JAMES E. KING
(1932-2002)
PEKIN - James Edward "Jim" King, 70, of 1004 North Capitol Street, Pekin, died at 11:11 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 2002 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born January 19, 1932 in Pekin to Arthur and Lydia Ritchie King, he married Peggy Marie Schaefer on May 6, 1955 in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, James A. (Becky) King of Spring Bay and John D. King of Pekin; two daughters, Julie K. (Stewart) Hamm and Jennifer D. King, both of Pekin; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Charlene) King of Pekin; one sister, Arta (Edwin "Bud") Brecher of Bonita Springs, Florida; several nieces and nephews; and one uncle, Donald "Ducky" Ritchie of Pekin, who helped raise him.
His parents preceded him in death.
A United States Korean War Army veteran, he served from October 29, 1952 to October 28, 1954. He attained the rank of Corporal.
Mr. King worked for Central Illinois Light Company for 20years, retiring in 1978 as a pipe fitter in the gas department. He owned and operated King's Furniture Stripping in Pekin from 1973 to 1996. He later worked for Heartland Bank in Pekin as a maintenance man and courier for two years, last working June 24, 2002.
He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Peoria and a former member of the William Schaefer American Legion Post #44 and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #916, both of Pekin.
He was a Saint Louis Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed fishing.
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2002 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before services. Deacon Dale "Jack" Gaetz will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
VIRGINIA A. HARRISON
(1919-2002)
PEKIN - Virginia A. Harrison, 83, of 1615 Caroline Street, Pekin, died at 12:59 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at Methodist Medical Center of Illinois in Peoria.
Born June 3, 1919 in Elm Grove Township, Tazewell County to Phillip George and Grace Dringenberg Stoetzer, she married James Thomas Smith on March 14, 1941 in Peoria. She later married Lewis James Harrison on September 25, 1942 in Joplin, Missouri.
Surviving are two sons, Phillip J. (Marie) Smith of Valley Springs, California and Thomas D. Harrison of Pekin; one daughter, Linda K. (Bill) Maquet of rural Manito; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Frances Cherry of Chillicothe.
Her parents, two sisters, and one brother preceded her in death.
Mrs. Harrison worked for the State of Illinois Department of Public Aid Pekin office as a homemaker for 13 years, retiring in 1980. Previously, she worked in the cafeteria at Washington Junior High School in Pekin.
She was a member of Saint John's Lutheran Church in Pekin.
She enjoyed sewing, doing needlework, and flower gardening.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2002 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. The Rev. Glenn R. A. Niemann will officiate. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint John's Lutheran Church, 711 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
GRACE A. REYNOLDS
(1913-2002)
PEKIN - Grace Anastasia Reynolds, 89, of 2220 State Street, Pekin, formerly of Peoria and Belleville, died at 4:25 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2002 at Pekin Living and Rehabilitation Center.
Born February 3, 1913 in East Saint Louis to James H. and Julia Neeclaus Brown, Sr., she married Paul William Reynolds on April 8, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. He died August 9, 1982 in Los Angeles, California. One son (James O. Isaac) and one brother also preceded her in death.
Surviving are two sons, Calvin L. (Sylvia) Isaac of Pekin and Bob Cannon of Lincoln, Nebraska; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A homemaker, Mrs. Reynolds was of the Catholic faith.
Private burial will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
MARY N. REBMAN
(1912-2002)
PEKIN - Mary Nina Rebman, 89, of 191 East Queenwood Road, Morton, died at 8:09 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2002 at Morton Terrace, Ltd. She was formerly of Pekin.
Born July 31, 1912 in Springfield, South Dakota to Vernon and Clara Thompson Landers, she married Archie Ray Rebman on November 29, 1944 in Peoria. He died February 16, 1993 in Peoria. Two sisters and four brothers also preceded her in death.
Surviving are one daughter, M. Lorene (Frederick "Fritz") Reis of Lakeland, Florida; two grandsons, Richard L. (Chong) Reis and Dennis R. Reis, both of Pekin; two step-daughters, Archalene (Tom) Gossett of Burlington, Washington and Diane (Donald) Smith of Seattle, Washington; five great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and many step-grandchildren.
Mrs. Rebman had owned and operated the Monroe Street Market in Peoria and later owned and operated the Mossville Caf'.
She was a member of Parkway Christian Church in Pekin. She also was a member of the Celestial City Chapter No. 333, Order of the Eastern Star; the Victoria Shrine No. 83, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, both in Pekin, and Queen Christina Court No. 4, Order of the Amaranth in Peoria, where she was a past worthy matron.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. David J. Wetterlund will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made to Parkway Christian Church, 2221 North Parkway Drive, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
BETTY J. POWER
(1926-2002)
PEKIN - Betty June Power, 75, of Pekin, died at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2002 at Pekin Manor.
Born July 30, 1926 in Cambria to Charles "Sam" and Mary Ryan Ennis, she married Stewart Power on May 31, 1947 in Petersburg. He died June 5, 1964 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by one son, Charles "Michael" Power on April 2, 1995 in Pekin; two grandchildren; one brother; one half-sister and one half-brother.
Surviving are one daughter, Crystal (Rick) Guile of Deer Creek; one son, Robert (Joy) Power of Pekin; four grandchildren, Nicole Power of Pekin, Ericka Guile and Patrick Guile, both of Deer Creek and Terry Vogelsang of Pekin and one great-granddaughter.
Mrs. Power was a long-time restaurant owner and cook in the Pekin and Peoria area.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pekin, where she attended the Maranatha Sunday School Class.
Services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Robert E. MacKay will officiate. Visitation will be two hours before services Sunday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2002 at McKinney Hill Cemetery at Carterville.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 700 South Capitol Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to the Central Illinois Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation for Fibromyalgia Research, 2621 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61604.
JACK L. DALTON
(1921-2002)
CREVE COEUR - Jack L. Dalton, 80, of 1133 Glen Oak Avenue in Creve Coeur, died at 3:34 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at his residence.
Born September 14, 1921 in Ellisville, Illinois to Charles Chester and Nettie B. Sheckler Dalton, he married Frances Juanita Gibbons on February 20, 1943 in Hanna City. She died June 6, 2002 in Peoria. He also was preceded in death by one brother, one sister and one granddaughter.
Surviving are one daughter, Patricia A. Neuendorf of Marseilles; one son, C. Michael (Sue) Dalton of East Peoria; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
He was a World War II Navy veteran.
Mr. Dalton worked at Caterpillar, Inc for 43 years, retiring in 1982 as the general superintendent of the machine shop at the Mossville Tech Center.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel. The Rev. John G. Waugh will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Smithville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
GERALDINE STEGENS
(1919-2002)
BELLEVUE - Geraldine "Jerry" Stegens, 83, formerly of 118 Knob Hill Court died at 1:55 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at Fondulac Woods Health Care Center in East Peoria.
Born January 2, 1919 in Bicknell, Indiana, to George and Cora Rockhart Andrews, she married Wallace Leroy Stegens in 1936.
She was preceded in death by her husband on March 1, 1990; 1 great-granddaughter; and 1 brother.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Beverly Jean (Roger) Burnette of Norwood Park, Illinois and Judith Kay Draper of Creve Coeur; 1 son, David Lee Stegens of Peoria; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
She was a homemaker.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 26, 2002 at Cottonwood Cemetery in rural Hanna City. Rev. Terry C. Edele will officiate. There will be no visitation.
Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur chapel is in charge of arrangements.
MILLIE M. ANDREWS
(1915-2002)
PEKIN - Millie Mae Andrews, 87, of 418 Fairlane, Pekin, died at 8:09 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2002 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital.
Born February 27, 1915 in Monmouth to Harvey Leroy and Jennie White Bennett, she married John Carl Andrews on January 13, 1939 in Palmyra, Missouri. He died September 27, 2001 in Pekin. One brother and one great-grandson also preceded her in death.
Surviving are three sons, John C. Andrews, Jr. of Bartonville, Harvey P. Andrews of Pekin, and Michael L. (Denise) Andrews of Morton; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
There will be no visitation or services. Cremation was accorded.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Relief Fund, 311 West John H. Gwynn Jr. Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61605-2524.
JOSEPH E. LESKO
(1908-2002)
CREVE COEUR - Joseph Edward Lesko, 94, of 635 Pekin Ave. died at 8:06 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2002 at O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born June 17, 1908 in Pana, Illinois to Charles and Susan Sandrock Lesko, he married Leone Lindel Harmon on September 22, 1940 in Pana.
He was preceded in death by his wife on October 2, 1991 in Peoria; 2 sons, David Lesko in 1957 in Peoria and James J. Lesko in 1987 in Sikeston, Missouri; and 1 brother, Charles Lesko.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Michelle Powell and 1 son, Christopher "Chris" Lesko, both of Creve Coeur; 1 grandson, John Joseph Powell of Creve Coeur; and 2 sisters, Mary Vadalabene of Edwardsville, Illinois and Christine Slabik of Chicago.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Mr. Lesko was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 36 years retiring July 1, 1973 as a gear cutter in Building KK. Previously, he had been a coal miner in Pana for 24 years. He was a retired member of U.A.W. Local 974, the Caterpillar Retirees Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur. He was also an avid fisherman and gardener.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 25, 2002 at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in West Peoria. Rev. Lawrence P. Morrissey will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Creve Coeur Rescue Squad, 101 N. Thorncrest Ave., Creve Coeur, IL 61610; Mothers Against Drunk Driving, P.O. Box 2186, East Peoria, IL 61611; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
JAMES E. "GENE" MILLER
(1923-2002)
PEKIN - James Eugene "Gene" Miller, 78, of 701 N. 2nd St. died at 11:27 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born September 17, 1923 in South Pekin to Edward James and Mary Edna Morris Miller.
Surviving are 3 sons, Michael Eugene Miller and Patrick Paul (Carri) Miller, both of Pekin and Robin "Rob" Scott Miller of Germantown, Maryland; 2 daughters, Bonnie Jean (Michael) Miller-Anderson of Eugene, Oregon and Cindy Lou Miller of Green Valley, Illinois; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Margery A.Cox of Pekin and Catherine E. Goldsby of South Pekin.
He was preceded in death by 1 brother, Lawrence E. "Bud" Miller; and 2 sisters, Harriet M. Marshall and Rita Faye Barrus.
Mr. Miller worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 32 years, retiring in 1978 as a transmission repairman. He served with the U.S. Army 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th "Thunderbird" Division in Europe during World War II. He had been awarded a Bronze Battle Star and a Purple Heart. He had attended many "Thunderbird" Division reunions. He was of the Catholic faith.
Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Deacon Charles A. Murray will officiate. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to services at the funeral home (5 to7 p.m.). Private burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to TAPS Animal Shelter, 2675 Allentown Rd., Pekin, IL 61554.
RICHARD E. WIDBY
(1931-2002)
PEKIN - Richard Eugene "Rich" Widby, 70, of 823 Hamiton St. died at 10:25 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2002 at his home.
He was born November 25, 1931 in Pekin to James and Alma Edith Beckmann Widby.
Surviving are 2 brothers, Elmer W. (Sally) Widby and James L. Widby, both of Pekin; a sister-in-law, Velma M. Widby of Pekin; 2 brothers-in-law, Leon Niewoit of East Point, Michigan and George Connett of East Peoria; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Carol B. Niewoit and Helen Connett; and 2 brothers, John A. Widby and Alfred F. Widby.
Mr. Widby worked for CILCO for 38 years, retiring August 1, 1989 as a gas department crew leader in Pekin.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-55 and was a member of the Marine Corps League Tobin Naninga Deatachment 085, the William Schaefer American Legion Post #44, the Pekin Moose Lodge #916, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #1271, and St. John's Lutheran Church, all in Pekin. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #51 in Peoria.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Mark A. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin.
SHIRLEY M. DOUGLAS
(1937-2002)
EUREKA - Shirley Marie Douglas, 65, of 1621 Adams Road in Eureka, died at 6:10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2002 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was formerly of Creve Coeur, East Peoria and Morton.
Born March 13, 1937 in Peoria to Glenn and Elizabeth Scheffert Arthur, she married Donald W. Douglas on July 17, 1953 in Creve Coeur. He survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Michael A. (Rita) Douglas of Peoria, Gregory D. (Catherine) Douglas of Metamora and Darren R. (Angi) Douglas of Peoria; one daughter, Debbie (Robert) Fornoff of Pekin and ten grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Glen "Buddy" Arthur.
She retired as a clerk from Caterpillar, Inc. in 1995 after 8 years of service. She previously worked as an artist for Keenan Sporting Goods in Peoria, as a craft instructor and artist for Roeckers in Peoria, as a realtor for Lincoln National Realty in Peoria and as a sales clerk for Mathis Lumber Company in Morton.
She loved painting with oil and watercolors. She enjoyed making crafts.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2002 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin. The Rev. Rodger P. Abatie will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, and also 30 minutes before services Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Olio Cemetery in Eureka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 700 South 4th Street in Pekin or to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637.
VIVIAN I. HILL
(1922-2002)
PEKIN - Vivian Iola Hill, 79, of 1521 West Shore Drive, Pekin, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin.
Born July 26, 1922 in Beardstown to Arthur and Tressie Fortney Hinderliter, she married Cloyd "Ike" Hill on November 23, 1940 in Lewis County, Missouri. He died in October of 1991 in Pekin. One son, Dennis Hill and one brother also preceded her in death.
Surviving are one daughter, Kathy (Gary) Westhafer of Glasford; one son, Richard (Carol) Hill of Novi, Michigan; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and three sisters, Velma Johnson of Bartonville, Linda (Tom) Quick of Princeton and Betty Tiscareno of California.
A homemaker, she formerly owned and operated Hill Superette Grocery Store in Glasford.
She was of the United Methodist faith.
She was an avid reader and loved to crochet.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2002 at Maple Ridge Cemetery near Mapleton. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tributes Program, Department 77-3968, Chicago, Illinois 60678-3968.
JAMES D. WEHMEIER
(1946-2002)
PEKIN - James Douglas Wehmeier, 55, of 2209 Church St., died at 4:18 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2002 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born December 1, 1946 in Bloomington, Illinois to Verner August Valentine and Belva Lucille Bridges Wehmeier, he married Joyce Ann Clayton on November 29, 1969 in Peoria.
Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Joshua James (Meghan) Wehmeier of Peoria; 1 daughter, Erin Lynn Wehmeier of Pekin; 1 granddaughter; and 2 sisters, Dara Manker of Merrifield, Minnesota and Evelyn Eades of Peoria.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mr. Wehmeier was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 35 years, retiring in 2000 as a tool grinder. He was a former member of U.A.W. Local #974. He had been the Cubmaster of the Cub Scout pack which meets at Willow School in Pekin. He had been a member of the Future Farmers of America while attending Minier High School. He was an avid NASCAR fan.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Dr. Richard Shaw will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Minier Cemetery in Minier.
MARTHA S. SCHUMM
(1908-2002)
Green Valley - Martha S. Schumm, 94, of 2501 Allentown Road in Pekin, formerly of 12706 Toboggan Avenue in rural Green Valley, died at 8:15 a.m. Monday, July 8, 2002 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin.
Born January 26, 1908 in Cincinnati Township, Tazewell County to John and Margaret Weyhrich Fuelberth, she married Lewis G. Schumm on March 28, 1934 in Green Valley. He died January 20, 1993 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her twin sister, Mary Beutel on May 3, 2001 and three brothers.
Surviving are two daughters, Connie (Larry) Ary of Green Valley and Lois (Darrell) Sigler of Pekin; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and two sisters, Dorothy Proehl of rural Manito and Esther Proehl of Pekin.
She and her husband farmed in the Green Valley area for 58 years. She was a member of the Tazewell County Farm Bureau.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley, where she was a member of Epiphany Society and formerly served in the Bernice Guild and the Martha Guild.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2002 at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley. The Rev. Thomas R. Wenndt and DCE William Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, and also 30 minutes before services at the church. Burial will be in Sand Prairie Cemetery in rural Green Valley.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, Illinois 61534 or to the Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 333 State Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
HARLEY B. SWANSON
(1915-2002)
PEKIN - Harley Bertal Swanson, 87, of 702 Prince Street in Pekin, died at 11:42 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2002 at Pekin Hospital.
Born January 26, 1915 in Galesburg to Albert Bertal and Anna Emilia Peterson Swanson, he married Helen Christine Wing on October 5, 1935 in Galesburg. She died September 24, 1987 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by one son, Michael Harley Swanson on October 15, 1998 in Memphis, Tennessee and one brother in infancy.
Surviving are one son, Stephen W. (Barbara) Swanson of Pekin; one daughter, Susan Christine (William) Calvert of Berwyn; six grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Mr. Swanson worked as a fundraiser for schools and churches for more than 25 years and retired in 1977.
He was a charter member of the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin and a former member of the church council.
Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11, 2002 at Woodhull Cemetery in Woodhull. The Rev. Paul D. Balaban will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2223 Sheridan Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
JOHN H. SILTMAN
(1947-2002)
PEKIN - John Henry Siltman, 54, of 1803 Tharp Street, Pekin, died at 6:58 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2002 in the emergency room of St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
Born July 4, 1947 in Pekin to Herman Gilbert and Eileen Violet Cross Siltman, he married Nila Faye Copeland on September 16, 1967 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are his mother of Lincoln; one son, David W. (Deanna "Dee") Siltman of Pekin; one daughter, Lisa M. (Bobby) Spencer of Arbyrd, Missouri; six grandchildren; one sister, Sue E. (Joe) Lee of Des Moines, Iowa; and three brothers, Alan D. (Deborah) Siltman of Atlanta, Illinois, Ivan G. (Vickie) Siltman of Minier, and Irvin S. (Phyllis) Siltman of Morton.
His father preceded him in death.
He had served in the Army reserves.
He received a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University in Peoria.
Mr. Siltman worked 36 years for Caterpillar, Inc., last working Wednesday as a computer systems analyst in East Peoria.
An associate member of the National Aeronautic Association, he was a member of the Pekin R.C. Club and the Caterpillar Employees Motorsports Club.
He was a former board president of Rankin School in rural Pekin.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Siltman grandchildren, in care of National City Bank, 3545 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
M. EMILY GERDES
(1916-2002)
PEKIN - Mary Emily Gerdes, 85, of 317 51st Avenue Plaza W, Bradenton, Florida died at 4:10 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2002 at Greenbriar Nursing Center in Bradenton. She was formerly of 349 Charlotte St. in Pekin.
Born July 27, 1916 in Pekin to Oscar E. and Pearl Marie Roberts Jackson, she married Elmore F. Gerdes on April 21, 1935 in Pekin. He preceded her in death on June 6, 1993 in Pekin.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Donna A. (Charles) Kitchell of Eldridge, Iowa; 2 grandsons, Michael C. (Mary Sue) Kitchell of Milan, Illinois and Arlen S. Kitchell of Eldridge; and 4 great-grandchildren. She also leaves a special friend who helped care for her, Harriet Kipling of Sarasota, Florida.
Mrs. Gerdes was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin and its Womens' Missionary Society.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2002 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Michael McLeod will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or the American Diabetes Association.
