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| TAZEWELL
COUNTY ILLINOIS |
GENEALOGY
TRAILS |
CURRENT
OBITS |
OBITS ~ 2000 TO THE PRESENT
DECEASED MUST HAVE PASSED AWAY AFTER 2000
and be connected to Tazewell Co Illnois by birth, death or residence.
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MARVIN L LOHNES
Marvin L Lohnes, 83, of 1411 Anna Road, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Lake Manor in Pekin. Born 22 March 1924, in Cedar Creek, Nebraska, to Martin & Elizabeth Friedrich Lohnes, he married Dora Buckles on 06 July 1947. Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Kathleen (Mark) Kalhammer of Pekin; one son, Darrel (Candy) Lohnes of Pekin; four grandchildren; three stepgrandchildre; four great-grandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; and one sister, Evelyn Poe of Pekin. Marvin worked for Catepillar Inc. in Peoria for 37 years, retiring as a purchasing agent in 1982. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Marvin was a former member of American Foundrymen's Association; former member and past president of Wilmor Sportsmen's Club; and former member and past president of Wilson School Dads' Club in Pekin. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and wood carving. Marvin was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Cremation will be accorded. There will be no visitation or services.
ALLENSPACH, BENJAMIN L
PEKIN- Benjamin L Allenspach, 88, of 1540 El Camino Dr, Pekin, passed away at 6:07 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008, at Pekin Hospital. Ben was born March 6, 1920, in Deer Creek to Ernest and Minnie Rabel Allenspach. He married Bernice Clara Baily on Dec 1, 1973, in Pekin. She passed away Nov 15, 2000. His parents, one brother and three sisters also preceded him in death. Surviving are one sister, Bernice (John) Carson of Morton; one brother, Joe, of Stillwater MN; and several nieces and nephews. Ben was a plasterer with Local 12 for 40 years, retiring in 1983. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Rodger P Abatie will officiate. Burieal will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.. Tuesday at Henderson Funeral Home in pekin and from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
LAWSON, CASSANDRA ROSE
Elizabethtown, KY- Cassandra Rose Lawson, 22, of Elizabethtown, Ky, daughter of David Lawson, formerly of Pekin, passed away March 19, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Hart Co, KY. Cremation was chosen by the family. There will be a memorial service at a later date. Coffey & Chism Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
LAWSON, MYRA JEAN
Elizabethtown, KY- Myra J. Lawson, 51, of Elizabethtown Ky, wife of David Lawson, formerly of Pekin, passed away Wednesday March 19, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Hart Co, Ky. Cremation was chosen by the family. There will be a memorial service at a later date. Coffey & Chism Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
VOGEL, VICKI L.
Pekin- Vicki L Vogel, 59, of Pekin, passed away Monday, March 24, 2008, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. Born in Bowling Green Ky, July 28, 1948, to James and Frances Wimms Sadler, she married Kenneth Vogel on Dec 3, 1966, in Chicago. He survives. Also surviving are her children, Scott Vogel and Lisa (Eric) McCann, both of Peoria; her brother Gary Sadler of Pekin; and five grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, five siblings and a grandson, Brayden Vogel. Vicki was a beautician at Sadler's Hair Care Center for 41 years, retiring in 2004. A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.. Friday, with the Rev. Timothy Nolan officiating. Burial wll be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Abts Mortuary.
Marvin L Lohnes, 83, of 1411 Anna Road, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Lake Manor in Pekin. Born 22 March 1924, in Cedar Creek, Nebraska, to Martin & Elizabeth Friedrich Lohnes, he married Dora Buckles on 06 July 1947. Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Kathleen (Mark) Kalhammer of Pekin; one son, Darrel (Candy) Lohnes of Pekin; four grandchildren; three stepgrandchildre; four great-grandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; and one sister, Evelyn Poe of Pekin. Marvin worked for Catepillar Inc. in Peoria for 37 years, retiring as a purchasing agent in 1982. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Marvin was a former member of American Foundrymen's Association; former member and past president of Wilmor Sportsmen's Club; and former member and past president of Wilson School Dads' Club in Pekin. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and wood carving. Marvin was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Cremation will be accorded. There will be no visitation or services.
ALLENSPACH, BENJAMIN L
PEKIN- Benjamin L Allenspach, 88, of 1540 El Camino Dr, Pekin, passed away at 6:07 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008, at Pekin Hospital. Ben was born March 6, 1920, in Deer Creek to Ernest and Minnie Rabel Allenspach. He married Bernice Clara Baily on Dec 1, 1973, in Pekin. She passed away Nov 15, 2000. His parents, one brother and three sisters also preceded him in death. Surviving are one sister, Bernice (John) Carson of Morton; one brother, Joe, of Stillwater MN; and several nieces and nephews. Ben was a plasterer with Local 12 for 40 years, retiring in 1983. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Rodger P Abatie will officiate. Burieal will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.. Tuesday at Henderson Funeral Home in pekin and from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
LAWSON, CASSANDRA ROSE
Elizabethtown, KY- Cassandra Rose Lawson, 22, of Elizabethtown, Ky, daughter of David Lawson, formerly of Pekin, passed away March 19, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Hart Co, KY. Cremation was chosen by the family. There will be a memorial service at a later date. Coffey & Chism Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
LAWSON, MYRA JEAN
Elizabethtown, KY- Myra J. Lawson, 51, of Elizabethtown Ky, wife of David Lawson, formerly of Pekin, passed away Wednesday March 19, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Hart Co, Ky. Cremation was chosen by the family. There will be a memorial service at a later date. Coffey & Chism Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
VOGEL, VICKI L.
Pekin- Vicki L Vogel, 59, of Pekin, passed away Monday, March 24, 2008, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. Born in Bowling Green Ky, July 28, 1948, to James and Frances Wimms Sadler, she married Kenneth Vogel on Dec 3, 1966, in Chicago. He survives. Also surviving are her children, Scott Vogel and Lisa (Eric) McCann, both of Peoria; her brother Gary Sadler of Pekin; and five grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, five siblings and a grandson, Brayden Vogel. Vicki was a beautician at Sadler's Hair Care Center for 41 years, retiring in 2004. A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.. Friday, with the Rev. Timothy Nolan officiating. Burial wll be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Abts Mortuary.
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CONNOR, WILLIAM JR
Tumbling Shoals, Ark - William "Bill" Connor Jr, 70, of Tumbling Shoals, Ark, formerly of Pekin, passed away March 18 2008, at his residence. He was born June 13, 1937, in Tichnor Ark, to William Sr. and Roselyn Vanhorn Connor of St. Charles Ark. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alvenia Heigle Connor; his mother, Roselyn Vanhorn Connor of Dewitt, Ark; three sons, Matthew Connor of Festus, MO, Michael (Cheri) Connor of Jerome Mich, and Mark (Kim) Connor of Peora; two daughters; Teri Rigdon of Pekin and Debi (Kerry) Grossweiller of Raleigh, NC three stepchildren, Donna (Larry) Seymore of Tumbling Shoals, Jimmy (Trish) Johnson and Cindy (Scott) Ivener, both of Pekin, IL two sisters, Rita (Jim) Stevenson of Dewitt and Dorothy Bishop of St Charles, Ark; 22 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many friends. He was preceded in death byhis father, brother; Glenwood Connor, and a great-grandchild, Aiden Clark. He owned and operated Specialty Maintenance, Evergreen lawn and Harris Pest Control companies in Pekin. He served in the US Army and was a member of Leonard Stark VFW Post 3543 in Tumbling Shoals and a member of American Legion Post 64 in Heber springs Ark. William loved his family and was a proud grandfather and great grandfather. Services took place March 22 at Heber Springs Funeral Home Chapel in Heber Springs. Internment was in Chastain Cemetery in Tumbling Shoals, where military rites were conducted by Leonard Stark VFW Post 3543. Private local family memorial services will take place at a later date.
Tumbling Shoals, Ark - William "Bill" Connor Jr, 70, of Tumbling Shoals, Ark, formerly of Pekin, passed away March 18 2008, at his residence. He was born June 13, 1937, in Tichnor Ark, to William Sr. and Roselyn Vanhorn Connor of St. Charles Ark. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alvenia Heigle Connor; his mother, Roselyn Vanhorn Connor of Dewitt, Ark; three sons, Matthew Connor of Festus, MO, Michael (Cheri) Connor of Jerome Mich, and Mark (Kim) Connor of Peora; two daughters; Teri Rigdon of Pekin and Debi (Kerry) Grossweiller of Raleigh, NC three stepchildren, Donna (Larry) Seymore of Tumbling Shoals, Jimmy (Trish) Johnson and Cindy (Scott) Ivener, both of Pekin, IL two sisters, Rita (Jim) Stevenson of Dewitt and Dorothy Bishop of St Charles, Ark; 22 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many friends. He was preceded in death byhis father, brother; Glenwood Connor, and a great-grandchild, Aiden Clark. He owned and operated Specialty Maintenance, Evergreen lawn and Harris Pest Control companies in Pekin. He served in the US Army and was a member of Leonard Stark VFW Post 3543 in Tumbling Shoals and a member of American Legion Post 64 in Heber springs Ark. William loved his family and was a proud grandfather and great grandfather. Services took place March 22 at Heber Springs Funeral Home Chapel in Heber Springs. Internment was in Chastain Cemetery in Tumbling Shoals, where military rites were conducted by Leonard Stark VFW Post 3543. Private local family memorial services will take place at a later date.
McMILLAN, DAVID
DEER PARK, Texas - David W. McMillan passed away peacefully on March 14, 2008. He was raised in Pekin, Ill., where he graduated in 1961 from Pekin Community High School. He was active in stamp collecting, photography, and choir. He attended some classes at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. In April 1964 he married Janet K. McMillan in Joliet, Ill. They had three children: Angeline, Damon and Anita. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Ill. as a draftsman. In 1969 he moved his family to Texas to work for Cameron Iron Works near Houston. He also worked for several other companies through the years before contracting with Shell for design engineering, CAD and other consultancy work. He founded Design Staff Inc. where he worked until his death. During his professional career, he was awarded 16 patents, with 18 to 20 more in progress. He loved spending time with his family, playing guitar and piano. He is preceded in death by his father, Ira H. McMillan and his brother, Dennis M. McMillan. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy C. McMillan; siblings, Donna J. Weichbrodt, Howard K. McMillan, James A. McMillan; his loving wife, Janet K. McMillan; children, Angeline Brown (husband Daryl) of Clear Lake, Texas, Damon McMillan (wife Marguerite) of Humble, Texas and Anita Dodson (husband Dale) of Pearland, Texas; seven grandchildren (Marissa, Karina, Logan, Cole, and Owen McMillan; Benjamin and Daniel Brown) and a myriad of wonderful friends. He will be missed beyond words. The visitation was Tuesday, March 18, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Celebration of Life Memorial service was March 19, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Fairmont Funeral Home.
DEER PARK, Texas - David W. McMillan passed away peacefully on March 14, 2008. He was raised in Pekin, Ill., where he graduated in 1961 from Pekin Community High School. He was active in stamp collecting, photography, and choir. He attended some classes at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. In April 1964 he married Janet K. McMillan in Joliet, Ill. They had three children: Angeline, Damon and Anita. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Ill. as a draftsman. In 1969 he moved his family to Texas to work for Cameron Iron Works near Houston. He also worked for several other companies through the years before contracting with Shell for design engineering, CAD and other consultancy work. He founded Design Staff Inc. where he worked until his death. During his professional career, he was awarded 16 patents, with 18 to 20 more in progress. He loved spending time with his family, playing guitar and piano. He is preceded in death by his father, Ira H. McMillan and his brother, Dennis M. McMillan. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy C. McMillan; siblings, Donna J. Weichbrodt, Howard K. McMillan, James A. McMillan; his loving wife, Janet K. McMillan; children, Angeline Brown (husband Daryl) of Clear Lake, Texas, Damon McMillan (wife Marguerite) of Humble, Texas and Anita Dodson (husband Dale) of Pearland, Texas; seven grandchildren (Marissa, Karina, Logan, Cole, and Owen McMillan; Benjamin and Daniel Brown) and a myriad of wonderful friends. He will be missed beyond words. The visitation was Tuesday, March 18, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Celebration of Life Memorial service was March 19, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Fairmont Funeral Home.
HALL, CLARA
HAVANA, IL - Clara Belle Hall, 81, of Havana, passed away at 1:34 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born Oct. 3, 1926, near Spring Lake in Tazewell County to Charles B. and Clara Elizabeth Vance Petty. She married James L. Perkins in 1946, in Mason County and he preceded her in death. She married Asa A. Hall July 28, 1956, in Havana, and he died May 7, 1982. She is survived by six daughters, Margie (Lynn) Mason of Havana, Mary (Robin) Bubert of Easton, Joyce Allen of Canton, Pam Richardson of Bath, Vivian (Marty) Angel of Beardstown, Tammie Baldry of Dunfermline; one son, Charles (Shelly) Hall of Havana; 25 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Beulah Haage of Tucson, Ariz., Eva Flaharty of Havana, Marilyn Shafer of Pekin; five brothers, Russell Petty of Forest City, Lyle Petty of Havana, James Petty of Bishop, Charles Petty, Jr. of Olathe, Kan., Dean Petty of Havana; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husbands; two sons, DeWayne Perkins and an infant; one grandson, Brady Bennett; one sister, Lillian Bassett; and three sister-in-laws, Lorraine Petty, Lois Petty and Dora Petty. Mrs. Hall was of the Protestant faith and for many years was a CNA and did home health care. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, where visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Burn Unit of Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
GALLAFENT, ELAINE
SEATTLE, Wash. - Elaine Gallafent, 69, formerly of Delavan, passed away at 3 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. She was born May 18, 1938, in Morton, to William and Henrietta Schmidgall. She married Keith Perry of Delavan, in 1958, and he preceded her in death. She married Larry Gallafent 15 years ago and he survives. Elaine also is survived by her daughters, Shelly Perry and Denise (Nick) Williamson; a son, Kurt Perry; and two grandchildren, Josh and Becca, all of the Seattle, Wash. area. Also surviving are two brothers, Gene (Kay) Schmidgall of Green Valley and Dave (Cheryl) Schmidgall of Delavan; and a sister, Linda (Charley) Hughes of Carrollton, Texas; one niece; and five nephews. Elaine graduated from Delavan High School in 1956. Elaine was a very giving and caring person who believed there was good in all who crossed her path. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all. Cremation was accorded by People's Memorial Funeral Cooperative in Seattle.
OLMSTEAD, LAVERNE
PEKIN - LaVerne E. “Vern” Olmstead Jr., 79, of 1503 N. 12th St., Pekin, passed away at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Born Dec. 18, 1928, in Lincoln to LaVerne E. Sr. and Edna D. Robbins Olmstead, he married Cleona V. “Cleo” Gonzalez July 5, 1953, in Lincoln. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Cheryl (Tex Morton) Braundmeier of Kankakee, Cindy (Steve) Stover of Lincoln and Connie (Tim) Lee of East Peoria; five grandchildren, Matthew Couch of Bloomington, Angela (David) Couch Mills of Galesburg, Stephanie Couch of Chicago, Austin Vice of Peoria and Kaylin Vice of Tremont; one stepgrandson, Ryan Lee of Peoria; five sisters, Virginia (Winton) Baker of Bakersfield, Calif., Dorothy (Ken) Sillett of Laverne, Calif., Donna Hahn of Mt. Pulaski, Sandra (Don) Shull of Middletown and Wilma Hill of Lincoln; three brothers, Charles Olmstead of Morton, Jim (Barb) Olmsted of Winter Haven, Fla., and Tom (Pat) Olmstead of Morton; and several nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 40 years, retiring in 1984 as a tool room foreman. He and his father were the first father/son team to go through the Caterpillar apprenticeship program. Vern was a member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene for more than 50 years. He served the church as treasurer for 15 years, taught Sunday school and was a member of the baseball and volleyball teams and bowling league, playing in his last church baseball game at age 72. Vern spent many hours coaching women's slow-pitch softball for his church and keeping score for both women and men's ball games. He also coached Little League baseball in Pekin. In recent years, he and his wife were members of Mr. & Mrs. Dance Club. He also was a member of ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out). A diehard Chicago Cubs fan, he also enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandchildren. He was a proud spectator at his grandchildren's sporting events and school activities. He was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was looking forward to having his first great-grandchild in August of this year. He was a very caring, humorous, honest and friendly person. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. W. Lloyd Brock officiating. Military rites will be conducted following the funeral at the church by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 E. Broadway Road, Pekin, IL 61554, Pekin Park District Recreation Department for Softball Leagues, 1701 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554; or to Miller Senior Center Transportation, 551 S. 14th St., Pekin, IL 61554.
KENNEDY, HAROLD
PEKIN - Harold Wayne Kennedy, 84, of 703 Oxford Ave., passed away at 10:25 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his residence. Born Sept. 24, 1923, in Manito to Holly J. and Virginia White Kennedy, he married Mary Louise Maltby on Aug. 27, 1950, in Forest City. She survives. Also surviving are one son, Stephen N. (Renee) Kennedy of Rockford; one daughter, Karen G. (John) Fortney of Northbrook; two grandchildren, Emily E. Kennedy and Hayden P. Kennedy, both of Rockford; and one sister, Imogene DeVore of Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, H. Nelson Kennedy. A World War II Army veteran, Harold served in the European theater with the 3335th Quartermaster Truck Company driving amphibious ducks, attaining the rank of Private First Class. Harold worked for Central Illinois Light Co. for 26 years as a journeyman gas fitter in the Pekin District, retiring in 1986. He previously worked for the Chicago and Illinois Midland Railway. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Pekin and its Roadrunners Group. He was a life member of William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin. He also was a life member of Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin. Harold enjoyed woodcarving and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, with the Rev. Mark D. Friday officiating. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military rites conducted by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and one half-hour before the funeral, both at the funeral home.
BELL, WILLIAM
MORTON - Melvin C. Bell, 78, of 114 Barrington Place, Morton, formerly of Deer Creek, died at 3 a.m. Sunday, March 30, 2008, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. He was born May 8, 1929, in Deer Creek to T. Dent and Estella M. Garber Bell. He married Dorothy Wilson on Nov. 16, 1952, in Peoria. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy “Toadie” Bell, of Morton; two sons, Douglas (Julie) Bell of Eureka and Mark Bell of Deer Creek; one daughter, Renee Bell of Los Angeles, Calif.; and five grandchildren, Melissa, Kristin, Jennifer, Tyler and Nikolas Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joseph D. Bell. Melvin was a local agriculture businessman, CEO of Bell Enterprises Inc. in Deer Creek and also was a lifetime farmer in the Deer Creek area. He was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, where he served on various church boards. He participated in many agriculture-related organizations and served on the boards of the Deer Creek-Mackinaw School District and Peoria Youth Farm. He also served on the Illinois Central College advisory board. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer in 1963 and was a former volunteer with the Deer Creek Rural Fire Department. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Crossroads United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Thomas Goodell and the Rev. Robert DeBolt officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.
PIENE, NORMA JEAN
BLOOMINGTON - Norma Jean Peine, 86, of Bloomington, formerly of Minier, died at 5:17 p.m. Friday March 28, 2008, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. Norma was born Oct. 22, 1921, in Tremont to Charles and Coila Trout Hoffman. She married Robert D. Peine Nov. 17, 1940, in Missouri. He preceded her in death Sept. 28, 1966. Also preceding her in death were nine brothers and sisters. Norma is survived by three daughters, Charlotte (John) Fesler of Bloomington, Susan (Tim) Switzer of Morton, Carol (Mike) Engel of Mackinaw; four grandsons, Robert (Sara) Hornsby, Chad (Christy) Engel, Mark (Jenni) Engel, Chris Switzer; three great-grandchildren, Cadence Hornsby, Addyson Engel, Ella Hornsby; one sister, Betty Milyard in Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed the companionship of a “grand-dog,” Frankie. Norma graduated from Tremont High School. She was a secretary at Peine Inc. for more than 20 years. She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Minier, Minier chapter of Order of Eastern Star, Minier Jr. Women's Club and was a charter member of Minier Sewing Club. Her hobbies included playing board games, playing cards, playing the piano or organ and cross stitching. Norma Jean enjoyed her family and friends. She knew no strangers. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John's United Church of Christ in Minier, with the Rev. Dr. Roger Mealiff officiating. Burial will be at Minier Cemetery.
ROBY, WILLIAM
SOUTH PEKIN - William “Bill” Gregory Roby, 86, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his home in South Pekin, with his family at his side. Born Nov. 15, 1921, in Lyonia, Ky. to Gregory and Agnes Bickett Roby, he married Mary Avis Axley on Sept. 27, 1952. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Tony (Melodie) Roby of Pekin, Charles Roby in Florida, Alan Roby of South Pekin, Sharon (Steve) Friedrich, Teresa (Phillip) Friedrich and Diana (Jeff) Oden, all of Green Valley; one sister, Cecelia Rearden of Pekin; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son James “Eddy” Roby, five brothers and one sister. Bill served in the Army during World War II and worked as an electrician for Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 1983. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bill was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing was his favorite pastime. He will be deeply missed by his family. A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Timothy Nolan officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Pekin. Visitation will be at Abts Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m.
HAVANA, IL - Clara Belle Hall, 81, of Havana, passed away at 1:34 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born Oct. 3, 1926, near Spring Lake in Tazewell County to Charles B. and Clara Elizabeth Vance Petty. She married James L. Perkins in 1946, in Mason County and he preceded her in death. She married Asa A. Hall July 28, 1956, in Havana, and he died May 7, 1982. She is survived by six daughters, Margie (Lynn) Mason of Havana, Mary (Robin) Bubert of Easton, Joyce Allen of Canton, Pam Richardson of Bath, Vivian (Marty) Angel of Beardstown, Tammie Baldry of Dunfermline; one son, Charles (Shelly) Hall of Havana; 25 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Beulah Haage of Tucson, Ariz., Eva Flaharty of Havana, Marilyn Shafer of Pekin; five brothers, Russell Petty of Forest City, Lyle Petty of Havana, James Petty of Bishop, Charles Petty, Jr. of Olathe, Kan., Dean Petty of Havana; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husbands; two sons, DeWayne Perkins and an infant; one grandson, Brady Bennett; one sister, Lillian Bassett; and three sister-in-laws, Lorraine Petty, Lois Petty and Dora Petty. Mrs. Hall was of the Protestant faith and for many years was a CNA and did home health care. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, where visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Burn Unit of Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
GALLAFENT, ELAINE
SEATTLE, Wash. - Elaine Gallafent, 69, formerly of Delavan, passed away at 3 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. She was born May 18, 1938, in Morton, to William and Henrietta Schmidgall. She married Keith Perry of Delavan, in 1958, and he preceded her in death. She married Larry Gallafent 15 years ago and he survives. Elaine also is survived by her daughters, Shelly Perry and Denise (Nick) Williamson; a son, Kurt Perry; and two grandchildren, Josh and Becca, all of the Seattle, Wash. area. Also surviving are two brothers, Gene (Kay) Schmidgall of Green Valley and Dave (Cheryl) Schmidgall of Delavan; and a sister, Linda (Charley) Hughes of Carrollton, Texas; one niece; and five nephews. Elaine graduated from Delavan High School in 1956. Elaine was a very giving and caring person who believed there was good in all who crossed her path. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all. Cremation was accorded by People's Memorial Funeral Cooperative in Seattle.
OLMSTEAD, LAVERNE
PEKIN - LaVerne E. “Vern” Olmstead Jr., 79, of 1503 N. 12th St., Pekin, passed away at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Born Dec. 18, 1928, in Lincoln to LaVerne E. Sr. and Edna D. Robbins Olmstead, he married Cleona V. “Cleo” Gonzalez July 5, 1953, in Lincoln. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Cheryl (Tex Morton) Braundmeier of Kankakee, Cindy (Steve) Stover of Lincoln and Connie (Tim) Lee of East Peoria; five grandchildren, Matthew Couch of Bloomington, Angela (David) Couch Mills of Galesburg, Stephanie Couch of Chicago, Austin Vice of Peoria and Kaylin Vice of Tremont; one stepgrandson, Ryan Lee of Peoria; five sisters, Virginia (Winton) Baker of Bakersfield, Calif., Dorothy (Ken) Sillett of Laverne, Calif., Donna Hahn of Mt. Pulaski, Sandra (Don) Shull of Middletown and Wilma Hill of Lincoln; three brothers, Charles Olmstead of Morton, Jim (Barb) Olmsted of Winter Haven, Fla., and Tom (Pat) Olmstead of Morton; and several nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 40 years, retiring in 1984 as a tool room foreman. He and his father were the first father/son team to go through the Caterpillar apprenticeship program. Vern was a member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene for more than 50 years. He served the church as treasurer for 15 years, taught Sunday school and was a member of the baseball and volleyball teams and bowling league, playing in his last church baseball game at age 72. Vern spent many hours coaching women's slow-pitch softball for his church and keeping score for both women and men's ball games. He also coached Little League baseball in Pekin. In recent years, he and his wife were members of Mr. & Mrs. Dance Club. He also was a member of ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out). A diehard Chicago Cubs fan, he also enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandchildren. He was a proud spectator at his grandchildren's sporting events and school activities. He was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was looking forward to having his first great-grandchild in August of this year. He was a very caring, humorous, honest and friendly person. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. W. Lloyd Brock officiating. Military rites will be conducted following the funeral at the church by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 E. Broadway Road, Pekin, IL 61554, Pekin Park District Recreation Department for Softball Leagues, 1701 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554; or to Miller Senior Center Transportation, 551 S. 14th St., Pekin, IL 61554.
KENNEDY, HAROLD
PEKIN - Harold Wayne Kennedy, 84, of 703 Oxford Ave., passed away at 10:25 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his residence. Born Sept. 24, 1923, in Manito to Holly J. and Virginia White Kennedy, he married Mary Louise Maltby on Aug. 27, 1950, in Forest City. She survives. Also surviving are one son, Stephen N. (Renee) Kennedy of Rockford; one daughter, Karen G. (John) Fortney of Northbrook; two grandchildren, Emily E. Kennedy and Hayden P. Kennedy, both of Rockford; and one sister, Imogene DeVore of Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, H. Nelson Kennedy. A World War II Army veteran, Harold served in the European theater with the 3335th Quartermaster Truck Company driving amphibious ducks, attaining the rank of Private First Class. Harold worked for Central Illinois Light Co. for 26 years as a journeyman gas fitter in the Pekin District, retiring in 1986. He previously worked for the Chicago and Illinois Midland Railway. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Pekin and its Roadrunners Group. He was a life member of William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin. He also was a life member of Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin. Harold enjoyed woodcarving and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, with the Rev. Mark D. Friday officiating. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military rites conducted by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and one half-hour before the funeral, both at the funeral home.
BELL, WILLIAM
MORTON - Melvin C. Bell, 78, of 114 Barrington Place, Morton, formerly of Deer Creek, died at 3 a.m. Sunday, March 30, 2008, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. He was born May 8, 1929, in Deer Creek to T. Dent and Estella M. Garber Bell. He married Dorothy Wilson on Nov. 16, 1952, in Peoria. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy “Toadie” Bell, of Morton; two sons, Douglas (Julie) Bell of Eureka and Mark Bell of Deer Creek; one daughter, Renee Bell of Los Angeles, Calif.; and five grandchildren, Melissa, Kristin, Jennifer, Tyler and Nikolas Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joseph D. Bell. Melvin was a local agriculture businessman, CEO of Bell Enterprises Inc. in Deer Creek and also was a lifetime farmer in the Deer Creek area. He was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, where he served on various church boards. He participated in many agriculture-related organizations and served on the boards of the Deer Creek-Mackinaw School District and Peoria Youth Farm. He also served on the Illinois Central College advisory board. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer in 1963 and was a former volunteer with the Deer Creek Rural Fire Department. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Crossroads United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Thomas Goodell and the Rev. Robert DeBolt officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.
PIENE, NORMA JEAN
BLOOMINGTON - Norma Jean Peine, 86, of Bloomington, formerly of Minier, died at 5:17 p.m. Friday March 28, 2008, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. Norma was born Oct. 22, 1921, in Tremont to Charles and Coila Trout Hoffman. She married Robert D. Peine Nov. 17, 1940, in Missouri. He preceded her in death Sept. 28, 1966. Also preceding her in death were nine brothers and sisters. Norma is survived by three daughters, Charlotte (John) Fesler of Bloomington, Susan (Tim) Switzer of Morton, Carol (Mike) Engel of Mackinaw; four grandsons, Robert (Sara) Hornsby, Chad (Christy) Engel, Mark (Jenni) Engel, Chris Switzer; three great-grandchildren, Cadence Hornsby, Addyson Engel, Ella Hornsby; one sister, Betty Milyard in Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed the companionship of a “grand-dog,” Frankie. Norma graduated from Tremont High School. She was a secretary at Peine Inc. for more than 20 years. She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Minier, Minier chapter of Order of Eastern Star, Minier Jr. Women's Club and was a charter member of Minier Sewing Club. Her hobbies included playing board games, playing cards, playing the piano or organ and cross stitching. Norma Jean enjoyed her family and friends. She knew no strangers. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John's United Church of Christ in Minier, with the Rev. Dr. Roger Mealiff officiating. Burial will be at Minier Cemetery.
ROBY, WILLIAM
SOUTH PEKIN - William “Bill” Gregory Roby, 86, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his home in South Pekin, with his family at his side. Born Nov. 15, 1921, in Lyonia, Ky. to Gregory and Agnes Bickett Roby, he married Mary Avis Axley on Sept. 27, 1952. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Tony (Melodie) Roby of Pekin, Charles Roby in Florida, Alan Roby of South Pekin, Sharon (Steve) Friedrich, Teresa (Phillip) Friedrich and Diana (Jeff) Oden, all of Green Valley; one sister, Cecelia Rearden of Pekin; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son James “Eddy” Roby, five brothers and one sister. Bill served in the Army during World War II and worked as an electrician for Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 1983. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bill was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing was his favorite pastime. He will be deeply missed by his family. A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Timothy Nolan officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Pekin. Visitation will be at Abts Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m.
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