M. Louise Nelson

M. Louise Nelson, age 91, formerly of Kirkwood, Illinois, died at 1:45 pm on Monday, March 30, 2015 at the Roseville Nursing and Rehab Center in Roseville, Illinois. 

She was born on February 8, 1924 in Kirkwood, Illinois and is the daughter of Mannie and Lillian L. Erlandson Rask. She was raised in Oneida, Illinois where she attended school and graduated from the Oneida High School with the class of 1942. She then attended Western Illinois University at Macomb, Illinois. Louise married Vail P. Nelson on September 20, 1942 in Altona, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 8, 1961. Louise was confirmed in the Altona Lutheran Church as a girl and she and her husband began farming together near St. Augustine, Illinois. After Vail's death Louise attended and received her teacher's certification and was a teacher for the Kirkwood and Yorkwood grade schools and finally at the Roseville Elementary School. She became a member of First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, Illinois and a member of the Warren County Home Bureau. Over all Louise assisted in the family farming operations in both grain and livestock for thirty-five years locally. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Louise (Jim) Johnson and Judith Elaine Ross, both of Kirkwood, Illinois. Two sons, Ron Vail (Sue) Nelson of Kirkwood, Illinois and Douglas Edward (Kris) Nelson of Little York, Illinois. There are nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren surviving. One brother survives, Lowell (Marilyn) Rask of Victoria, Illinois. She is preceded in her death by her parents, husband, one brother, one sister, and one grandson, one niece and one nephew.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 am at the First Lutheran Church of Monmouth, Illinois on Saturday April 4, 2015. Interment will be in the Monmouth Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 am prior to the service at First Lutheran Church. In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established for the First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, Illinois. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements. To leave a condolence or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com

Richard “Rick” E. Hills

Richard “Rick” E. Hills, 58 of rural Abingdon, died Saturday evening, March 28, 2015 at his home.

  He was born March 15, 1957 in Galesburg, the son of Virgil R. and Elnora June Harmon Hills.  He married Teresa Fishel on March 14, 1981 at the Congregational Church in Abingdon.

  Rick is survived by his wife of 34 years, Teresa; two daughters, Hollie Hills of Galesburg and Hannah (Michael) O’Connell of Davenport, Iowa ; one son, Joseph (Taylor Learned) Hills of Abingdon; 5 grandchildren, Chloe, Jamil, Skyler, Alex and Mylan; two sisters, Cheryl Porter of Abingdon and Catherine Hills of Abingdon; one brother, Clinton (Linda) Hills of rural Galesburg; his mother-in-law, Joyce Fishel of Abingdon, who Rick referred to as “his favorite mother-in-law”; and nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Bob Fishel.

  He had lived in the Abingdon area all his life.  He attended Abingdon High School and later attended Carl Sandburg College where he studied computers and Industrial Electricity.  He worked at Briggs Manufacturing in Abingdon for several years until it closed and later at Caterpillar in Mossville.  He currently worked at Mid-State Manufacturing in Galesburg. 

  He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, though he would applaud anyone who beat the Packers.  Rick was an outdoorsman.  He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and observing wildlife.  He loved his family and spending time with his grandkids and his pets.

  Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Abingdon Cemetery.  Rev. Jeff Robbins will officiate.  Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel and the family suggests that those attending wear casual attire and sporting team apparel.

Memorials may be made to Abingdon Banty League or the family.  Online Condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Thomas M. Aldridge

Thomas M. Aldridge, 86, of Monmouth, IL died at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Cottage Hospital, Galesburg.

He was born March 21, 1929 in Warren County, IL the son of Charles M. and Marie (Coursey) Aldridge.  He was raised and educated in Warren County.

Tom served 27 years with the United States Army Air Force and later the Army from 1946 until 1973 where he earned the rank of Master Sargent.  He was a member of the 101^st Airborne and later the 82^nd Airborne.  He also served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam and was a member of the Green Berets for 17 year. He received numerous commendations including a Bronze Star and a Silver Star.

Thomas married Marian Goehl in Monmouth on July 29, 1950 and she died March 11, 2014.

Tom began working for local farmers in Warren County driving a tractor at age 9. Following his military service he worked for 20 years for Eagle Food Stores before finally retiring in 1995.

He was a member of the Monmouth VFW Post #2301, the Monmouth American Legion Post # 136 and the Quad Cities Eagle Club.  He enjoyed gardening and motorcycles. Tom owned the 1^st and 3^rd Harley Davidson motorcycles in Warren County.

Survivors include his 4 children, Terry J. (Brenda) Aldridge of Kirkwood, IL, Rick (Fawn) Aldridge of St. Augustine, IL, Ronnie (Michelle) Aldridge of Panama City, FL and Linda Cross of Monmouth; 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Josh Aldridge and granddaughter, Makayla Aldridge; sister, Martha Lovitt.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 2, 2015 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth where his family will be present from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Cremation will take place following the visitation.  Graveside committal services with Military Honors will be Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Warren County Memorial Park. Memorials may be given the Disabled American Veterans.  For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com   

Sandra K. Colwell

 Sandra K. Colwell, 70 of Abingdon, died at 7:40 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Care Center of Abingdon. 

  She was born on March 7, 1945 in Galesburg, the daughter of William “Ted” and Patricia Woollums DeJaynes.  She married Leroy Colwell on September 25, 1962 in Galesburg.  He preceded her in death on October 27, 2009.  She was also preceded in death by her father and two sisters, Debbie DeJaynes and Donna Dickerson.

  Sandra is survived by two sons, Jeff (Belinda) Colwell of Mediapolis, Iowa and Mike Colwell of Abingdon; one daughter, Shawn (Willy) McDorman of Abingdon; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; her mother, Patricia DeJaynes of Galesburg; one brother, Snook (Donna) DeJaynes of Abingdon; one sister, Kathy (Daryl) Alderman of Peoria; one brother-in-law, Dave Dickerson of Galesburg; and nieces and nephews.

  She lived in Abingdon all her life.  She was a homemaker and had worked as a cook at the Pantry Restaurant and the Hi-Lo Grocery Deli.  She had also worked at the Ordinance Plant in Middletown, Iowa.  She attended First Assembly of God Church in Abingdon.  Her hobbies included needlepoint work and spoiling her grandchildren.

  Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.  Rev. Russ Witkowski and Mrs. Eleanor Landon will officiate.  Burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel.

  Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God Church.  Online Condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Roy L. Toops

Mr. Roy L. Toops age 84 of Knoxville, Ill. died Thursday March 26, 2015 at 10:43 PM at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

He was born October 2, 1930 in Little York, Ill. the son of Jesse and Ida Bryant Toops. He married Constance Sayrs December 23, 1972 in Knoxville, Ill.

Roy is survived by his wife, sons Garry and Debbie Toops of Aledo, Ill., George “Chip” Toops of Las Vegas, Nv., step son Rick Sayrs of Creve Couer, Mo., daughter Linda and Jim Hartshorn of Galesburg, step daughters Lanni and Charles Hillery of Knoxville, Dici Spangler of East Galesburg, Terri and Jeff Oberman of Knoxville, and sixteen grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, one daughter, three brothers and five sisters.

He lived and attended school in Little York then moved to Monmouth and Galesburg before moving to Knoxville. He worked for Gale Products for twenty years, was a maintenance man and custodian for Knox County Nursing Home and for twenty three years at the First Christian Church. He retired in 2007. He played baseball in Monmouth and Little York for many years. He was an avid Cardinal Fan and enjoyed working in his garden.

Funeral service will be 10 AM Tuesday March 31, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. M.J. Fitch officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Monday evening at the chapel. Cremation will be accorded following services. A celebration of his life will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Nursing Home, the First Christian Church, or to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Dakota (Kody) James Taylor

Dakota (Kody) James Taylor, 20 of Monmouth died in a motorcycle accident in Galesburg, IL on March 26, 2015.

Kody was born on May 3, 1994 at Proctor Hospital in Peoria, IL. the son of  Joe and Jennifer (Howell) Taylor. He graduated from M-R High School in 2012. After graduation he worked for Independent Refrigeration & Heating and most recently Martin-Sullivan John Deere dealership in Galesburg.

His love and dream was to be a firefighter. He earned his certification as a first responder and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Central Warren Fire Protection District. He also volunteered as a 1st responder with the Alexis Ambulance Service. He currently was enrolled in a basic EMT class at OSF to further his goal of becoming a firefighter.

Another of his passions was his love of riding anything that went fast such as his dirt bikes, motorcycle or his snowmobile with his friends. He said many times how freeing and exhilarating it was when he was riding his bikes or motorcycle.

He cared deeply for his family and his friends. He always closed his conversations with his family with an “I love you”. He loved hanging out with his friends and was always there when a friend had a need. He also was fiercely protective of friends and family even when it sometime landed him in trouble. His personality lit up a room and sometimes was over the top. He had a playful streak that resulted in numerous pranks played on friends and family.

He was a member of Northwoods Community Church of Peoria. He gave his life to the Lord when he was at church camp in Michigan as an early teen. Our Kody now rests at peace in Jesus's arms.

He is survived by his father, Joe (Nikki) Taylor of Bloomington, mother Jennifer Taylor of Monmouth; his sister, Abbey Taylor of Monmouth; Grandparents, Jerry (Vicki) Howell of Showlow, AZ., Susan (Mick) Trevor of Monmouth, Cindy (Stan) Rybolt of Williamsfield, IL; Great-Grandmother Irene Norbits of Peoria, IL; Uncles Jon Howell of Connecticut, Roger Taylor of Peoria, Danny Midlam of Missouri; Aunts Linda Marchand of Peoria. IL., Judy Norbits of Ohio and numerous cousins, great-uncles and aunts.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2015 at McGuire and Davies Funeral Home and Crematory in Monmouth with Pastor Jack Toal officiating which will be followed by a Fireman’s Tribute Ride to Warren County Memorial Park. Friends may call Monday at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home where his family will be present from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Cremation will take place following the service. Memorials may be made to Firefighters Association Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

Mark Thomas Mendez

Mark Thomas Mendez, 49, of Dallas, TX, died Friday, March 20, 2015 at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX.

Mark was born October 14, 1965 in Galesburg, the son of Carlos F. and Lisa Belen (nee Martinez) Mendez.  Mark is survived by 1 brother, Carlos “Squeeky”, and wife Miram Mendez of Weston Florida; 4 sisters, Christine “Tina”, and husband Keith Patterson of The Colony, TX; Cynthia and husband Joel Olivarez of Round Rock, TX; Mona and husband Ron Sallom of Woodbury, NJ, and Mendi Mendez of Dallas, TX.  Mark is also survived by 7 nieces and nephews, Anthony Gorman and wife Alexandra; Daniel Hoyt and wife Brandy; Dana Gorman, Nikki Mendez, Talia Sallom, Chase Patterson, and Nicholas Sallom; 6 Step nieces and nephews, Miriam Cortes, Christian Cortes, Lyric Olivarez, ZJ Olivarez, and Erik Ortega; 5 great nieces and nephews, Dimitri Gorman, Cameron Hoyt, Cassidy Hoyt, Anthony T. Gorman, and Dominic Gorman.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thomas V. Mendez.

Mark was a scan analyst for Safeway Company in Dallas, TX for 10 years.  He then started a new career as an insurance agent, but became ill before he was able to pursue it.  Mark loved his home and was instrumental in starting a homeowners association for his neighborhood community in Dallas.  Mark was a member at La Catedral de Guadalupe in Dallas and was a faithful volunteer and found great solace in his faith.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Eulogies will be given at 7 p.m. with praying of the rosary following.  Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Rev. William T. Miller, IC will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

Richard E. Stotler

Richard E. Stotler, 84 of Abingdon, died at 12:45 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the Care Center of Abingdon.

  He was born August 26, 1930 in Loraine, Illinois, the son of Clarence Otto and Minnie Belle Wier Stotler.  He married Ella R. Johnson on November 19, 1950 in Abingdon.  She preceded him in death on December 7, 2000.  He was also preceded in death by his parents.

  Richard is survived by one daughter, Aleta (Rick) Anderson of Galesburgh; two grandchildren, Joseph (Linnea) Anderson and Alanna (David) Nalley; three great-grandchild, Nicholas, Noah and Bella Nalley; one brother, Thomas (Joyce) Stotler of Galesburg; two sisters, Luvena Walters of Bushnell and Anna Belle (Robert Max) Jones of Dunfermline.

  He had lived in Abingdon since 1949.  He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1950.  He served in the 308th 2^nd Aviation Depot Group of the Air Force during the Korean War as a Military Postal Worker.  He worked at Sears, the Abingdon Bank, Ellis Jewelers, as a farmhand, and at American Sanitary Manufacturing Company prior to working at OMC in Galesburg for 27 ½ years, where he was an experimental machinist.  He was a member of the United States Chess Federation.  His hobbies included fishing, gardening, carpentry work, tinkering, playing cards, taking pictures and bowling.

  Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.  Pastor Greg Fitch will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg.  Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel.

  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Linda “Red” Sugden

Linda “Red” L. Sugden, 60 of Abingdon, died at 1:50 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.

  She was born August 11, 1954 in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Richard and Dorothy Hunsberger.  She married Norman Sugden.  They later divorced.

  She is survived by Norman; a son, Daniel Sugden, of the US Army stationed in Killeen, Texas; a daughter, Diann Sugden of Macomb; a brother, Bill Hunsberger of Jacksonville, Florida; a niece, Tammy Lutche and a nephew, Carl “Tike” Swegan.  Red was a “mother figure” to Travis Bailey and Robert Jones as they were growing up.

  She was preceded in death by her parents, a bother and a sister.

  She was a homemaker and had lived in Abingdon the past 20 years.  She was of the Christian faith.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and she liked to go fishing.

  To celebrate her life, visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.  Cremation will be accorded following the visitation. 

  Memorials may be made to the family.  Online Condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Brenda E. K. (Flowers) Stutler

Brenda E. K. (Flowers) Stutler, age 89, died on Christmas Eve morning, 2014 at the Marigold Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Galesburg.

 

She was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England to Wilfred and Eleanor Maud “Nellie” (Tuffs) Flowers. She was their only child. Her education commenced early and by the age of 16 was already employed as personal secretary to a tax auditor in the British Social Service. As a teenager, she endured numerous air raids in Lynn and even survived a direct hit. She married her American fiancé, Bernard, in 1944. After WWII and her emigration to the US, her secretarial and people skills landed her a job in the Engineering Dept. at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. She eventually settled in Galesburg, starting her own family and becoming a highly respected executive secretary to the Director of the Traffic Dept. at Burlington Truck Lines. After divorcing in 1977, she is most likely to be remembered as the petite graveyard shift clerk who worked for over 20 years at the 24 hour convenience store (7-11 that later got bought out by the Quick Shop). After retiring (well into her seventies) she was a frequent product rep at many local grocery stores handing out free samples to the customers.

 

She was sadly preceded in death by her oldest son, Jeffrey, and is survived by her devoted daughter-in-law, Brenda and grandson, Brendan in Florida, and her younger son, Gary, and honorary son, David, in California. She is also survived and thought of with fondness by her many cousins in England. Brenda will be long remembered for her witty, sharp tongued turns of phrase, friendliness and satirical insight, but most likely for her being the 5 feet, 1 inch tall English lady, the one with the ageless, disarming and profoundly independent personality. She knew how to endure and she will be sorely missed.

 

Funeral services will be held at The Watson-Thomas Funeral Home 1849 N. Seminary Street on March 28^th at 1:30 pm. Celebration of life will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center.  Her family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to those members of the nurses and assistants at the Marigold who loved and cared for her accordingly for so many years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or for Animal Shelter in Galesburg.  Online condolences may be left at www.watsonthomas.com. 

Frances E. Ray

Frances E. Ray, 90, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 10:50 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2015 in Seminary Manor in Galesburg.

She was born June 2, 1924 in Kirksville, Missouri the daughter of Frederick A. and Tina Kay (Muder) Armstrong.  She married Jack Ray Hetz and later married Charles Russell Ray.  They both preceded her in death.

She is survived by a son, Brian Hetz of Ocala, Florida and two granddaughters, one grandson, and one great grandson.  In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sharon (Hetz) Mason; two brothers, Roderick and Richard; and her twin sister, Margaret.

Frances was a steno clerk for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 27 years, retiring in 1985.  She graduated from Kirksville High School in 1941, where she was inducted into the National Honor Society.  She attended Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College.  Frances was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Galesburg.  She was also a member of the Rebecca Parke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had served as its secretary and historian, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Galesburg Rescue Mission and had served as its vice president and secretary, and the Galesburg Women’s Club.  She also volunteered with the Knox County Humane Society. 

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Mark Peters and Scott Hanks officiating.  Burial will follow the funeral service in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Janis E. Haptonstall

Janis E. Haptonstall, 76, of Galesburg, formerly of Victoria, died at 12:38 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2015 in the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

 

She was born March 3, 1939 in Taylor Mines, Kentucky the daughter of Homer and Earleen (Daughtry) Embry.  She married Francis “Frank” Haptonstall on June 7, 1986 at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Galesburg.

She is survived by her husband, Frank of Galesburg; a son, Joseph (and Darlene) Raymond of Des Moines, Iowa; a daughter, Rachel Raymond of Marseilles, Illinois; five grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Hendrix of Galesburg.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jeff Raymond; and a brother-in-law, Stan Hendrix.

Janis and Frank “team drove” together for 21 years, mostly with DCM Transport.  They retired in June 2008.  Janis was a former member of Calvary Assembly of God Church and currently attended First Church of the Open Bible.  She enjoyed sewing, crafts, Swedish Weaving, quilting, and reading.

Cremation will be accorded.  Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at First Church of the Open Bible.  Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bob Malone officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in Victoria Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 N Illinois Route 91, Peoria, IL 61615.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is handling arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Shirley E. Ryan

Shirley E. Ryan, 87, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 2:55 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2015 in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.

She was born September 9, 1927 in Gilson, Illinois the daughter of John Edward “Eddie” and Emma May (Lewis) Boyer.  She married George F. Ryan on April 17, 1946 in Knoxville.  He preceded her in death May 22, 1998.

She is survived by two sons, David E. Ryan of Knoxville and Roger F. (and Vicki) Ryan of Galesburg; one granddaughter, Melissa L. (and Mark) Leffingwell of Denver, Colorado; and two great grandchildren, Rylie V. Leffingwell and Garrett R. Leffingwell. 

Shirley was primarily a homemaker, but had worked outside the home over the years at Admiral Corporation, Kanartex Corporation, Protexall Corporation, and First Christian Church in Galesburg.  She graduated from Haw Creek Township High School in Gilson in 1945.  She was a member of the First Christian Church in Knoxville.  She was always willing to assist others with transportation to church on Sunday.

Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Cemetery with Rev. David Shreeves officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church in Knoxville.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

David Lee Sturgeon

Mr. David Lee Sturgeon, 61, of Galesburg died at 4:05 pm Sunday, March 22, 2015 in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

He was born June 8, 1953 in Sterling, Illinois the son of Richard F. and Mary A. Lawrence Sturgeon. He was raised by his step father and his mother, Roy A. and Mary Hobbs. He married Rhonda L. Foster on April 5, 1992 in Galesburg. She survives.

Also surviving is his brother, Mike (Elaine) Sturgeon of Galesburg and their children, Josh (Trisha) Sturgeon and Kyle (Jessica) Sturgeon; his step children, Tamara Villarreal of East Galesburg and Samuel (Heather) Diefendorf of Galesburg; his four grandchildren, Danielle Diaz, Chad Miller, Lillian and Samuel Diefendorf II and his mother-in-law, Carole Herrmann of East Peoria. He is preceded in death by his parents, his step father, Roy A. Hobbs and his father-in-law Ronald Foster.

Dave worked as a mixologist for over 35 years, retiring June 2012. He had worked as a manager and bartender for several restaurants and bar establishments in the Galesburg area.  He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1971. He was a member of First Lutheran Church.  Dave was an avid golfer, Cubs fan and Bears fan. He was a music aficionado, knowing details of dates and musicians on a fair share of music groups of any genre. Dave would always be the one to add another log on the campfire.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 am Monday, March 30, 2015 at First Lutheran Church. Rev. Pamela Marolla will officiate. Visiation will be 2-4 pm Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Cremation will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the Lymphoma Leukemia Foundation . Online condolence may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

Paul A. Way, Jr.

Paul A. Way, Jr., 77 of Abingdon, died at 1:28 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2015 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

  He was born March 29, 1937 in Sandoval, Illinois, the son of Paul A. “John” and Flossie M. Wilmoth Way, Sr.  He married Sharon A. Suydam on July 1, 1955 at the Abingdon Christian Church.

  Paul is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon; two daughters, Paula (Jim) Horsley of Galva and Christine Callies of Abingdon; two sons, Timothy (Pam) Way of Abingdon and Todd (Irene) Way of Farmington; 9 grandchildren, including a granddaughter, Brandi (Mike) Watkins of Abingdon, who was raised in the home of  Paul and Sharon; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Wanita) Way of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jack Way and two sisters, Ruth Ann Ralston and Betty Morrison.

  He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1955 and helped spearhead the dedication of the Abingdon football field in Don Viar's name. He was also involved in the creation of the AHS Wall of Fame  in which he was later selected to be a member of this  Wall.   He managed the Wareco Gas/Convenient Store in Abingdon for over 30 years, retiring in April of 2001.  He was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church and served as a deacon.  He was a past member of the Jaycees and the Rotary Club and he served as an alderman for the City of Abingdon and as chairperson for the Knox County Housing Authority.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan.  He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and he liked fishing.  He was proud of his “NFL” grandson.  In his earlier years, he was active in the men’s fast pitch softball leagues in the area.  

  His celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Abingdon Christian Church, 409 S. Main St. in Abingdon.  Rev. Darryl McDaniel will officiate.  Burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. 

  Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Christian Church or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Donna L. Bratkovic

Donna L. Bratkovic, 77 of Monmouth, IL passed away Monday March 23, 2015, 3:52 am at O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center Peoria, IL.  She was born November 26, 1937 in Monmouth, IL the daughter of James L. and Lorina Ericksen Anderson.  She married James “Jim” Bratkovic on June 14, 1957, he preceded her on January 28, 2013.

 

She is survived by one daughter Kimberly (Brad) Underwood of Monmouth, IL and one son Jimmie M. (Amy Mesecher) Bratkovic of Monmouth, IL; one sister-in-law Julie (Kenneth) McDaneld of Monmouth, IL; and two nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

 

She graduated from Monmouth High School in 1956.  She worked for General Telephone Co. as a telephone operator.  She and her husband owned and operated rental properties in Monmouth.  She enjoyed to crochet afghans, and collect dolls.  She was a loving and caring mother and wife.  She loved her cats and she will especially be missed by Buttons.

 

Memorial service will be Friday March 27, 2015, 11:00 am at Hoover Hall Funeral Home Monmouth, IL.  Cremation rites have been accorded burial will be at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the Western Illinois Animal Rescue.  Online condolences may be made at www.hooverhall.com.  Wise Family-Hoover Hall Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Evelyn L. Brake

Mrs. Evelyn L. Brake, 95, of Galesburg, Ill. formerly of rural Gerlaw, Ill. died 8:31 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2015 at the Heritage Manor in Peru, Ill. 

She was born October 28, 1919 in rural Gerlaw, Ill. the daughter of Clarence and Lillian Issacson Johnson.  She married Harry N. Brake on January 16, 1941 at the First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, Ill.  He preceded her in death November of 2001. 

Surviving is a son, Rodney (and Stephanie) Brake of Galesburg, a daughter, Linda Parsons of Peru, Ill., two grandchildren, Angela (and Andrew) Colmone and Christopher Parsons, a step-grandchild, Doug Wilmot, and two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Dominic Colmone.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Kenneth Johnson. 

She graduated from Monmouth High School in 1937 and then was employed as a bookkeeper for Moore-Wells Grain Company and at the Monmouth Trust and Savings Bank.  When her husband was in the military service, she was a secretary in U.S. Government Civil Service at Fort Brady in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Fort Benning, Georgia and at the Mayo Army General Hospital Detachment of Patients office in Galesburg. 

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, a former member of the Esther-Eunice Circle and a former Sunday School teacher.  She was a member of the Warren-Henderson Homemaker’s Extension, a former volunteer at the Community Medical Center in Monmouth, a former member of the Science Hall Neighborhood Club and belonged to several card groups.  She and her husband traveled to several foreign countries and wintered in Texas, Arizona and Florida.  They enjoyed bowling, dancing, traveling and playing cards. 

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Rev. Keith Killinger will officiate.  Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery, Monmouth.  Visitation will be 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel.  Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church in Monmouth.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Mark T. Mendez

Mr. Mark T. Mendez, 49, of Dallas, TX formerly of Galesburg. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Philip Stanley Tiehen, Sr.

Philip Stanley Tiehen, Sr., 86, of Galesburg, died at 9:02p.m. Friday, March 20, 2015 at home.

Phil was born June 15, 1928 in Salina, NE the son Ambrose Alexander and Catherine (nee Schofield) Tiehen.  He married Rosemary Welch October 23, 1954 in Kansas City, MO.  Phil is survived by his wife of 60 years Rosie of Galesburg; four sons, Philip (Terry) Jr. of Galesburg, Joseph (Renee) of Brownsburg, IN, Patrick (Susan) of Shawnee, KS and Michael (Kim) of Sachse, TX; three daughters, Ann (Lawrence Kloc) Tiehen of Park Ridge, Rita (Marc) Tiehen-Salit of Lake Zurich, and Laura (David Wendler) Tiehen of Washington D.C.; and fourteen grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ambrose, Walsh, and Larry; and one sister, Norine Euston.

He served in the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean Conflict.  Philip graduated with a B.S. from University of Missouri, Columbia.  He worked as an accountant for over 30 years for Professional Management of Illinois.  He was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, member of Fr. J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556 serving on the building committee.  He was a history buff, enjoyed working on crosswords, and was an avid reader.  Philip also volunteered his time for Fish Food Pantry, Prairie Players, and Habitat for Humanity.  He was an avid golfer.  He and Rosie lived off the third tee at Oak Run for several years after retirement.  While living at Oak Run he and Rosie were members of the garden club and he served on the board of the property owner’s association.  Of all the things he did, most of all he enjoyed being with his family and surrounded by his children and grandchildren. 

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Eulogies will be read at 7 p.m. with praying of the rosary following.  A funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate. Cremation rites will follow the mass.  Memorials may be made to Fish Food Pantry.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com. 

Stanley R. Greeling

Stanley R. Greeling, 71, of Galesburg died at 2:50 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015 in Heartland Health Care Center.

He was born April 11, 1943 in Alton, Illinois the son of William A. and Margaret W. Phillips Greeling.

He is survived by a sister, Dorothy (and Dean) James of Alexis, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Becky (and David) Christensen, LeeAnn (and Jim) Johnson, Larry (and Becky) James, Denise (and Jon) Hubbert, Bill Patterson, Nancy (and Rick) Devinney, and Scott Patterson; and several great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Phyllis Greeling on December 10, 2014.

Stanley served in the U.S. Army for two years at Fort Knox, Fort Campbell, and served in Vietnam.

He worked for Gates Rubber Company, Gunther Products, and Sun Opta. He retired January of 2010. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961. Stanley was a member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. He enjoyed bowling, watching sports, and shopping for gifts to give to others. He was a member of God’s family through Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at the chapel. Pastor Curt Lipe will officiate.  Burial with Military Honors will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Rushville Cemetery in Rushville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Phyllis J. Hultgren

Phyllis J. Hultgren, age 80, of Oquawka, Illinois, died at 12:30 pm on Friday, March 20, 2015 at The Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. 

She was born on August 5, 1934 in Burlington, Iowa and is the daughter of Mary Dixon. Phyllis was raised in Carman, Illinois in Henderson County and attended and graduated from Monmouth High School with the Class of 1952. She was previously married to George Hultgren in November of 1955 in Burlington, Iowa. Phyllis began work at Western Stoneware Company in Monmouth. She has served as Village Clerk in Oquawka, Illinois for many years. She also was employed as secretary for the Law Office of William Nolan in Oquawka, Illinois for many years. Phyllis was last employed as the office Manager at Field and Forrest owned by Willett Wandell in Oquawka, from which she retired.

Phyllis is survived by four daughters, Joni (Mike Ruberg) Alecock of Oquawka, Illinois; Lori (Jim) Thornton of Chillicothe, Illinois; Julie (Mike Meyer) John of Oquawka, Illinois; and Lanie Hultgren of Oquawka, Illinois. She has five grandchildren, Tracie (Tim) O'Brien, Terri John, Ryan and Kelsey Thornton, and Hannah Alecock surviving and Five Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in her death by her mother, her half sister, Daylene Wenzel, and a number of aunts and uncles.

A graveside service and interment will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11:30 am at the Oquawka Cemetery. Pastor Mark Baker will officiate. No visitation or calling hours are currently planned by her family. Arrangements are being planned by the Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. A memorial fund is being established for Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. To leave a condolence or for more in formation please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com

Dennis L. Hetlet

Dennis L. Hetlet, age 72, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at OSF St.Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 4:38 pm. 

Dennis was born on July 16, 1942 in Canton, SD and is the son of Olaf and Lily Mignon (Enger) Hetlet. He was reared and educated in Arlington, SD and graduated from the Arlington High School with the Class of 1960. Dennis proudly served his country with the United States Navy for six years. On May 28, 1977 Dennis married Dixie L. Abbott in Zion, Illinois and she preceded him in death on October 14, 2004. He worked for 32 years as a die caster at OMC in Waukegan, Illinois retiring in 1996. Dennis was also employed for a number of years at IMI MRC Cornelius in Monmouth.

 Dennis is survived by three sons; Jeff (Linda) Norman of Zion, IL, Robert (Kathy) Hetlet of Fulton, MS, and Chad (Kathy) Hetlet of Sugar Grove, IL, his mother; Lily Hetlet of South Dakota, seven Grandchildren, one great-grandchild, Brandon, two sisters; Carol (Dick) Cope of Brandon, South Dakota . and Linda (Bruce) Grieme of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and one brother Jerry (Jean) Hetlet of Baltic, SD. A number of nieces also survive. 

He was preceded in death by his father and his wife.

A funeral service is planned for 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. His family plans to receive friends at the funeral home from 9:00-11:00 am prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow in the Monmouth Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established by his family. For more information or to leave the family a condolence, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com

John Richardt Spealman, Jr.

John Richardt Spealman, Jr., of Wataga, died suddenly doing what he loved, working, in Dubuque, IA, Thursday March 19, 2015.

John was born February 4, 1944 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of John Richardt and Mollie Ann Fischer Spealman, Sr.  After graduating high school, John went on to attend the University of Nebraska.  While in college he was in the Navy ROTC program.  John eventually went to work for BNSF, a career that lasted 40 years.  He retired in 2004 as a mechanical supervisor.  John tried retirement, but his love for work and never being able to have idle hands, sent him back into the workforce.  He went to work for EMR and currently was working for Sunpro as a hazmat and environmental specialist.

John married the love of his life, Yvonne Marie Fox on November 11, 1972 in White Bear Lake, MN.  She survives of Wataga.  John is also survived by one son, Randy (Corrine) Dunn of Lino Lakes, MN; two sisters, Joyce (Jon) Hedges of West Burlington, IA and Patricia (Jack) Busbee of Harlan, IA; two grandchildren, Cassandra (Glen) Yoder and Anthony John (Courtney  Mille) Dunn; and four great grandchildren, Kiryn, Annie Grace, Wesley John, and Owen Daryl. He is also survived by two sisters in law, Carletta Fox and Patricia Marier both of St. Paul, MN and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

John was a Christian man and enjoyed attending church, he also sang in many different church choirs over the years.  He was a third degree member A.F. & A.M. #54, Lincoln, NE.  He loved to boat and fish and working in the yard.  He also dearly loved his dogs, but most of all, John loved to be with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  Private family services will be held in Minneapolis, MN.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Knox County Humane Society, 1855 Windish Dr., Galesburg, IL 61401.  Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com. 

Betty Jean (Rountree) Morey

Betty Jean (Rountree) Morey, of Kirkwood, IL died at 5:15 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79 years young.

Betty was born June 26, 1935 in Monmouth, IL the daughter of Samuel Charles and Beulah Mae (Clark) Rountree.  She was raised and educated in Monmouth.

Betty married Harry Lee Morey in Eldora, IA on November 19, 1952 and he preceded her in death March 7, 1998.

Betty worked for Formfit and Meling’s Motel both in Monmouth. She later became an excellent and gifted Portrait Consultant for Olan Mills. After 12 years of helping families choose their portrait memories, she retired in 1996.

Betty loved traveling with her family and friends, from Florida to Vegas, Maine to Alaska, she enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new people. She spent the rest of her free time going to the casino, baking for her family, talking with her friends, but nothing brought her greater joy than to be surrounded by her family. With an easy smile, ready laugh and welcoming hug, she was known to all as “mom” or “Grandma Betty.” She never knew a stranger, making friends everywhere she went. She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her daughters, Carol (Daniel) Kane of Smithshire and Vicki (Danny) Spence of Monmouth; 6 grandchildren, Joe (Cindy) Kane of Little York, Julia (Josh) Springer of Metamora, Jeanie (Craig) Campbell of Smithshire, Holly Spence of Monmouth, Jackie Spence of Peoria and Brad Spence of Little York; 11 great grandchildren, Ashleigh Brown, William Kane, Lauren Kane, Jack Kane, Andrew Springer, Emma Springer, Chloe Springer, Samuel Springer, Kyle Campbell, Shaila Campbell and Evie Campbell; brother, Sonny Huff of Mesa AZ; sisters, Donna Skivers and Peg Huff of Monmouth.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Jack Rountree.

Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth with Msgr. Tom Mack officiating.  Friends may call Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth where her family will be present from 5:00 to7:00 p.m.  Memorials may be given to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Raritan or the Little Cedar Church, Little York. Online condolences may be left at www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.