. “Frank” Stewart, 54, 554 Matthews St, died at 10:20 p.m. Sunday
(Feb. 28, 1999) in Smithton, PA.
He was born March 29, 1944, in Galesburg, the son of Thomas Benton Stewart
and Florine Alma Stewart.
He married Catherine L. Holt on Aug 31, 1987, in Rapid City.
Surviving are his wife, one son, Sean C.W. Stewart, Galesburg; his mother, Florine
Pittman, Galesburg, and two sisters, Maxine Aultman, Rockford, and Norma
Hulen, in Colorado. He was preceded in death by his father.
He served in the Naval Reserves. He lived in the Quad Cities from 1964 to 1990.
He lived in Galesburg for the last nine years. He was a truck driver for Bertis
Carlson Trucking, Galesburg for six years. He was a member of first Christian
Church.
Funeral in Hinchliff Pearson West chapel. with the Rev. David Seitz officiating.
Memorials made to the family.
44
Judy Stewart 03/17/1945 – 04/10/1999
Chicago – Judith Stewart, 54, an attorney for 26 years in the Cook County
Public Defender's Office, died of cancer at 1:50 a.m. April 10, 1999, at her home,
2450 W. 113th St. Chicago.
She was born March 17, 1945, in Galesburg, the daughter of the late Russell and
Pearl Nelson Stewart. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. She
married James Hawking on May 20, 1972, in St. Louis, MO. Survivors include
her husband, one son Russell “Spike” Hawking, Chicago, and one uncle, Glenn
Nelson, Cyahoga Falls, OH. Burial in Mount Greenwood Cemetery, memorials to
Chalk Hills Girl Scout Camp in Wisconsin.
Chicago Tribune Article
Judith Stewart, 54, Public Defender April 12, 1999 By Jennifer Vigil, Tribune Staff Writer.
As a 26-year employee of the Cook County Public Defender's office, Judith Stewart developed a reputation
as someone who would be there for her clients, for younger workers and especially for colleagues. Though
she worked late and on weekends, sitting on the floor and surrounding herself with files, those who worked
with her said she always made it to the office's social events. Some of those evenings were spent roasting
fellow public defenders who had lost cases they felt sure they would win, and Miss Stewart gladly joined in
the fun, said Patrick Gleason, director of Chicago operations for the public defender's office. But she was
more likely to be holding the victim's hand."Judy was a peacemaker in a lot of ways," Gleason said. "She
was very caring toward her clients. She acted the same way toward the other people that she worked with."
Miss Stewart, 54, an attorney whose soft-spoken, soothing style made her a favorite among her colleagues
and the competition in Chicago's criminal courts, died of cancer Friday in her Chicago home.
As a public defender, Miss Stewart started in the appeals unit, then moved to the group that dealt with cases
where one or more defendants were being prosecuted at once. About 10 years ago, she was named to the
office's most elite unit, the homicide task force, Gleason said. Shelton Green, her supervisor, said she would
search for months for a witness to exonerate her clients. She once found out that a witness, who claimed her
client had killed someone, was in another state at the time of the incident and could not have seen anything.
Without knowing the name of the reform school the witness had been in, she located it and confirmed that
he had been there. The charges against her client were dismissed."
Judy was very soft-spoken and very, very rarely raised her voice or argued with a judge," Green said. "She
was very effective and had what you'd call a school-mom approach to juries. She was very nice, very careful,
but very thorough, someone you could relate to and believe in."
Miss Stewart is survived by her husband, James Hawking; and a son, Russell Hawking. Services will be at
11 a.m. Monday in the McGann and Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago.
45
Sharon Stromsted-Agar 11/14/1944 – 05/10/2009
Mrs. Sharon A. Agar, 64, of Woodhull, died at 8:45 PM Sunday, May 10, 2009 in OSF
St. Mary Medical Center.
She was born November 14, 1944 in Galesburg the daughter of Donald and Maxine L.
Johnson Stromsted. She was raised by her mother; Everett Hart; and her grandmother,
Nellie Johnson. She married Woodbury S. “Woody” Agar III on May 3, 1978 in Aledo.
He preceded her in death on May 23, 1996.
She is survived by 2 daughters, Melissa A. Agar and Julie D. Agar, both of Galesburg, a
step daughter, Elizabeth A. Hartwick of Taylor Ridge, a stepson, William D. Agar of
Las Vegas, her fiancée, Leonard Cooper of Woodhull, 3 grandsons, a granddaughter, a
sister, Shirley Miller of Rockford, a cousin, Danny Wilmoth of Des Moines, and a niece,
Rose Cooper. She was preceded in death by a stepson, David S. Agar on December 31,
1979.
Sharon worked for Galesburg School District 205 as a crossing guard at Gale School for many years. She
also worked for the Red Cross in Galesburg and Affina in Peoria. She graduated from Galesburg High
School in 1963 and attended Northern Illinois University. She was raised in Bethel Baptist Church and lived
most of her life in Galesburg. Sharon was involved with the Prairie Players in the 1960’s and 1970’s and was
active with the Knox College Faculty Wives. She was a pencil and charcoal artist and also designed her own
cross stitch patterns.
Graveside service will be 2:30 PM Friday in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends after
the service from 4 to 5 PM Friday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to Prairie Players. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
Barbara Swanson 09/11/1945 – 03/25/2008
Grave-site
Barbara Jean Swanson, 62, 705 Knox Rd 1850 N Galesburg died
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at The University of Chicago Medical
Center, Chicago IL.
She was born September 11, 1945 the daughter of Max and Louise
Olson Swanson.
She is survived by one brother Don (Barb) Swanson of Naperville, IL,
two sisters Carol Anne (Jack) Smith of Macon, IL and Nancy Thumb
of Galesburg, one niece Kristin (Sam) Petras of Aurora, IL, five
nephews Bob (Lindsay) Swanson of Oak Park, IL, Randall (Mary)
Smith of Oak Park, IL, Greg (Angie) Smith of Macon, IL, Jeremy
Smith of Kalamazoo, MI and Joshua Smith of St. Louis, MO, and an
aunt, Marjorie Olson of Peoria, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She taught English, P.E., and coached in Cambridge, IL for 33 years, retiring in 2004. She graduated from
Galesburg High School in 1963, and Southern Illinois University in 1971. She was a member of the Henry
County Retired Teachers Association and the Knox County Retired Teachers Association. She was a member
of the Galesburg Prairie China Painters. She was a member of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association. She was
a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Wataga, IL. She was a member of the Church Council, choir, and
W.E.L.C.A.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Faith Lutheran Church, Wataga, IL.
The Rev. Tim Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM Monday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West
Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be in Wataga Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Barbara Swanson
Memorial Scholarship Fund or Faith Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
46
Ronald Swanson 11/05/1945 – 12/04/2006
Grave-site
Galesburg firefighters Kevin Salsman, left, and
Brock Schmitt work from the roof of a house fire
Monday at 1545 N. Kellogg St. in Galesburg. The
resident, Ronald Swanson, died in the blaze.
Fatal Blaze - Galesburg Register-Mail
Galesburg man died as result of house fire
Galesburg (CNS)
- An autopsy Tuesday confirmed that a 61 year old man died from a fire that broke out in his home Monday
morning.
Ronald Swanson, 1545 N. Kellogg St., was pronounced dead at 11 a.m. Monday after a fire began in a
bedroom of his home shortly after 10 a.m.
Knox County Coroner Mark Thomas said Tuesday that Swanson died as a result of the fire and had soot in
his airways.
No signs of foul play were found, Thomas said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire damage was contained to the bedroom, while smoke
and water caused damage in other parts of the house, Fire Chief John Cratty said.
Obituary
Mr. Ronald Forest Swanson, 61, 1545 N. Kellogg St., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 4,
2006 at 11 AM.
He was born November 5, 1945 in Galesburg the son of Roy Forrest and Bertha Johansson Swanson. They
preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sister, Karen (and Richard) Engman, Beavercreek, OH, 3 nieces, Lynette (and Kurt)
Kramer, Highlands Ranch, CO, Alicia (and Ryan) Tebbenkamp, Overland Park, KS, and Stacy (and Eric)
Martin, Columbus, OH, and 6 great nieces and nephews.
He was reared and educated in Galesburg, graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963.
Ron retired from Butler Manufacturing Company in 2005 after working 35 years on the evening shift. He was
an avid reader of literature and listener of classical music. He also enjoyed auctions.
He was of Lutheran faith.
Funeral will be 11 AM Saturday, December 16, 2006 in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev.
Paul Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be 10 to 11 AM Saturday at the chapel. Burial will be in Memorial
Park Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Galesburg Public Library.
47
Marilyn Swartz-Frisby 12/02/1944 – 07/22/2001
Grave-site
Mrs. Marilyn J. Frisby, 56, of 1527 Williams Street Galesburg, IL, died at 10:49
AM Sunday July 22, 2001 at her home. Her funeral will be 1:30 PM Wednesday
July 25, 2001 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. Carol Lakota
Easton officiating. Private family burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery,
Galesburg. Visitation will be from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Wednesday at the
Chapel. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund.
She was born on December 2, 1944 in Galesburg to Howard and Edith (Lane)
Swartz.
She married D. Joe Frisby in Galesburg on May 24, 1970. He survives.
She was a 1966 graduate of Brown's Business College in Galesburg and attended
Western Ill. University in Macomb.
She worked as a bookkeeper at the Johnson Grain Coop in Oneida for 6 years, a
secretary at the Brown Specialty Company in Galesburg for 20 years and in the financial aid department at
Carl Sandburg College for 6 years.
She was a 1963 graduate of Galesburg High School and a 1966 graduate of Brown's Business College in
Galesburg. She attended Western Illinois University in Macomb. She was a member of the First United
Methodist Church in Galesburg and a member of the Church's Love Circle, Administrative Board and
Worship committee. She was active in Troop #207 of the Boy Scouts of America. She was also a member of
the Inali Lodge Dance Team and a staff member for the Wood Badge Training Program. She received the Boy
Scouts' Silver Beaver Award and the District Award of Merit.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Frisby of Galesburg, IL, father, Howard Swartz of Galesburg, IL, two
sons, David Frisby and Richard Frisby, both of Galesburg, IL.
Nancy Marie Swinger Gilmore 1/15/45 – 12/22/14
Grave-site
Nancy Marie Gilmore, 69, of Greencastle and formerly of
Gerlaw, IL. went to sing praises with her Lord and Savior on
Monday, December 22, 2014.
Nancy was born on January 15, 1945 in Galesburg, IL to John
Darauld Swinger and Gladys Irene Keifer Swinger.
She was a graduate of Galesburg High School, and was
formerly employed at Pamida and Carhart in Illinois.
Nancy was a member of Open Bible Church in Galesburg and
New Hope Fellowship in Greencastle. She and her husband
Ralph were the former curators of Lake Story Campground.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Myrna Davis.
Surviving are her husband of 50 years, Ralph "Joe" Gilmore; three daughters, Lisa Wilhelm and husband
Doug of Cornelius, NC, Jolene Watson and husband Pastor Donnie of Greencastle, Annette Hardyman and
husband Dirk of Camargo, IL; a brother, Pastor Arlen Swinger and wife Margaret of Tallahassee, FL; a sister,
Darla Swinger of Galesburg, IL; six grandchildren, Brandon Watson and wife Jess, Kyle Watson and wife
Nicole, Amanda Downing and husband Joe, Andrew Tracy, Hannah Wilhelm and Caleb Hardyman; and five
great-grandchildren, Brylynn Watson, Gavin Watson, Jaxon Watson, Emma Watson and Ryleigh Downing.
A Celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 11 A.M. at Open Bible Church,
521 West Losey St. in Galesburg, where the family will receive friends from 9 A.M. until time of services.
A Celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 2 P.M. at Hopkins-Rector
Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 12 noon until time of services.
Inturment will take place in the spring at Gerlaw Cemetery, Gerlaw, Illinois.
Nancy will be remembered for her love of the Lord and her family, especially the grandchildren.
48
Tim Toureene 08/18/1945 – 9/27/1979
Grave-site
Timothy Toureene, 34, of the Custer Hotel, died at 2:05 a.m. today in Cottage
Hospital. He was born in Galesburg Aug. 18, 1945. Surviving is his brother, Pete
of Wataga. A graduate of Galesburg High School, he was a construction worker.
He was a lifetime resident of the Galesburg area. Services at St. Joseph's
Cemetery.
He was living at the Hotel Custer. According to Pat Napier and Larry Brown, Tim
was beaten and robbed in the alley behind the hotel. He was found in his room and
was taken to the hospital where he died. No one was ever charged.
Rodney Tracy 03/10/1945 – 04/05/2013
Grave-site
Mr. Rodney D. Tracy, 68, of Galesburg, II. died Friday April 5, 2013 at 3:15 PM
at OSF St. Francis Medical Center Peoria, II.
He was born March 10, 1945 in Galesburg, the son of Dale and Marian Mecum
Tracy. He married Sue Herron in Galesburg on May 6, 1967.
Rodney is survived by his wife; two sons, Christopher (and Michelle) Tracy of
Galesburg and Heath (and Shannon) Tracy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two sisters,
Connie (and Judson) Briggs of Rock Island, Ill. and Terry (and Gary) King of
Galesburg; four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963 and later attended Canton (Ill.)
Junior College. He was a survey crew chief for Kenneth Schrader for eleven years,
and Project Manager for the City of Galesburg for twenty one years, retiring in
2007. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Friday, April 12, 2013 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with
Dr. Rev. David Parker officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, April 11, 2013 at
the Chapel. Cremation will be accorded following the services with graveside memorial services in
Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 AM Friday, April 19, 2013. Memorials may be made to the First
Presbyterian Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
Billie Treadway McKee 06/16/1944 – 07/15/2002
LAS CRUCES, NM – Billie A. McKee, 58, Las Cruces, NM, formerly of
Galsburg, died (July 15, 2002) at La Possa da-Mesilla Valley Hospice.
She was born June 16, 1944, in Marietta, OH, the daughter of James Edward and
Georgia Andrews Treadway.
She married William E. McKee in 1962 in Galesburg.
Surviving are a son, William Earl McKee , Tucson, AZ; four daughters, Jenny
McKee, Westville, FL, Trixie Beckner, Houston, Sandra Peavey, Socorro, NM,
and Rebecca McKee, Las Cruces, NM and eight grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her parents.
She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1962*.
She was a homemaker, and a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses Church of Las Cruces, NM.
Cremation was accorded. A memorial service was held July 20 at The Jehovah's Witnesses Church, Las
Cruces, NM.
*should be class of 1963.
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Louis Michael Tropp 08/15/1945 – 07/28/1993
Grave-site
GALESBURG – L. Michael “Mike” Tropp, 47, 1316 N. West St. died at 6:42
a.m. Wednesday (July 28, 1993) in Cottage Hospital.
He was born Aug. 15, 1945, in Peoria, the son of Arnold L. and Lela P.
Throckmorton Tropp. Surviving are one son, Chad M. Tropp, DeKalb; one
daugher, Amy B. Tropp, DeKalb; his parents of Wataga; one brother, Charles
Tropp, in Oregon, and one sister, Beverly Morgan, Galesburg.
He served in the Air Force from Sept. 1965 to May 1969. He earned an associate
degree in electronics while in the service. He worked for Admiral Co. for many
years, and worked as a switchman for Centel then as an Installer for Centel. He
lived in Wataga and Galesburg for the past 30 years.
An automobile accident on July 10, 1988, left him quadriplegic.
He attended Wataga Congregational Church. He coached Peewee and Little League baseball in Wataga, and
was a member of the Wataga Baseball Association.
Funeral in Hinchliff Pearson West Chapel, with Bishop Kevin Miner officiating. Burial in Wataga Cemetery.
Memorials made to the family for an education fund.
Crash may lead to murder charge – Galesburg Register-Mail – July 12, 1988
PEORIA – Peoria police said they are seeking murder charges against a Peoria man in the death of Connie
Strom, Wataga, who died Sunday night from injuries she received in a three-vehicle accident.
A Wataga man also received serious injuries in the accident, and he was listed in critical condition this
morning in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Police Sgt. Gary Poynter said Monday that police plan to charge Mark Jackson, 28, with murder and
driving under the influence.* Jackson remained in custody at Peoria County Jail today, awaiting a court
appearance. A spokesman for the Peoria County State's Attorney's office said today at 10 a.m. that formal
charges had not yet been filed against Jackson, but that the office was reviewing information in the case.
Poynter said a police investigation has revealed that “the elements of murder fit this particular case.” He
declined to be more specific.
This morning Poynter said the investigation showed Jackson was trying to take his own life because he was
“despondent.” He refused to go into further detail because he does not want Jackson to “be tried in the
newspapers,” he said.
A police report said the accident occurred Sunday about 9:32 p.m. on the intersection of Sterling Avenue ,
Reservoir Boulevard and Gale Avenue, a highly traveled area located in Peoria's business section.
According to the report, a sedan driven by Jackson rammed into the rear of a pickup driven by Louis M.
Tropp, 42, Wataga. Strom was a passenger in the pickup.
The pickup was stopped at a stoplight on Reservoir Boulevard and was headed east when it was hit by
Jackson's car. Police said that after the pickup was struck, it flew through the air for about 150 feet and
struck a car driven by Dairon S. Murry, 22, Peoria. The pickup then flipped over, pinning Strom and Tropp
inside.
Peoria County Coroner Herb Buzbee said “Strom was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at
10:25 p.m. by a deputy coroner. An autopsy has been conducted, but results are not yet available”, Buzbee
said. An inquest is to be scheduled.
Tropp was listed in critical condition today in St. Francis. Before being jailed, Jackson was treated for
minor injuries at the hospital and released. Neither Murry nor any of the three passengers in his car were
injured, police said.
*Jackson was convicted and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. He was released early. In 2011 he was
convicted in another case for attempted murder and is now serving time in Menard Penitentiary.
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Bill Van Dusen 04/20/1945 – 05/20/1995
ROUND ROCK, Texas – William C. Van Dusen 50, Round Rock, died Saturday
(May 20, 1995) in Georgetown Hospital, Georgetown, Texas.
He was born April 20, 1945, in Galesburg, IL, the son of Glenn and Fern Swanson
Van Dusen.
He Married Sue Kniss.
Surviving are his wife; his father, Glenn Van Dusen, Galesburg; two sons, Doug
Van Dusen, Peoria, IL, and Jason Van Dusen, Round Rock; two brothers, Tom Van
Dusen, Palatine, IL, and Bob Richardson, Broken Arrow, OK; one sister, Lois
Miller, Galesburg and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his mother
and a daughter-in-law.
Memorial service in Henderson-Beck Funeral Home, Round Rock. Another
memorial service in the clubhouse at Berry Creek Country Club, Georgetown.
Memorials sent in care of Matt Teifke, Berry Creek Country Club, 3050 Berry
Creek Dr., Georgetown, TX 78628
Mary Jo Van Fleet 08/23/1944 – 05/19/2007
Grave-site
Ms. Mary Jo Van Fleet, 62, 1145 Frank St., Galesburg, died at 8:25 AM Saturday,
May 19, 2007 in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
She was born August 23, 1944 in Galesburg, the daughter of William D. and Eula
Mae Downey Van Fleet.
She is survived by her father, William D. Van Fleet, Galesburg and a brother,
Wendell L. (and Bonnie) Van Fleet, Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her
mother on June 7, 2005.
She graduated from Galesburg High School and had lived her entire life here. She
was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.
Graveside service will be 11 AM Tuesday in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. The
Rev. Paul Newhall will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be
made to Faith United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at
www.h-p-w.com. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is in charge of
arrangements
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Robbin Watters 02/19/1945 – 02/23/2001
Grave-site
Rock Island – Robert C. “Rob” Watters, 56, Rock Island, died Friday (Feb.
23, 2001) in Trinity Medical Center West Campus.
He was born Feb. 19, 1945, in Evansville, IN, the son of Robert C. and Lynn
Fritz Watters Sr.
He married Rama James in Galesburg in 1967. He married Carol Henry in
Olympia Fields in 1978.
Surviving are one daughter Amy Malchodi, Bettendorf, IA; two sons, Jeffery
Robert Watters, Madison, WI, and Christopher Henry Watters, Rock Island; his
mother of Galesburg; one sister Sandra Reinicker, Hockessin, DE; one brother,
Larry Watters, Naperville; two grandsons, and special friends, Gene and Marlyse
Anderson, Rock Island. He was preceded in death by his father.
He was graduated from Galesburg High School, from Knox College, and earned
a master's degree from Western Illinois University, Macomb.
He was a guidance counselor at United Township High School, East Moline,
since 1968. He also operated Rob C. Watters Marriage and Family Therapy,
Rock Island.
He was named counselor of the year by the State of Illinois. He helped develop
Rational Parenthood, Natural Helpers, Snowball, Partners in Parenting, the
Development Education Model and Policy Violation Groups.
Funeral at Halligan-McCabe Devries Funeral Home, Davenport, Iowa. Burial in
Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg.
Memorials made to the Rob C. Watters Memorial Scholarship Fund at United
Township High School.
Jack Wells 10/20/1944 – 01/22/2005
Grave-site
Mr. La Verne M. “Jack” Wells Jr., 60, of 1123 S. Farnham St., Galesburg, IL
died at 8:00 PM Saturday, January 22, 2005 at his home.
He was born on October 20, 1944 in Rock Island, IL to LaVerne M. and Marguerite
A. Clayton Wells. He married Gloria J. Bower in Galesburg, IL on August 19, 1967.
She survives.
Also surviving is a daughter, Jacqueline J. Allen of Galesburg, a brother, Richard L.
(and Lisa) Wells of Galesburg and a grandson, Jacob R. Allen.
He worked for 13 years at the Gale Products Division of Outboard Marine
Corporation; he then worked 16 years as a laborer of Local #538 and then for the
Illinois Department of Transportation.
He served in the Navy for four years. He was of the Baptist faith.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at HinchliffPearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. Lee Johnson officiating. Visitation will
be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Chapel. Burial will be in the Memorial
Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the OSF Hospice or the Bethel Baptist
Church.
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Robert Willsie 02/21/1945 – 07/26/2011, Sister Lakes, Michigan
Bob’s life began on Feb. 21, 1945, in Galesburg, Ill., the son of Leroy and Margaret
(Cummings) Willsie.
Robert L. Willsie He was a mechanical engineer and tool designer for more than
30 years and a very meticulous, precise man.
He enjoyed fly fishing in Colorado and trap shooting.
Bob was a member of the National Rifle Association and Silver Creek United
Methodist Church.
He was united in marriage to the former Dixie (Lamastus) Egebrecht in 2004 in
Glenwood Springs,Colo.
His loving family includes: his wife, Dixie, of Sister Lakes; daughters, Kimberly
(Andre) DuBois of Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Betsy (Lonnie) Griener of
Oregon; one son, Bill (Jenell) Hilderbrand of Glenwood Springs, Colo.;
Grandchildren, Ashley Hilderbrand of Fort Collins, Colo., Toby Montgomery of
Kalamazoo, Zach Montgomery of Oregon and Caine Hilderbrand of Glenwood
Springs,Colo.
Bob, 66, of Sister Lakes, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at Lakeland
Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
His family will gather with friends on Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Silver Creek
United Methodist Church, where his funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. led by
Pastor Heather McDougall.
Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Lory’s Place.
Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving the family.
Please sign his guest book and leave a memory of Bob at www.yazel-clark.com.
James Wolfe 03/24/1945 – 11/08/2001
Grave-site
Geneseo – James L. Wolfe, 56, Geneseo, formerly of Galesburg, died at 6:05 a. m.
Thursday (Nov. 8, 2001) in OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
He was born March 24, 1945, in Galesburg, the son of Leslie James and Lucille
Elizabeth Seward Wolfe. He married Jean E. Stanley on Aug 17, 1968, in Galesburg.
Surviving are his wife; his mother in Knoxville, two sons, James Douglas Wolfe, Fort
Riley KS, and Jeffrey Steven Wolfe, Westmont, and one stepsister, Charlotte
Thaggard, Galesburg..
He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963 and attended Southern Illinois
University. He was employed by Gustafson Ford, Galva, as finance officer. He
formerly worked at Farmer's and Mechanic's Bank for several years. He was the
owner of Wolfe's Furniture in Galesburg and Knoxville for 10 years and later worked
at Geneseo Motors for 7 years.
Funeral at Watson Funeral Home Galesburg, with the Rev Joe Kobernat officiating.
Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery Galesburg.
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