ROY FORBIS
(1912-2003)
PEKIN -Roy Freeman Forbis, 91, of 14108 Townline Rd. died at 3:35 p.m., Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at Pekin Living and Rehabilitation Center.
Born August 30, 1912 in Hardyville, Kentucky to Charlie and Annie Robertson Forbis, he married Pauline Edwards on August 29, 1932 in Mason City, Illinois .
He was preceded in death by his wife on September 9, 1989; 1 son, Donald Forbis; 2 daughters, Betty Jean Forbis and Donna Mae Whitley; 3 brothers; 3 sisters; 1 half-brother; 2 half-sisters; 1 step-brother and 1 step-sister.
Surviving are 6 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren and 4 half-sisters, Jean Hiser of Hardyville, Kentucky, Goldie Dever of Cave City, Kentucky, Ruth Jewel of Magnolia, Kentucky, and Mae Aeschleman of Peoria.
Mr. Forbis worked for Corn Products Corporation in Pekin for 30 years, retiring in 1975 as a fireman in the boiler house.
Mr. Forbis was a devoted family man and enjoyed gardening, woodworking and fishing. He also was a Harley-Davidson rider.
He was a member of Lighthouse Church of God.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2003 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Keith D. Moore will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mason City Cemetery in Mason City .
Memorial contributions may be made to Lighthouse Church of God, 1010 El Camino Dr., Pekin, IL 61554 .
HELEN McCONNELL
(1924-2003)
PEKIN - Helen Eileen McConnell, 79, of 2220 State Street, died at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at Pekin Living and Rehabilitation Center in Pekin. She was formerly of 906 South Street in Pekin .
Born September 22, 1924 in Pekin to Charles D. and Myrtle Dove Pruvost, she married Frederick Eugene McConnell on September 22, 1946 in Pekin . He died December 4, 2003 in Pekin . She was also preceded in death by one brother (Charles D. Pruvost, Jr.).
Surviving are one son, Donald F. McConnell of Louisiana ; and one granddaughter, Kristy M. (Jeremy) Brantley of Pekin, who helped care for her.
A homemaker, Mrs. McConnell formerly attended LaMarsh Baptist Church in Mapleton.
She enjoyed painting and was a ham radio operator with the call sign KNJ7865.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before services. The Rev. Robert N. Brite, Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin .
Memorial contributions maybe made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to any Native American charity.
LOUIS GOING
(1926-2003)
PEKIN - Louis Henry Going, 77, of 1540 El Camino Drive, died at 5:21 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2003 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital. He was formerly of 1401 North 9th Street, Pekin, Illinois .
Born October 13, 1926 in Parma, Missouri to the Rev. Arthur Ernest and Grace Catherine Smith Going, he married Anna Louise Lang on June 4, 1949 in Lafayette, Indiana . He later married Patricia L. Reemsten Smith on July 11, 1985 in Longboat Key, Florida . She died July 7, 1999 in Pekin . He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert E. Going and Kendall C. Going.
Surviving are two sons, Rev. Arthur L. ( Nancy ) Going of St. Paul, Minnesota and Richard L. (Karen) Going of Dayton, Ohio; one daughter, Lori A (Otis) Hutchinson of Paducah, Kentucky; five grandchildren; one step-grandson, Mark S. (Rachel) Smith of Pekin and one step great-granddaughter.
He was a World War II Navy veteran.
He attended Valparaiso University and graduated from Purdue University in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. In 1949, he received his Master of Science degree in chemical engineering.
He was a chemical engineer with the Proctor & Gamble Company in Cincinnati, Ohio for 35 years, retiring in 1983. While at Proctor & Gamble, he was one of the inventors of Pringles and had patents on 17 other food product inventions.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin, where he served as an usher. He was a former member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Silverton, Ohio, where he was past president of the congregation, a former church treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday school department.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2003 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin . The Rev. Mark A. Miller will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and also 30 minutes before services Saturday at the church. Entombment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 711 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383-6493 .
DEBBY TROXELL MOORE
(1956-2003)
PEKIN - Debby Gayle Troxell Moore, 47, of 301B High Street, Roanoke, formerly of Pekin, died at 12:52 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2003 in the emergency room at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born October 17, 1956 in Springfield to Lewis James, Sr. and Anna Rae Cooper Troxell.
Surviving are her mother of Ashland ; three sons, Michael W. Moore, Jr. and Ryan W. Moore, both of Pekin and Justin L. Moore of Roanoke ; one daughter, Amy L. (Justin) Faulk of Minonk; four grandchildren, Paige L. Faulk, Payton L. Faulk, Mason W. Faulk, all of Minonk and Braden M. Moore of Mackinaw; two brothers, Lewis J. Troxell, Jr. of Ashland and Kenny R. (Karel) Troxell of Washington and five sisters, A. Louise (Bartley) Teal of Hillsboro, Tennessee, Sherry E. Rogers of Manchester, Tennessee, Linda J. (James) Howell of Swansea, P. Fay (Donald) Alwood of Deer Creek and Jeannie Hartman of Pekin.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Debby was a homemaker and loved her family.
Her graveside funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2003 at Bethel Cemetery near Pleasant Plains. The Rev. Stuart Liegey of the Ashland Church of Christ will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for her son, Justin L. Moore, in care of any area CEFCU Member Center.
CLARENCE JACKSON
(1915-2003)
PEKIN - Clarence Howard 'Jack' Jackson, 88, of 311 Edgewood Drive, Pekin, died at 10:01 a.m. Sunday, December 21, 2003 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born March 11, 1915 in Lewistown to Merlyn Floyd and Lillie Belle Zimmerman Jackson, he married Shirlie B. Kohtz on March 1, 1941 in Kahoka, Missouri . She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Daryl P. (Billie) Jackson of Marquette Heights and Jeffery P. (Andrea) Jackson of Pekin; one daughter, Patricia J. (Howard) Proehl of Pekin; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
His parents and two brothers preceded him in death.
A United States Army veteran of World War II, he attained the rank of Tech Sergeant.
Mr. Jackson worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 33 ' years, retiring March 1, 1980 as plant manager of the waste water treatment plant in building Y86 in East Peoria.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin and its Couples Club and was a former member of the men's club and board of education. He also was a member of the National Rifle Association.
He was a volunteer at Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Pekin .
He had enjoyed bowling, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, camping, boating, and traveling.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2003 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin . The Rev. Glenn R. A. Niemann and Rev. Mark A. Miller will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and one hour before services Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 711 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 333 State Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 .
ROBERT HENRY, JR.
(1929-2003)
PEKIN - Robert Warren 'Bob' Henry, Jr., 74, of 1514 South 5th Street, died at 6:55 a.m. Sunday, December 21, 2003 at his residence.
Born December 14, 1929 in Peoria to Robert Warren and Marie Elizabeth Brandt Henry, Sr., he married Opal Pauline Cottingham on June 14, 1952 in East Peoria . She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert Warren (Patti) Henry, III of Green Valley and Rick Allen (Cindy) Henry, Sr. of Manito; two daughters, Peggy Ann ('Pete') Winters of Manito and Debbie Kay (Vic) Stirnaman of Pekin; four grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
He was a United States Navy Veteran of the Korean War.
He worked as a pipefitter at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 31 years, retiring April 30, 1983 . Following retirement he worked 10 years as a security guard for Commonwealth Edison at the Powerton Station in Pekin .
He was a member of Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin, where private services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2003. The Rev. Mark A. Miller will officiate. Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
WENDELL JONES
(1918-2003)
PEKIN - Wendell Moore 'Wendy' Jones, 85, of 8975 West Halls River Road, Lot 219, Homosassa, Florida, died at 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at his residence. He was formerly of 13925 First Street, Midway Addition, Pekin .
Born April 18, 1918 in Peters Creek, Kentucky to Roy C. and Lizzie Moore Jones, he married Constance Fern Bledsoe on March 2, 1957 in Pekin . She died May 12, 1989 in Pekin . He also was preceded in death by one son, Roy 'Skip' Jones.
Surviving are two sons, Terry L. (Rebecca) Jones and Jerry A. Jones, both of Pekin ; three grandchildren; and one brother, Harold S. (Jo Inez) Jones of San Diego, California; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his companion whom he resided with, Murl 'Peg' Wilson.
He was a United States Army veteran of World War II.
Mr. Jones was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. for 43 years as a core setter at the Mapleton Foundry, retiring in 1977. He was a member of the Caterpillar Retirees Club.
He was a member of Pekin Bible Church .
His visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2003 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Private burial will be Monday in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin .
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Bible Church, 2405 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 .
RONALD FISCHER
(1937-2003)
DELAVAN - Ronald Earl Fischer, 66, of 5165 Morris Mill Road died at 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at his home.
Born November 26, 1937 in Pekin to Lawrence and Wilma Russell Fischer, he married Margie Ann Brown on December 20, 1958 in LaGrange, Georgia.
Surviving are his wife; two sons, Kenneth L. (Bonnie) Fischer of Forest City and Kevin M. (Sandy) Fischer of Manito; two daughters, Cheryl A. (David) Friedrich and Catherine J. (Larry) McCoy both of Green Valley; fourteen grandchildren; four brothers, Russell (Helen) Fischer of Edgewater, Florida, Larry Fischer of Florida, Jack (Joy) Fischer of Mason City, and Robert (Kathy) Fischer of Pensacola, Florida; and seven sisters, Darlene (Sam) Phillips, Doris Martin, Phyllis (Larry) Rowden, and Barbara Fobar, all of Pekin, Clara (Jim) Batterton of Marquette Heights, Sandra (Ron) Friedrich of Green Valley and Donna (Frank) Green of Forest City.
His parents and two brothers preceded him in death.
A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, he served from January 14, 1955 to August 18, 1959.
Mr. Fischer was employed in the steel mill at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 29 ' years, retiring in December 1990.
He served on the bargaining unit of the Independent Steel Workers' Alliance for many years and he was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #916 in Pekin.
He enjoyed woodworking, camping and was an avid NASCAR fan.
Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2003 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be two hours prior. Cremation will follow services.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
CARL FARNAM
(1931-2003)
EAST PEORIA - Carl Oliver Farnam, 72, of 900 Centennial Drive, East Peoria, died at 8:22 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2003 at OSF Saint Francis Me dical Center in Peoria. He was formerly of 329 Lawndale in Creve Coeur.
He was born February 11, 1931 in Cornland to George L. and Lottie M. Phillips Farnam.
Surviving are his foster sister, I. Darlene (Michael) Murray of Peoria; one nephew, Patrick Murray of Indianapolis, Indiana and several cousins.
A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, he served from November 26, 1951 to October 5, 1953 . He attained the rank of Corporal.
Mr. Farnam had worked in maintenance for the Creve Coeur School District, as a maintenance supervisor for S. V. Cain, Inc. of Peoria, and a purchasing agent at the former Ramada Inn in Peoria until retiring. Following his retirement he worked part-time at Alwan's Meat Markets in East Peoria and last in Bartonville.
He was a member of the Frank N. Nicol Masonic Lodge #1170, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Creve Coeur.
He was of the Lutheran faith.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel, where visitation will be 30 minutes before services. The Rev. Richard J. Hanson will officiate. Burial will be in Carlyle Cemetery near Lake Fork.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Peoria Journal Star Christmas Fund, Post Office Box 1549, Peoria, Illinois 61655.
CAROL MORROW
(1937-2003)
PEKIN - Carol Ann Morrow, 66, 410 South 3rd Street, Pekin died at 11:19 a.m. Sunday, December 14, 2003 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born October 18, 1937 in Tremont to Ernest Ervin and Bertie Irene Deweese Hoyle, she married Fred Austin Morrow on January 5, 1962 in Bloomington. He died December 17, 1988 in Pekin. Her parents and one grandson (Jeff Cook) also preceded her in death.
Surviving are two daughters, Pamela S. (Robert) Beebe of Pekin and Cheryl A. (Jerry) Pullum of Manito; three sons, Rick L. ( Sandy ) Hoyle, Mark A. Morrow, and Kevin E. (Sue) Morrow, all of Pekin; two step-daughters, Pat Alexander of Morton and Sharon Morrow, of North Pekin; one step-son, Fred G. Morrow of Phoenix, Arizona; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Frank (Norma) Hoyle, Jerry (Pat) Hoyle, Richard Hoyle, all of Pekin, and Jim (Tracey) Hoyle of Manito; and three sisters, Judy Spencer, Becky (Steve) Newcomb, and Wendy (Donnie) Barbour, all of Pekin.
Mrs. Morrow worked for Hoyle Transportation in Pekin as a school bus driver from 1981 until last working April 1, 2003 . Previously, she had worked at several areas restaurants and bars including MacDuff's in Pekin and as a housekeeper at the Peoria State Hospital in Bartonville.
She enjoyed gardening, fishing, bowling, and playing cards and bingo.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Charles A. Everly and Rev. Mark D. Friday will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, Illinois 62707.
WALTER JOHNSON
(1924-2003)
PEKIN -Walter Harland Johnson, 79, of 1505 S. 18th Street, died at 9:45 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2003 at Pekin Hospital. He was formerly of Benton, Kentucky.
Born February 24, 1924 in Fox, Arkansas to Bevley A. and Cora Ida May Johnson, he married Evelyn Berry on October 26, 1946 in Fox, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife on September 4, 1999 in Benton, Kentucky; two grandsons; five brothers; and one sister.
Surviving are one daughter, Brenda (Ronald) Walker of Pekin; one son, Kirby A. (Leanna) Johnson of Benton, Kentucky; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Winford (Zettie) Johnson of Harrison, Arkansas; and two sisters, Velma Dexter of Huntington Beach, California and Vena (Jim) Bettis of Fall Brook, California.
Mr. Johnson worked as an electrician for Corn Products Corporation in Pekin from 1956-81 and then for Pekin Energy Company from 1981-86.
He served with the U.S. Navy Seabees during World War II in China and the southwest Pacific and also in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1949-51.
He had attended the Hardin Baptist Church in Hardin, Kentucky and was a former member of the United General Baptist Church in Pekin. He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin.
He was a former member of the Cerelose Credit Union board of directors and had served as a deacon for many years at the United General Baptist Church.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Calvin Chaffin and Rev. Michael McLeod will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mackinaw Township Cemetery in Mackinaw.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin.
BEATRICE VOGEL
(1913-2003)
PEKIN -Beatrice E. Vogel, 90, of 13607 Egg Ranch Rd. died at 11:59 p.m., Thursday, December 11, 2003 at the Place on Prince in Pekin.
Born October 31, 1913 in Delavan to James Elmer and May Woodworth Ray, she married Orville William Vogel on December 24, 1932 in Green Valley .
She was preceded in death by her husband on February 13, 1964 in Pekin ; 3 sisters; and 3 brothers.
Surviving are 1 son Darrell Vogel of Pekin ; 2 grandsons, James (Linda) Vogel of Front Royal, Virginia and Richard (Theresa) Vogel of Pekin; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Vogel worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 15 years, retiring as a cafeteria worker in 1969.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin .
She was a past member of the Island School P.T.A. and enjoyed quilting, sewing and reading.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2003 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin . Rev. Rodger P. Abatie and Vicar Nathan Woolery will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin . Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Associatiion.
LLOYD CAULKINS
(1926-2003)
PEKIN - Lloyd David Caulkins, 77, of 444 South Parkway Drive, Apartment 1201, died at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at Pekin Hospital.
Born March 31, 1926 in Summun to James David and Clytie Marie Wrestler Caulkins, he married Doris Louise Martin on April 28, 1945 in Manito. She died February 17, 2002 in Pekin . He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister (Ruby I. Bohm on November 23, 1995).
Surviving are one daughter, E. Louise Schneider of Peoria; one son, Lloyd H. (Diana) Caulkins of Forest City; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Carolyn S. (Gary L.) Smith of Pekin, Clytie E. O'Shea of Manito, and Frances M. (James) Harms of Forest City; and two brothers, David J. (Rose) Caulkins of Manito and Rev. Danny L. (Kathleen) Caulkins of Bloomfield, Indiana.
He was a World War II United States Marine Corps veteran.
Mr. Caulkins and his wife had owned and operated restaurants in Arizona and Central Illinois, the last being the Honey Cup Caf' in Forest City until retiring in 1980.
A mason for 43 years, he was a member of the Empire Lodge #126, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Pekin and was a former member of the Thunderbird Lodge #48 in Phoenix, Arizona. He also had been a volunteer escort at Pekin Hospital for several years.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Danny L. Caulkins, his brother, will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2003 at the funeral home, where a Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in rural Forest City.
Memorial contributions maybe made to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association, c/o Dave Dosier, 30547 County Road 1900 North, Forest City, Illinois 61532 or the Forest City Community Church, 203 West Market Street, Forest City, Illinois 61532.
RAYMOND TANDY
(1922-2003)
PEKIN - Raymond Philmore Tandy, 81, of 104 Amanda Street, Pekin, died at 4:05 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at Pekin Manor. He was formerly of 126 Brow Drive in East Peoria and of Beardstown.
Born August 26, 1922 in Beardstown to Edward Fillmore and Emma Mae Coon Tandy, he married Doris Jeanette Stock. She died August 28, 1965 . He was also preceded in death by one grandson (Robert 'Bobby' Gentry), one brother (Lawrence Tandy), and two sisters (Ruby Fletcher and Catherine Maltby).
Surviving are three daughters, Janet R. Gentry of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, Patricia A. (Charles) Martin of Granite, Oklahoma, and Joy L. (Garry) Jennings of Pekin; two sons, Terry R. (Connie) Tandy of Washington and Tony D. Tandy of Sayre,Oklahoma; eighteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson.
Mr. Tandy worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 21 years as a machinist at Building HH in East Peoria until his retirement. He previously worked for the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad for 6 years as a mail carrier and later operated pool halls for several years in several towns including Beardstown and Virginia, Illinois.
He was a former member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge in Beardstown.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2003 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before services. The Rev. Robert N. Brite, Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
DAVID SHEETZ
(1928-2003)
PEKIN - David Ross Sheetz, 75, of 3 Wildwood Court, died at 1:55 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2003 at Pekin Hospital.
Born August 6, 1928 in Spring Lake Township, Tazewell County to Walter and Laura Alice Emmons Sheetz, he was raised by his mother and step-father, Clyde Ivan Martin. He married Elsie May Lindsey on September 9, 1956 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Erin Lee Sheetz and Arlan Ray Sheetz, both of Pekin; four grandchildren, Brandi Lee Sheetz and David Ross Sheetz, III, both of Pekin, Brooke Marie (Nick) Elliott of Washington, and Autumnn Joy (Jake) Purcell of Okinawa, Japan; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Michael (Ina) Sheetz of Shoals, Indiana and Clyde Ivan (Mary) Martin of rural Manito; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Edna Hots) and three brothers (Homer Sheetz, Reed Sheetz, and Ellis Sheetz).
A Korean War United States Army veteran, he served from December 2, 1950 to December 2, 1952. He attained the rank of Corporal.
Mr. Sheetz worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 32 years as a tool designer in East Peoria, retiring in 1985. He was a board certified hypnotist for over 30 years and had owned and operated Sheetz Motivational Horizons Center in Pekin.
A professional magician for over 40 years, he was a member and two-times past president of the Peoria Magicians Assembly, where he also had been newsletter editor. He also was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians.
He was a former member of Faith Baptist Church of Pekin and the Pekin Boat for many years.
He enjoyed bird watching and summered near Fox River, Michigan .
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. David J. Wetterlund will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2003 at the funeral home, where a wand ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded.
Memorial contributions maybe made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Drive, Suite 403, Decatur, Illinois 62526 or the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tributes Program, Department 77-3968, Chicago, Illinois 60678-3968.
NORMA BELL
(1924-2003)
PEKIN - Norma Jean Bell, 79, of 1520 El Camino Drive, died at 9:56 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2003 at Pekin Hospital.
Born April 22, 1924 in Pekin to Nathan J. and Laura E. Butram Tinney, she married William Strope in 1945 in Hannibal, Missouri. She later married James Bell.
Surviving are two sons, James R. Strope of Peoria and John R. (Donna) Strope of Bay City, Michigan; one daughter, Janell (David) Henderson of Pekin; nine grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and two brothers, Nathan J. (Delores) Tinney, Jr. of Lake Bloomington and William (Shirley) Tinney of Mounds, Oklahoma.
She was preceded in death by one great-granddaughter.
Mrs. Bell had worked in hotel and restaurant management at the Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria for many years. Previously, she had worked as a registered nurse at Pekin Hospital for 10 years.
She was a member of the Celestial City Chapter #333, Order of the Eastern Star; and the Victoria Shrine #83, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem (where she served as the Second Hand Maiden in 1995), both in Pekin.
She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pekin.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Bill Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 11, 2003 at the funeral home, where the Order of the Eastern Star services will begin at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Order of the Eastern Star or the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
CHRISTINA MARGETICH
(1927-2003)
PEKIN - Christina E. Margetich, 76, of 219 Parkridge Lane, Pekin, died at 10:10 a.m. Sunday, December 7, 2003 at her home. She was formerly of 10906 South Hubner Lane, Glasford.
Born December 2, 1927 in Elizabethton, Tennessee to Robert and Callie Hodge Heaton, she married Tom Margetich on July 10, 1946 in Phoenix, Arizona. He survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Noreen Margetich and Louise Lykins, both of North Pekin ; one son, Thomas D. (Debbie) Margetich of Chicago Heights; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Velmia Linville and Mimi (Ed) Thompson, both of Peoria Heights; and one brother, Robert E. (Jeanetta) Heaton of Elizabethton, Tennessee.
Her parents, one son (Norman Dennis 'Denny' Margetich) and one daughter (Caroline Margetich) preceded her in death.
Mrs. Margetich was currently the State of Illinois Chairwoman of the National Forget Me Not Organization for Prisoners of War and Those Missing in Action, where she and her husband where volunteers for several years.
She enjoyed making crafts.
Services will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions maybe made to the Methodist Medical Center Hospice Services, 221 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61636.
ROBBIE DAVIS
(1967-2003)
CREVE COEUR - Robbie Lynn Davis, 36, of 120 Avalon Court, died at 4 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2003 at his residence.
Born June 17, 1967 in Peoria to Charles Jr. and Carolyn Michaels Davis, he married Patricia A. Schidler on June 14, 1991 in Creve Coeur. She survives.
Also surviving are his father of Creve Coeur; one daughter, Kalynn Marie Davis at home; one son, Devin Hunter Davis at home; three sisters, Glenna (Robert) Pyeatte of Peoria, Ruby Harper of Creve Coeur, and Brenda Davis of Rushville; and one brother, Delmar Davis of Ina.
His mother preceded him in death.
Mr. Davis was presently working at Morton Welding Company in Morton as a machinist. He previously worked as a machinist at Multax Corporation in Morton for 3 years and tended bar at Sharon and Lo's in Creve Coeur for 8 years.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel. There will be no services. Cremation will be accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Davis Children's Memorial Fund at South Side Trust and Savings Bank, 118 Cole Street, East Peoria, Illinois 61611.
CECIL GULLETT
(1918-2003)
CREVE COEUR - Cecil F. Gullett, 85, of 131 Apple Court, died at 11:37 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2003 at his home.
Born July 14, 1918 in Roberts to Elias F. and Bessie Mae Kennedy Gullett, he married Rosemary A. Bodoh on October 27, 1945 in Jacksonville, Florida. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Dave (Colleen) Gullett of Peoria and Doug (Patricia) Gullett of Green Valley; one daughter, Mary (Thomas) Crannell of Creve Coeur; eleven grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and one brother, John (Nadine) Cannoy of Mississippi.
His parents and one sister (Mary Reid) preceded him in death.
A World War II United States Navy veteran, he served from January of 1944 to August of 1946. He attained the rank of Lieutenant.
Mr. Gullett worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 44 years as a mechanical engineer, retiring in 1980 as a planning supervisor in East Peoria.
He was a charter member of Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Peoria, Caterpillar Retirees, and Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He also was an assistant scout master for Troop 149 at Sacre Coeur Catholic Church of many years.
He enjoyed water recreation and working with wood and stain glass.
A funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur. The Rev. Joseph W. Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel with a rosary service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be 30 minutes before services Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions maybe made to Sacre Coeur Catholic Church, Creve Coeur, Illinois 61610.
FREDERICK McCONNELL
(1922-2003)
PEKIN - Frederick Eugene McConnell, 81, of 2220 State Street, died at 3:45 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2003 at Pekin Living and Rehabilitation Center in Pekin. He was formerly of 906 South Street in Pekin.
Born March 9, 1922 in Peoria County to William and Ida Hardibell McConnell, he married Helen Eileen Pruvost on September 22, 1946 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Donald F. McConnell of Louisiana; one granddaughter, Kristy M. (Jeremy) Brantley of Pekin, who helped care for him; one sister, Betty (Gil) Gillis of Pekin; and two brothers, William McConnell and Chuck McConnell.
His parents preceded him in death.
A World War II United States Army veteran, he served from October 24, 1942 to November 18, 1945 where he was a Cannoneer with a tank destroyer gun team in the European Theater of Operations. He attained the rank of Private First Class.
On September 19, 1943, he received certificate of service from the United States Crop Corps for patriotic service on a farm or in a food processing factory.
Mr. McConnell began working for Pekin Foundry at the age of 15 until he went into the service and later returned back following his military service until its closing. He worked at Pekin Foundry for a total of 36 years where he worked as a helper, sand cutter, and last as a molder. He later worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 4 years at the Mapleton Foundry as a molder and last as an assembler. He retired in 1983.
He formerly attended LaMarsh Baptist Church in Mapleton.
He enjoyed making model boats from scratch.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2003 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before services. The Rev. Robert N. Brite, Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin where military rites will be accorded.
Memorial contributions maybe made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to any Native American charity of the donor's choice.
JIMM SCHWARTZ
(1921-2003)
PEKIN - Jimm J. Schwartz, 82, of 1624 Summit Drive, died at 11:34 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at his residence.
Born August 31, 1921 in Pekin to James Albert and Hertha Emma Voll Schwartz, he married Mary C. Mills on April 24, 1949 in Pekin.
Surviving are his wife and one son, Dr. Timm (Chris) Schwartz of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert Schwartz and Richard Schwartz.
A 1940 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Jimm played the drums starting in 4th grade thru high school.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1945, serving in Panama and then with the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. As a member of the Navy Band, he played for the funeral of President Roosevelt.
Following his discharge from the Navy in 1945, Jimm traveled and played the drums professionally with the Bobby Meeker Orchestra out of St. Louis, Missouri. He then played the drums in the Pekin and Peoria area with Frank Negleman for twenty-five years, several years at theChateau on the Lake and for numerous area functions. He also played with the Pekin Union Mission Orchestra, taught drum lessons in Pekin and was a member of the Pekin Musicians Union 301.
In 1950, he attended the Neon Tube Bending School of Decatur and joined his father and two brothers in the family business, Schwartz ElectricCompany in Pekin, working until the business was sold in July of 1978. He retired at 64 years of age on November 27, 1985. He then worked part-time as a Bailiff at the Tazewell County Court House starting in April 1986 until August 2003.
From 1950 to 1955, he served as a member of the Selective Service System Draft Board during the Korean War until the Pekin office was closed.
He was a life member of Sunset Hills Country Club in Pekin and served as its first president of the Board of Directors and continued in that capacity until February 1980. An avid golfer, he was a recipient of the Al Weaver Integrity Award in 1980 during the Sunset Best Ball Tournament.
He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1271 in Pekin; Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 916 in Pekin; Pekin Lodge 29, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 34 in Peoria. He was a past president and member of the former Pekin Jaycees.
He was a member and former trustee of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.
He was well-known in Pekin for his custom built birdhouses that he donated each year to the Pekin Hospital Foundation for the silent auction held during their annual foundation ball.
His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2003 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Krista L. Brockman will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the Pekin Hospital Foundation, 600 South 13th Street, Boy's and Girl's Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman Street or to the Pekin Union Mission Society, 203 Court Street, all Pekin, Illinois 61554.
HELEN IRENE DEWITT
(1924-2003)
PEKIN - Helen Irene Dewitt, 79, of Pekin, Illinois, died at 1:10 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2003 at the home of her daughter in Riverdale, Utah.
She was born May 8, 1924 in Jackson, Tennessee to Patrick Michael and Lucy Estelle Hopper Magee.
Surviving are two daughters, Judy E. (Victor) Ethridge of Riverdale, Utah and Karen E. (Kevin) Garman of Pekin; three sons, James L. (Wanda) Dewitt of Nettleton, Mississippi, Anthony R. 'Tony' (Phillis) Dewitt of Pekin and Kenneth L. (Lori) Dewitt of Lindenhurst, Illinois; fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister.
She had worked in the housekeeping department at Pekin Hospital and previously as an operator for Southern Bell .
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended services at their Pekin Ward.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2003 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Bishop Shaun Shurtliff will preside over the service. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pekin.
