K_obits

MYRA K. KARRAKER

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO--MYRA K. KARRAKER, 86, of Cape Girardeau, MO, a former Woodland Park resident, died Saturday at a Cape Girardeau health center.
A funeral service will be conducted Thursday in Dongola, Ill., with Crain Funeral Home, Anna, Ill., in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Karraker was born Nov. 25, 1903, in Anna, to John and Rosella (Barringer) Gordon. She lived in Woodland Park from 1965 until moving to Missouri in 1979.
Mrs. Karraker's husband, Lowell H. Karraker, died in 1969.
She is survived by a son, Robert G. of Colorado Springs; a daughter, Jane L. Bonifield of Plainville, Mass.; two brothers, Ralph Gordon of Inman, S.C., and Malby R. Gordon of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Mrs. J.E. Hewitt and Mrs. H.E. Steinke, both of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
--Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO) - July 24, 1990; transcribed by A. Newell, 2009.

VERA FULLER KARRAKER

GREENSBORO, NC–MRS. VERA FULLER KARRAKER, 78, of Evergreens Nursing Center died Saturday (Feb 18, 1990) at the center.
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola, Ill. Burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery in Dongola.
She was a member of Friendly Avenue Church of Christ.
Surviving are daughters, Mrs. Evalina Hall of Geneva, Ohio, Mrs. Neva Shoun of Albemarle, Karroll Bracey of Greenbrier, Tenn.; son, Alan Karraker of Slidell, La.; sisters, Mrs. Geneva Osman of Dongola, Ill., Mrs. Geraldine Zimmerman of Elgin, Ill.; brothers, Roy Fuller, Duane Fuller, both of Anna, Ill.; 10 grandchildren.
Hanes-Lineberry North Elm Street Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
--Greensboro News & Record (NC) - February 18, 1990

WILLIAM "BILL" KASPER

WILLIAM “BILL” KASPER, 58, of Wolf Lake, Ill., born Sept. 1, 1947, in Belleville, Ill., passed away Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006, at his home.
Mr. Kasper was employed at Dyno Nobel as an assembler. He was of the Catholic Faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Joan, nee Wilson, Kasper; and a son, Jeremy Kasper.
He is survived by his fiance, Judith Vick; two sons and daughter-in-law, Monte (Christine) Kasper of Aeworth, Ga., and Anthony Kasper of Marion, Ill.; two daughters, Courtney Kasper of Carbondale, Ill., and Christian Kasper of Anna, Ill.; seven grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Peggy (Ernest) Presley of Marissa, Ill.; and a brother and sister-in-law, Edwin "Buddy" (Ann) Kasper of Fergus Falls, Minn.
Funeral: Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, at St. John's Cemetery, Jonesboro, Ill., with the Rev. Jim Stamp officiating.
HILEMAN FUNERAL HOME, Jonesboro, Ill.
--Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL) - February 26, 2006; transcribed 2008 by A. Newell.

FRANK KEISTLER

Anna, IL.--Frank Keistler, 86, of Anna died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007 at Jonesboro Rehab and Healthcare Center in Jonesboro, IL.
He was born March 22, 1921 in Anna, son of James Franklin and Edna Bridges Keistler. He and Ruth Anne Eddleman were married Feb. 7, 1941 in Jackson, MO.
Keistler was employed by the state of Illinois 23 years. He and his wife owned and operated Whitehouse Coffee Shop in Anna more than 20 years.
He was active in politics in Union County, serving as Republican county chairman 50 years, and served as a national delegate in the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston.
Keistler was a member of First Baptist Church, Townsend F. Dodd American Legion Post and life member of Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455.
He served in the U. S. Army during World War II and was a member of the occupation forces in Japan.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Carole Baker of Anna, Barbara Grace of Upland, CA; a son, James Keistler II of Anna; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, (Aug. 21, 2007) at the funeral home with the Rev. Tony Foeller officiating. Burial will be in Anna City Cemetery with military honors conducted by VFW Post 3455.

--Transcribed 2007 by A. Newell.

MAMIE WALTER KEITH

LIBERTYVILLE, IL–MAMIE KEITH, 113, ex-teacher, daughter of Civil War veteran--Mamie Walter Keith, 113, died Saturday in the Winchester House nursing home, Libertyville.
Mrs. Keith, who had lived 50 years in the northern suburb, was born in Anna, Ill., March 22, 1873, when Ulysses S. Grant was president.
Her father was a veteran of the Civil War where he served under Gen. William T. Sherman.
Mrs. Keith is said to have remembered hearing the news of Custer's Last Stand, a battle fought when she was 3 years old.
Mrs. Keith taught elementary school in Anna after she was graduated from high school there in 1890. She retired from school teaching when she married Charles Keith in 1903.
In 1936 the couple moved to Libertyville where her husband died in 1948.
Mrs. Keith was a member of the Mount Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna and became active with the First Presbyterian Chirch in Libertyville. In 1969, Mrs. Keith moved to Winchester House.
Survivors include her son, Neely, and a grandson, Frank Underbrink.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the chapel of the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park, Libertyville.
--Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - September 23, 1986

MARY A. KEITH

Anna, IL.--Mary A. Keith, 92, of Anna died Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO.
She was born Nov. 1, 1914 in Union County, daughter of Dugan and Agnes Highland Tripp. She married Dr. John R. Keith.
Keith was a 1933 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, and received bachelor and master degrees from Southern Illinois University.
She was a teacher 30 years in Southern Illinois, then was a teacher 15 years in Elgin, IL. She taught English and social studies, as well as sponsoring extracurricular activities.
Keith was a charter member and past president of Anna-Jo Garden Club, life member of the Garden Clubs of Illinois, and served on the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Townsend F. Dodd American Legion Auxiliary, Carroll P. Foster VFW Auxiliary 3455, Union County Home Extension, Jonesboro Homemakers, Pi Lambda Theta sorority, National Honor and Professional Association in Education and was a 4-H leader for the Busy Maids.
She began volunteer work in Elgin where she sponsored activities for veterans in the hospital. After retiring she continued working with veterans at the Marion VA Hospital, where she volunteered 11,200 hours.
Survivors include a sister, Louise Rich.
She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and three brothers.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from noon to time of service Saturday at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Revs. Darren Casper and Doug Bridgeman officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery.
--Transcribed 2007 A. Newell.

ALVIN C. KELLER

KISSIMMEE, FL--ALVIN C. KELLER, 78, 320 N. Mitchell St., Kissimmee, died Friday, March 31.
Mr. Keller was a retired truck driver for Sears, Roebuck and Co. Born in Dongola, Ill., he was a winter resident of Central Florida since 1955.
Survivors: daughters, Nancy J. Keller-Anderson, Melrose Park, Ill., Susan Keller-Donlan, Poinciana; son, Alvin G., Carson City, Nev.; two sisters, three brothers and one grandchild. Grissom Funeral Home, Kissimmee.
--Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - April 1, 1995

ANNA M. PETERS KELLER

Lincoln, NE–ANNA M. KELLER, 97, Lincoln, died Thursday (7/28/05). Born, March 12, 1908, in Balcom, Ill., to Carl and Matilda Peters. Graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in Illinois and Speedway Business School in St. Louis. Lived at Tabitha Health Care facility for last eight years.
Member: Sheridan Lutheran Church, Sheridan Senior Fellowship, Sheridan adult Bible study, Sheridan Hope Circle. Post mistress at Balcom, Ill., for eight years before her marriage. Pastor's administrative assistant, Women of the ELCA prayer chain, Amazing Grays. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, gardening, walking, baking bread, sports and fishing.
Survivors: son, Dr. Eugene E. Keller, Rochester, Minn.; daughters, Patricia Wanek, Estes Park, Colo., Nancy and spouse Larry Forsberg, Lincoln; sister, Carlene Schluter, Gifford, Ill.; grandchildren, Pamela Wanek, Scott Wanek, Christine Broughton, Mark Keller, David Keller, Margaret "Maggie" Canup, Michael Forsberg, Michelle Forsberg; great-grandchildren, Buster, Louie, Elsa, Emme; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by: parents; husband, Pastor Edward Keller.
Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sheridan Lutheran Church. Pastor Greg Bouvier and Pastor Tim Wiggins. Lincoln Memorial Park. Visitation: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. today, Butherus, Maser & Love funeral home, 4040 A Street.
--Lincoln Journal Star (NE) - July 29, 2005; transcribed by A. Newell, 2008.

FREEMAN ALEX KELLER

ANNA --FREEMAN ALEX KELLER, 81, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, after a short illness at Union County Hospital in Anna. He was born in Coulterville, (Ill.) July 31, 1923, a son of Andrew and Jennie (Hodge) Keller. He married Marjorie Liske on Jan. 27, 1943, and she survives. Freeman was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Carrol P. Foster VFW Post 3455. Freeman was a World War II veteran, having served with the 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion with Patton's Third Army. He retired from Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling after 30 years of service. After retiring and moving to Anna, he worked as a custodian for Mount Moriah Lutheran Church while pursuing varied interests including automobiles, traveling, tinkering and square dancing.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Keller of Anna; sons, Alex 'Mike' (Linda) Keller of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Marvin (Mary Ann) Keller of Tiskilwa; Jerry (Alice) Keller of Makanda; daughter, Eileen (Lance) Noone of Mahomet; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Yonia McClain of St. Libory and Viola Bittle of Chico, Calif.; nieces; nephews; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and two brothers. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anna, with Monsignor Dennis Schaefer and Dr. Richard Hertenstein officiating. Interment will be in National Cemetery in Mound City with full Military Honors by the Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Crain Funeral Home in Anna. Prayer service will be at 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
--Source: Charleston County Daily Times-Courier & Mattoon Journal-Gazette Sep 25 2004; contributed by Jerry Cowley.

JOSEPHINE KELLEY

MISS JOSEPHINE KELLEY was born ?May 4, 1859 near Dongola and passed away at the home of her sister, Mrs. Edna Carlock in Dongola, April 23, 1932, aged 72 years, 11 months, 19 days. She was the oldest child of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Kelley, whose home was in the Mission Chapel community.
She professed faith in Christ about 22 years ago and united with Mission Chapel Baptist church. Later after making her home in Dongola, she moved her membership to the First Baptist Church of Dongola, where she remained a consistent member until death. She was faithful to her Lord and the church, and was loved and held in high esteem by the members and will be missed in services. She had been in poor health for a long time but bore her sufferings with great patience.
She leaves to mourn her departure four sisters, Mrs. Octavia Frost of Jonesboro; Mrs. Harriet Russell and Mrs. Martha Frost of Cypress and Mrs. Edna Carlock of Dongola; one brother, John Kelley of Anna; and a number of other relatives and a large circle of friends.
The funeral was held at the First Baptist church at 2 p.m., Monday, April 25, conducted by Rev. W. J. Ward, assisted by Rev. H. W. Karraker, followed by burial in Union cemetery, four miles west of town.
Rev. and Mrs. Leonard Russell and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Penrod of Cypress attended the funeral of Miss Josephine Kelley.
--Transcribed and contributed by Robert O. Grondin, taken from obituaries and newspaper clippings found in the family Bible of Daniel M. Kelley and Sarah A. Ferguson Kelley.

WINIFRED R. KELLEY

TARPON SPRINGS, FL--WINIFRED R. KELLEY, 89, of Tarpon Springs died Sunday at home. A native of Jefferson, Wis., she moved to the area 30 years ago from Jonesboro, Ill. She owned a motel and restaurant in Jonesboro, and was a member of River Village Mobile Home Civic Association and St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Tarpon Springs.
She is survived by a son, Merle Williams of Tarpon Springs; three sisters, Gertrude Munoschau of Jefferson, Phyllis Ausmus of Pleasanton, Calif., and Betty Tropp of Palm Harbor; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
North Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.
--Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - March 25, 1992

AGNES V. KERKA

SEWARD, AK--Private services were held Saturday for AGNES V. KERKA of Seward, who died June 28 at Providence Hospital.
She was born Dec. 17, 1915, in Dongola, Ill., and had lived in Alaska since 1952. She was retired, having worked as a commercial representative for General Telephone.
She is survived by her husband, Stanley Kerka of Seward; four brothers, Paul Wilkerson of Seattle, Earl Wilkerson of Clarkston, Wash., Carroll Wilkerson of Sedro Wooley, Wash. and William Wilkerson of Lewiston, Idaho; and a sister, Beverly Heimzerling of Spokane, Wash.
Local arrangements were by Evergreen Memorial Chapel.
--Anchorage Daily News (AK) - June 30, 1986

Vesta Kerr

Vesta (Vancil) Kerr, 84, died 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2006, in Union County Nursing Home.
She was born Aug. 19, 1921, to Roy S. and Alice (Smith) Vancil. She married Raymond "PeeWee" Kerr on Sept. 23, 1943. He preceded her in death on Aug. 30, 1992.
She was a member of Saratoga Methodist Church. She worked at International Shoe Co. for several years.
She is survived by her brother, Orval (Marilyn) Vancil of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; sister, Berniece Hileman of Columbia; three stepchildren, Doris Hansen, Bill Kerr and Jerry Ray Kerr; several stepgrandchildren and step great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Wanda Lee Helms and Alice Virginia Vancil and one brother, Sidney Wayne Vancil.
Services will be 1 p.m. today in Crain Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Joe Hankla officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
--Transcribed by Brenda Neely, 2006.

VELMA L. KETCHAM

ST. PETERSBURG, FL--VELMA L. KETCHAM, 59, of 6118 Fourth Ave. S, St. Petersburg, died Friday (June 29, 1990) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. She was born in Wolf Lake, Ill., and came here in 1968 from Green Valley, Ill.
She was a sales clerk in the fabric department at the former Zayres store on Ninth Avenue N. She was a Baptist.
Survivors include her husband, James; two daughters, Loretta Wilcoxen, Fort Knox, Ky., and Kathryn Panagiotacos, St. Petersburg; a son, James Jr., Atlantic Beach; three brothers, Earl Butterfield, Orlando, Carl Butterfield, South Elgin, Ill., and Charles Butterfield, Mountain Home, Idaho; two sisters, Myrtle Vogel, Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Judy Keowin, Murphysboro, Ill.; and seven grandchildren.
Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home, Gulfport.
--St. Petersburg Times (FL) - June 30, 1990

VIRGINIA WINN KIMBRO

Belleville, IL--Virginia Kimbro, 77, of Belleville, formerly of Anna, died at noon Friday in the St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville. She was born Feb. 22, 1897 in Jonesboro, to James and Luvina Sadler Winn. She was married to Francis Kimbro who preceded her in death in 1953.
She is survived by a daughter, Veste Hassard, Belleville; three sisters, Ollie Brown, Anna, Jessie Pearl, Jonesboro, and Betsy McLane, Edwardsville; four grandchildren and12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the McCarty Funeral Home, Anna. The Rev. Peter Hsu will officiate with burial in the Anna Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home today after 3 p.m.
--Courtesy the SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN, SUNDAY, APRIL 28,1974, contributed by Pat Hardenstine, 2008.

CORNWALL KIRKPATRICK

ST. PETERSBURG, FL–CORNWALL KIRKPATRICK, 79, of Indian Rocks Beach, died Sunday (May 17, 1998) at home. He was born in Anna, Ill., and came here in 1980 from Chicago. He was an Army veteran.
Survivors include three daughters, Margaret Downing, Largo, Bonnie Jean Kinder, Bedford, Ind., and Christine White, Cincinnati; three sons, Michael, Largo, Lee, Dunedin, and Cornwall IV, Newnan, Ga.
National Cremation Society, Clearwater.
--St. Petersburg Times (FL) - May 22, 1998

HUBERT B. KLUGE

JONESBORO, Ill. -- HUBERT B. KLUGE, 68, died Saturday morning at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He retired from Galesburg State Hospital, where he was a janitor.
He was a Korean War Air Force veteran and a member of the Anna American Legion.
Surviving are a sister, Frances Werner of Anna; a brother, Kenneth B. of Rockford; and nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Aly Funeral Home in Golconda, with burial in Golconda Odd Fellows Cemetery, where Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9227 and Anna American Legion will conduct military rites.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m today at the funeral home.
--Evansville Courier & Press (IN) - February 15, 1998

IMOGENE R. KNEIP

dove

Channahon, IL--IMOGENE R. KNEIP (NEE DILLOW) Age 65. Passed away Friday, April 18, 1997 in Champaign, IL. Born April 24, 1931 in Anna, IL to the late Tulley and Beulah Dillow.
A resident of Channahon for over 30 years. Retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co., of Joliet in 1996 after 30 years of service. Previously employed by the Florsheim Shoe Co. in Anna, IL. Member of the Machinists Union No. 851.
Beloved wife of Lynwood Kneip of Channahon; loving mother of Brenda (Roy) Jourdon of Winfield, LA, Katherine (Curtis) Carey of Channahon, Karen (Chatwell) Jones of Shorewood; proud grandmother of Kristopher, Patricia Kay, Joshua and Bo; sister of Isabelle Lence and Lorene Jenkins. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Preceded by her parents; sisters, Maude Vidal, Lillian Edgar, Esther Thorne, and Virginia Yarnell.
Funeral Services for Imogene Kneip will be Tuesday, April 22, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. at the West Chapel. Interment at Willard Grove Cemetery, Channahon, IL. Visitation will be Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES WEST CHAPEL 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet.
--Herald News, The (Joliet, IL) - April 21, 1997; transcribed by A. Newell, 2007.

DELLA MAE KNUPP

    Della Mae Toler Knupp was born December 25, 1880, and departed this life May 12, 1946, at the age of 65 years, 4 months, and 17 days, at her home in Anna.
    She was united in marriage May 16, 1901 to Carsus Durham, to this union three children were born, one preceded her in death.
    She was later united in marriage to William D. Knupp, November 13, 1912, to this union five children were born, one preceded her in death.
    She leaves to mourn her departure, one sister, Mrs. Mary A. Daugherty of Advance, Mo; six children namely: Albert Durham of Chester, Ill.; Myrtle Burten of Jonesboro, Ill.; Walter Knupp of Tamms, Ill.; Everett Knupp of Lincoln, Ill.; Ellen Burten of Tamms; and Velma Griffin of DuQuoin, Ill.; one foster-son, Oliver Knupp; twenty grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
    The last few years of her life she loved and talked of the church most of the time. She will sadly be missed by all who knew her.
    Funeral services were conducted at the Oneness Pentecostal Church in Anna, by the Pastor, Rev. Bennie Jones.
--Contributed by Larry Toler, 2008.

GILBERT HARRELL KNUPP

Anna, Ill.--Gilbert Harrell Knupp, 95, of Anna died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 at Union County Hospital.
He was born April 21, 1912 in Anna, son of John J. and Bertha Wiggs Knupp. He and Nellie Louise Wilkins were married Aug. 26, 1948 in Cobden, Ill.
Knupp was a 1931 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. He was employed by Kroger Co. 20 years. He owned and operated Knupp's Food Center for three years and was employed by the state of Illinois as a supervising meat inspector in Southern Illinois. He was a director at First National Bank of Jonesboro, Ill. from 1981 to 2003. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, life member and past commander of Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 in Anna, member of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge 111 AF & AM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Lodge Council Consistory, Valley of Southern Illinois, Belleville, Ill., AINAD Temple, AAONMS of East St. Louis and Oasis Shrine Club.
Knupp served in the U. S. Army from March 1941 to September 1945 and participated in the campaigns of Luzon, Southern Philippines and Guadalcanal.
Survivors include his wife. He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Masonic service will be at 2 p.m.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Clifford Heil officiating. Burial will be in Anna City Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 3455.
--Transcribed by A. Newell, 2009.

LORAINE C. KOLACY

ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FL–LORAINE C. KOLACY, 83, of St. Petersburg Beach, died Thursday (Oct. 31, 1991) at a local nursing home.
She was born in Dongola, Ill., and came here in 1953 from Bloomfield, N.J. She was a registered nurse. She was a member of Pasadena Community Church.
Survivors include two sons, Charles, St. Petersburg, and Keith, Port Townsend, Wash.; a daughter, Gloria St. Clair, Reno, Nev.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Alan R. McLeod Funeral Directors, St. Petersburg.
--St. Petersburg Times (FL) - November 1, 1991

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