ROBERT F. HERREN
(1915-2002)
PEKIN - Robert F. "Bob" Herren, 86, of 107 Tremont Street in Hopedale, died at 3:36 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2002 at the Hopedale Nursing Home. He was formerly of Pekin and Peoria.
Born November 18, 1915 in Pekin to Frank and Susie Bush Herren, he married Ruth A. Weyhrich on August 1, 1948 in Pekin.
Surviving is his wife of East Peoria and numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents; two brothers, Paul Herren and John Herren; and one sister, Clarissa "Babe" Natterstad, preceded him in death.
Mr. Herren was a World War II Army Air Force veteran serving with the 33rd fighter squadron in the Pacific Theater. He attained the rank of Tech Sergeant.
He was employed at Caterpillar, Inc. for 33 years, retiring in 1978 as a supervisor in the engine test operations facility at the Mossville Tech Center.
A resident of Sun City West, Arizona from 1979 to 1995, he was a member of the Sun City West American Legion Post No. 94. He also was a member of the 5th Air Force Memorial Foundation, Inc.
He was a member of the Fountain of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona.
He enjoyed playing cards.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Marvin L. Lorenz will officiate. Cremation will be accorded. Burial of ashes will be in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Concordia Theological Seminary, 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825.
PAUL L. COOPER
(1917-2002)
PEKIN - Paul Lewis Cooper, 84, of 1321 Chestnut Street in Pekin, died at 5:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2002 at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Born April 7, 1917 in Pekin to John and Irma Dowell Cooper, he married Edith M. Lindstrom on February 3, 1939 in Burlington, Iowa. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Larry D. Cooper of Willington, Florida and Randy L. (Jean) Cooper of Rockford; one daughter, Paula S. (Ken) Ketelsen of Morton; three grandchildren, Patrick (Laura) Cooper of Freemont, California, Jean Marie Cooper of New York City and David C. Ketelsen of Morton and two sisters, Bette Wallinger and Hellyn Sarek, both of Pekin.
Mr. Cooper was preceded in death by his parents.
A graduate of Pekin Community High School, he was a member of the Class of 1936.
He worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 35 years, retiring in 1981 as a manager of accounts payable in the general offices.
He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 1271 in Pekin. He also was a member of the Caterpillar Retirees Club.
He was a member of First Christian Church in Pekin.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2002 at First Christian Church in Pekin. The Rev. Robert N. Brite, Jr. will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Entombment will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
FREDRICK S. MORAN
(1924-2002)
PEKIN - Fredrick Steven "Fred" Moran, 77, of 3813 Evergreen Court, died at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born August 28, 1924 in Augusta Springs, Virginia to William and Maude Alice Kirts Daley, he married Emma Mae Bollegar on February 21, 1946 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are his mother of Fishersville, Virginia; two sons, W. Barry Moran of Chicago and F. Mark Moran of Tucson, Arizona; two daughters, Barbara Ann Wilcox of Covington, Georgia and Marsha Mae (Dennis R.) Gilbert of Peoria; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one sister, Evelyn (Wyatt) Miller of Baltimore, Maryland.
His father and four brothers preceded him in death.
A World War II Army veteran, he served in the Philippines, New Guinea and Luzon as a combat engineer.
He was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. from 1946 until retiring in September of 1989, where he was a staff engineer in the planning department, building x.
He was a member of William Schaefer American Legion Post No. 44 and the Disabled American Veterans. He also was a member of the Caterpillar Retirees Club and the National Rifle Association.
He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.
Private services will be Monday, March 18, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Gaylord E. Buss will officiate. Public visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tributes Program, Dept. 77-3968, Chicago, Illinois 60678-3968.
BETTY J. GREENE
(1930-2002)
MARQUETTE HEIGHTS - Betty Jo Greene, 71, of 108 Partridge Road died at 6:25 p.m., March 12, 2002 at Pekin Hospital.
Born December 31, 1930 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to William H. and Ollie Anna Lowe Myers, she married Charles D. Greene on October 2, 1948 in Marietta, Georgia.
Surviving are her husband; 1 daughter, Karen Ann Underwood of Marquette Hts.; 1 son, Mark Dwaine (Hyecha) Greene of Gurnee, Illinois; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother, John D. (Patsy) Myers of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Mrs. Greene worked as a telemarketer for Neighborhood Periodical Club of Mid-America in Peoria for 12 years, retiring in 2000. She was a member of Marquette Heights Baptist Church and Order of the Easter Star, Cloverleaf Chapter #1002 in East Peoria.
Cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 16, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. H. David Clark will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial of ashes will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to World Vision, P.O. Box 70200, Tacoma, Washington 98481-200.
BEVERLY C. FRANKS
(1918-2002)
PEKIN - Beverly Corrine Franks, 83, of 1622 Summit Drive, Pekin, died at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2002 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital.
Born October 20, 1918 in Taylorville to Alvin and Elizabeth Davis Jones, she married Irving Mark Franks on July 15, 1939 in Pekin. He died October 8, 1989 in Pekin. One infant sister (Florence Jones) also preceded her in death.
Surviving are three sons, Tom M. (Margaret) Franks of Chesterfield, Missouri, Robert I. Franks of Naperville, and Michael A. (Jan) Franks of Pekin; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Wilma (Lowery) Maloney of Moline and Betty (Bill) Bock of Pekin.
Mrs. Franks worked as a payroll clerk for the Tazewell County Clerk's office in Pekin from 1964 to 1976. She previously worked in the Tazewell County Treasurer's office and in the office of the American Distilling Company.
She was a member of the Tazewell County Democratic Woman's Club and a former member of the Sunset Hills Country Club in Pekin. She had played in the ladies golf leagues at Sunset Hills Country Club and Parkview Golf Course, both in Pekin.
She attended First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2002 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour prior to services. The Rev. Terry C. Edele will officiate. Entombment will be in Lakeside Mausoleum in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Drive, Suite 403, Decatur, Illinois 62526 or to the charity of the donors choice.
EDNA L. TEBBEN
(1915-2002)
PEKIN - Edna L. Tebben, 86, of Pekin, died at 1:42 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at Pekin Hospital.
Born June 8, 1915 in Pekin to Walter F. and Winifred Gay Hecker, she married Robert T. Tebben on October 20, 1934 in Pekin. He died May 16, 1985 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Burl Hecker and one grandson.
Surviving are one son, R. David (Denise) Tebben of Pekin; two daughters, Sharon G. (Dr. John) Sombeck of Pekin and Ardis B. (Jerry) Roman of Barrington; twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
A homemaker, she worked as a clerk in earlier years for the Central Book & Toy Store in downtown Pekin.
She was a charter member and past president of the Pekin Junior Women's Club. She was a former board member of the YWCA in Pekin. She also had been an active member of the Peoria Players.
She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin, where she was a member and past president of the Corona Society. She also served her church as a longtime Sunday school teacher.
She was an avid bridge player.
A memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where friends may call from noon until time of service. The Rev. Dwight E. Borden will officiate. Cremation will be accorded. Private burial of ashes will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 101 North 8th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
ESTHER M. BLACKWELL
(1912-2002)
PEKIN - Esther Mae Blackwell, 89, a resident of Westminster House in Kingwood, Texas, died 5:35 a.m., Monday March 11, 2002 in Kingwood.
She was born St. Patrick's day, March 17, 1912 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Eugene "Blackie" Blackwell.
Surviving are two sons, Charles (Winona) Blackwell of Kingwood and Robert (Cassandra) Blackwell of Pekin; one daughter, Dorothy (Craig) Witte of Bloomington; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be private. Cremation will be accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to Northeast Hospice Services, 18951 Memorial, North in Humble, Texas 77338
Arrangements by Kingwood Funeral Home, Kingwood, Texas. Obituary information provided by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
DONALD L. WAGNER
(1924-2002)
PEKIN - Donald Lewis Wagner, 78, of 1531 Glendale Avenue, died at 8:33 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2002 at his residence.
Born February 27, 1924 in Green Valley to George Anderson and Myrtle Gertrude Halsey Wagner, he married Suzanna Shay on October 12, 1946 in Green Valley. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Dale D. (Barbara) Wagner of Pekin; two daughters, Diana L. (Ronald) Tomevi of Pekin and Darla S. Farnam of Aurora, Colorado; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Darlene (Robert) Meskimen of Pekin and two brothers, Bruce (Ruby) Wagner of San Jose and Keek Wagner of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and three sisters.
He was a World War II Army veteran, serving with the 167th combat engineers in the European Theater. He loved his country and was proud to have served.
Mr. Wagner farmed in Malone Township, Tazewell County since 1955. He retired from farming in 1984. He also was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, where he retired from research at the proving grounds in 1976.
He was a member of the Tazewell County Farm Bureau.
He attended Pekin Bible Church.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2002 at Pekin Bible Church. The Rev. Richard W. Jones will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be in Green Valley Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded.
Memorials may be made to Pekin Bible Church, 2405 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
RONALD F. MOESSNER
(1950-2002)
PEKIN - Ronald Frank Moessner, 51, of 68 Grove Place, died at 3:13 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2002 at his residence.
Born July 5, 1950 in Chicago to William and Caroline Karner Moessner, he married Nancy M. Grimmer on October 20, 1973 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Courtney M. Moessner of Long Beach, California; one son, Alex R. Moessner of Tempe, Arizona and one sister, Karen (Mark) Johnson of Snowmass, Colorado. His parents preceded him in death.
A 1968 graduate of Morgan Park High School in Chicago, he was a 1972 graduate of Western Illinois University in Macomb with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in special education.
He was a partner with Indoff, Inc of St. Louis, Missouri working in their material handling division.
He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Pekin and was a board member for the Pekin Housing Authority. He had coached softball and baseball for the Pekin Union Mission at Shade Park. He was a former member of the YWCA Advisory Board and had served as co-chair for a past YWCA fundraising drive.
He enjoyed golf, tennis and travel.
He was a member of Peace Memorial United Church of Christ in Palos Park and attended Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.
His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Krista L. Brockman will officiate. There will be no visitation. Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brain Tumor Research Fund in care of the University of Illinois School of Medicine at Peoria, Department of Neurosurgery or to the Pekin Union Mission.
ROBERTA H. "MISSY" HILL
(1906-2002)
COWDEN - Roberta Helen "Missy" Hill, 95, of 1108 Catherine Street, Pekin, died at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2002 at Morton Villa Nursing Center in Morton.
She was formerly of Cowden.
Born April 8, 1906 in Cowden to B. E. and Susie Mabel Holin Prater, she married Vancil Floyd Hill on February 2, 1927. He died May 23, 1977 in Pekin. Three brothers also preceded her in death.
Surviving are one daughter, Barbara J. (Robert) Calhoun of Marquette Heights; two grandchildren, Michael G. (Linda) Calhoun and Roberta L. Lee, both of Marquette Heights; four great-grandsons; three step-great-grandchildren; and one brother, John (Opal) Prater of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Mrs. Hill had worked for the American Distilling Company for one year. She then worked in the Dragon's Den at Pekin Community High School's West Campus and in the Pavilion at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin, both for many years.
She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and cooking.
She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Pekin where funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2002. The Rev. Robert A. Scott will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Mound Cemetery in Cowden.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, 1717 Highwood, Pekin, Illinois.
DOROTHY E. EPKENS
(1914-2002)
PEKIN - Dorothy Eileen Epkens, 87, formerly of 1417 Anna Road, Pekin, died at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin, where she had been a resident since June 15, 2001.
She was born October 21, 1914 in Pekin to Fred and Eugenia Bequeaith Epkens.
Surviving are her caregiver, Denise (Jim) West of Pekin; and one cousin, Eileen (George) Pfanz of Sun City West, Arizona.
Her parents and two sisters (Laura Epkens and Eloise Hull) preceded her in death.
Miss Epkens worked for CENTEL in Pekin for over 43 years, retiring in 1977 as a confidential secretary.
She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, and its United Methodist Women and Rachel-Sarah Circle. She sang in the Sanctuary Choir for over 50 years, taught Sunday school, and was secretary of the Sunday school. She also was a member and past secretary of the Friendship Club at the church.
A charter member of the Pekin Civic Chorus, she also sang solos at weddings and funerals. She also was a member of the Pekin YWCA, Tri-S Club, and the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary, where she volunteered at the admittance desk at the hospital.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2002 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin where visitation will be one hour prior. The Rev. Krista L. Brockman will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, 503 North 4th Street, Pekin, Illinois, Hallmark House Nursing Center, 2501 Allentown Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554, or the Harbor Light Hospice, 416 St. Mark's Court, Suite 206, Peoria, Illinois 61602.
JOHN P. FRIEDRICH
(1932-2002)
PEKIN - John Philip Friedrich, 69, of 2105 Granada Drive, Pekin, died at 1 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at Pekin Manor. He was formerly of Green Valley.
Born March 28, 1932 in Pekin to Nicholas J. and Lillian Weyhrich Friedrich, he married Anita Jane Randall on May 25, 1952 in Licking, Missouri. She survives.
Also surviving are three sons, J. R. (Dede) Friedrich of Germantown Hills, James R. (Colleen) Friedrich of Salem, Oregon, and Stephen M. (Sharon) Friedrich of Green Valley; one daughter, Mary Ann (Steve) Hackbarth of Baraboo, Wisconsin; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Kay (Willis) Lutz of Green Valley and Margaret (Fred) Trinklein of Long Island, New York; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
A graduate with a Bachelors and Masters degree from Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri, he earned his Ph.D from Oklahoma State University.
Dr. Friedrich was a research chemist for the United States Department of Agriculture's Northern Regional Research Center in Peoria from 1959 until retiring in 1989. He received a Superior Service Award from the Department of Agriculture's Secretary John Block in 1984 at Washington, D.C. He held several process patents and was a member of the American Oil Chemist Society.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie) in rural Green Valley, where he was an elder, church treasurer, and Sunday school teacher and Superintendent. He also had served on the Green Valley Grade School Board.
He enjoyed golfing and bowling.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2002 at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley. The Rev. Thomas R. Wenndt and William E. Krueger, DCE, will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and 30 minutes prior to services Friday at the church. Burial will be in Sand Prairie Cemetery in rural Green Valley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, Illinois 61534, the Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter, 606 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614, or Harbor Light Hospice, 416 St. Mark's Court, Suite 206, Peoria, Illinois 61602.
MICHAEL R. HUNT
(1946-2002)
PEORIA - Michael R. Hunt, 55, of 5709 North War Memorial Drive, died at 12:25 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born November 5, 1946 in Spring Valley to Donald Kent and Mary Jayne Brandt Hunt, he married Sue Ann Jennings on October 26, 1968 in Chillicothe.
Surviving are his mother, Mary J. Finley of Milan; two sons, Rev. Marty L. (Kathy) Hunt of Peoria and Daniel S. (Ashley) Hunt of Green Valley; one grandson, Tyus Anthony Hunt of Peoria and two sisters, Kay Angel of Peoria and Bonnie (John) Ross of Chillicothe.
He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Barry Lee Hunt.
He was employed at Caterpillar, Inc. for 36 years, last working February 26, 2002 at the Mossville facility.
He attended Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria and also its midweek small group.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2002 at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria. Pastor Jim Powell will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Richwoods Christian Church. Burial will be in Chillicothe City Cemetery in Chillicothe. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Richwoods Christian Church, 7116 North Terra Vista Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61614 or to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Drive, Suite 403, Decatur, Illinois 62526.
RUBY YORK
(1926-2002)
PEKIN - Ruby York, 75, of 210 C Street, Rosenberg Acres, Pekin, died at 7:50 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2002 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born December 12, 1926 in Gallatin, Tennessee to James and Beulah Eubanks Hunt, she married Garland Guy York on May 15, 1949 in Pekin. He survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Phyllis A. (Larry) Anderson, Rebecca S. (Dale) Meischner, and Debra K. (Marvin) Diveley, all of Pekin; two sons, Garland L. (Darlene) York of Mapleton and Jerry L. (Rachel) York of Manchester, Iowa; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy Parks, and Grace Hunt of Peoria; two brothers, William Hunt and Richard Hunt, both of Peoria; one half-brother, Donnie Hunt of Peoria; and one half-sister, Rose Hunt of Peoria.
Her parents, one infant daughter (Anna Marie York), one infant son (Joseph Ray York), two brothers, and one sister preceded her in death.
A homemaker, she enjoyed fishing, gardening, and was a good Christian mother.
She was a charter member of the First Assembly of God in Pekin, where she was a member of the women's ministries, sonshiners group, and the intercessory prayer ministries.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2002 at the First Assembly of God in Pekin. The Rev. Quinn McKenzie will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and 30 minutes prior to services Friday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Assembly of God, 1209 North Parkway Drive, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
