BARBARA L. STRONG
(1935-2004)
PEKIN - Barbara Lee Strong, 68, of 343 South 4th Street, Apartment 410, died at 6:55 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2004 at her residence.
She was born October 21, 1935 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Charles H. and Eleanor Chase Mitchell. Her parents preceded her in death.
Surviving are two sons, Dale, Jr. (Kim) Strong of Marquette Heights and Charles Henry Mitchell Strong of Flint, Michigan; three daughters, Shelly A. (Jeff) Fennern of Eldorado, Texas, Cheryl A. (Jack) Todd and Lisa Marie Knox, both of Fort Benton, Montana; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson and two brothers, Charles H., III (Bonnie) Mitchell of Macquoketa, Iowa and Chase Mitchell of Las Vegas, Nevada.
A homemaker, she was an active member of First Baptist Church in Pekin.
Her graveside funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 7, 2004 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. No visitation is planned. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 700 South Capitol Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
ROBERT G. YOST
(1938-2004)
PEKIN - Robert G. Yost, 66, of 119 Arrow Street, died at 2:50 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2004 at Pekin Hospital.
Born January 23, 1938 in Clay City to Charles Leon and Margaret Delaney Yost, he married Janice S. Herring on July 14, 1979 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert Justin 'Rob' Yost of Pekin and Troy H. Dwyer of Glasford; one daughter, Brenda Kay Yost of East Peoria; three grandchildren, Ryan Clemons of Pekin, Brandon Clemons of East Peoria and Isabella Gail Yost of Pekin; one great-granddaughter, Kelsey Kay Clemons of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his foster parents, Tom and Mildred Jordan, who raised him; one daughter, Rhonda Gail Yost on January 3, 1982 in Pekin; one brother and one sister.
He was a United States Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. in 1999 after 33 years, where he was a mechanical engineer in East Peoria. He and his wife own and operate Mixed Nuts Karaoke D.J.
He was a member of the George M. Maple AMVETS Post 235 and William Schaefer American Legion Post 44, both in Pekin. He also was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 916 in Pekin and Manito Masonic Lodge 476, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 6, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Charles W. 'C.J' Plogger will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 5, 2004 at the funeral home, with Moose rites at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin, where military honors will be accorded by the Pekin Area Ceremonial Team.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mooseheart, 155 South International Drive, Mooseheart, Illinois 60539-1100 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
GENE KIME
(1923-2004)
PEKIN - Samuel 'Gene' Kime, 81, of 1401 Delray St. died at 8:45 p.m., Sunday, August 1, 2004 at Pekin Hospital.
Born July 5, 1923 in Canton, Illinois to Samuel and Bessie Kime, he married Elvira Guile, who died in 1966. He then married Anna Pribble, who died on December 12, 1995. And then he married Virginia Hallar Alexander on March 15, 2003 in Pekin.
He was also preceded in death by 2 daughters, 1 son, 3 grandchildren, and 2 sisters.
Surviving are his wife; 5 daughters, Phyllis (John) Rodcay of Washington, Illinois, Charlene 'Bunny' Blasdel of South Pekin, Helen (Allan) Armentrout of North Pekin, Patricia (Tom) Meno of Naperville, Illinois, and Karla Alexander of Pekin; 6 sons, James (Janice) Pribble, Jr., Frank Guile, Rick (Lisa) Alexander, Kevin (Connie Jo) Alexander, and Kyle (Lindy) Alexander, all of Pekin, and Charles (Bev) Guile of Wisconsin; 31 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Kime worked for Fruehauf Trailer Company for 30 years, retiring as a welder in 1983. He also owned and operated the Cottage Cafe' in Pekin for several years.
He was a member of Pekin Moose Lodge #916, where he was also a cook for many years.
He was an avid Bingo player.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 5, 2004 at his church. Rev. Michael McLeod will officiate. Visitation will be form 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and 1 hour prior to services Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
JEAN KAUFFMANN
(1922-2004)
PEKIN - Thelma Jean Kauffmann, 81, of 1211 Hamilton St. died at 3:34 a.m., Monday, August 02, 2004 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
Born September 4, 1922 in Pekin to Harry W. and Lena M. Conn Diekman, she married Carroll F. Hannig on September 7, 1940 in Pekin. He died February 13, 1969 in Pekin. She then married Jack L. Kauffman on November 21, 1970 in Pekin. He died April 5, 2002 in Peoria.
She was also preceded in death by 1 grandson.
Surviving are 1 son, Steve Hannig of Pekin; 1 daughter, Barbara Sego of Pekin; 3 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Kauffmann worked as a medical records transcriptionist at Pekin Hospital from 1963-70.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed crocheting and wintering in Florida, which she did for 31 years.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 7, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Cremation will be accorded. Burial of cremains will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
THEODORE BEEVER
(1915-2004)
TREMONT - Theodore Wallace Beever, 89, of 26878 Hinman Road died at 3:02 a.m., Sunday, August 1, 2004 at Hopedale Hospital.
Born July 9, 1915 in Meyer, Illinois to Wallace H. and Mary E. Douglas Beever, he married Helen Louise Maquet on August 29, 1934 in Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his wife on October 9, 1993 in Peoria; 1 son, Billy Beever; 3 grandchildren; 1 sister; and 4 brothers.
Surviving are 1 son, Ronald R. (Marilyn) Beever of Tremont; 2 daughters, Shirley A. (Robert) Wicks of Bloomingdale, Illinois and Carol K. Brown of Ramsey, Illinois; 22 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Donald (Joyce) Beever of Pekin; and 2 sisters, Agnes Ghode of Kingston Mines and Barbara (Emanuel) Kester of Pekin.
An iron worker for 60 years, he worked for Hiram Walker Company in Peoria for 36 years, retiring in 1975.
He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin.
He was a member of Iron Workers Local 112 in East Peoria and a former member of Pekin Moose Lodge #916.
He was an avid fisherman.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Syl Carter 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 the Central Illinois Dream Factory, P.O. Box 1431, Pekin, IL 61555.
WILLIAM TRESCH, III
(1951-2004)
PEKIN - William Sebastian 'Sonny' Tresch, III, 53 of Pekin, died at 12:08 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at a Pekin residence. He was formerly of Creve Coeur.
He was born February 27, 1951 in Peoria to William Sebastian, Jr. and Ruth Lamb Tresch. His parents and one brother, Dennis L. Tresch, preceded him in death.
Surviving are three brothers, Robert James Tresch of Chillicothe, Thomas Tresch of Springfield and James Blumenstock and five sisters, Jean Ann Ellington of Peoria, Terry Marie Hess and Tammy Noreen Cox, both of Kingston Mines, Roberta Jean (Dwayne) Rients of Campbellsburg, Indiana and Debbie Tresch.
He previously was an office worker in California and last drove for Yellow Cab in Peoria for many years.
He enjoyed fishing and liked cats.
Cremation will be accorded. There will be no service or visitation. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
PAUL NASH
(1930-2004)
PEKIN - Paul Kenneth Nash, 73, of 1439 Valle Vista Boulevard, No. 18, died at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at the Methodist Medical Center of Illinois in Peoria. He was formerly of Danville.
Born November 6, 1930 in Browns to Joe Bryan and Marie Emma Moody Nash, he married Betty Lou Loretta Keele on March 2, 1951 in Danville. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Cindy (Jim) Nelson of Pekin; five sons, Michael (Marla) Nash of Waterloo, Iowa, Randy J. (Wendy) Nash of Germantown Hills, Gary (Denise) Nash of Pekin and David Paul (Cynthia) Nash of Tremont and Christopher T. (Jeannie) Nash of Creve Coeur; thirteen grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
He had worked for Pekin Public Schools District 108 for 16 ' years as a custodian, retiring in March of 1993. He previously worked as a wholesaler in plumbing and heating for 21 years.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
He loved camping and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and making crafts.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2004 at First United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 30, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
MAY E. EKLIN
(1919-2004)
PEKIN - May Elizabeth Eklin, 85 of 309 Pine Valley Drive in Pekin, died at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at her residence. She was formerly of Fremont, California and Roseland, Illinois.
Born February 15, 1919 in Pontiac, Michigan to Frank and Esther Gustafson Sheehan, she married Leonard J. Eklin on July 28, 1945 in Chicago. He died September 29, 1980 in Chicago. She also was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.
Surviving are two daughters, Joy A. (Thomas) Wojtas and Shirley M. (Rodney) Williams, both of Pekin; two grandchildren, Karen J. Browning of Arlington, Virginia and John T. Wojtas of Fresno, California and one sister, Alma L. (Robert) Kinstedt of Palos Heights.
She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Eklin was a member of Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church in Oak Lawn and volunteered for many years at a thrift store benefiting Lutheran charities.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2004 at Chapel Hill Gardens, South, 11333 South Central Avenue in Oak Lawn. The Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Basch of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Palos Heights will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tributes Program, Dept. 77-3968, Chicago, Illinois 60678-3968 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 606 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 or to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax, Suite 100, Arlington, Virginia 22203.
CHARLIE CUTTING
(1950-2004)
PEKIN - Charles Earl 'Charlie' Cutting, 53, of 1834 Columbus Drive, died at 7:02 a.m., Saturday, July 24, 2004 at Pekin Hospital.
Born October 20, 1950 in Pekin to Charles Creighton and Earlene Calhoun Cutting, he married Cheryl L. Bolduc on November 27, 1971 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She survives.
Also surviving are his parents of Pekin; three sons, Christopher E. (Theresa) Cutting, Chad E. (Kara) Cutting, both of Pekin and Craig E. (Stacey) Cutting of Bloomington and three grandchildren, Chase E. Cutting and Kylie M. Cutting, both of Pekin and Haley A. Cutting of Bloomington.
His grandparents preceded him in death.
He was a Vietnam War Navy veteran.
He was a service technician for Retail Data Systems in Pekin for the past 7 years, last working in June of this year. He previously worked 20 years for Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville last as general foreman of the riggers and welders in the steel mill.
An avid fisherman and hunter, he was a member and the director of region 2 of the Illinois B.A.S.S. Federation and was it's 2003 State Champion. He also was an active member of the Tri-county Anglers and of the Illinois Valley Bass Anglers, currently serving as president.
He was a member of the 5 C's Duck Club in rural Manito and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 916 in Pekin.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Robert N. Brite, Jr. will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, 640 North LaSalle Street, Suite 280, Chicago, Illinois 60610.
LOIS ANDERSON
(1921-2004)
PEKIN - Lois Evelyn Anderson, 82, of 1503 South 8th Street, died at 10:09 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2004 at Pekin Hospital.
Born December 16, 1921 in Bevier, Missouri to Harry and Opal Marie Taylor Yocum, she married William Levi Anderson on August 19, 1939 in Macon, Missouri. He died January 25, 1986 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by one son (Ronald W. Anderson).
Surviving are one daughter, Sally A. (Dennis) Crotty of Pekin; three granddaughters, Brigitte L. (David) Harper of Pekin, Holly A. (Mazin Merghani) Crotty of Decatur, and Dee A. (Rich) Justice of Pekin; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty L. (Herb) Gilliland, Jr. of Pekin; and one daughter-in-law, Sheila Anderson of Pekin.
A homemaker, Mrs. Anderson was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Pekin. She also was a member of the Tuckabatchee Sunday School class at her church and the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary.
She enjoyed her home and family.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 26, 2004 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. David J. Wetterlund and Rev. Dr. Steven E. Hauter will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 25, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Baptist Church, 1501 Howard Court, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
DARWIN BOWEN
(1943-2004)
PEKIN - Darwin K. Bowen, 61, of Pekin, died at 2:53 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2004 at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was formerly of Mackinaw.
He was born June 18, 1943 in Long Lane, Missouri to Raymon A. and Gladys A. Vest Bowen. His parents preceded him in death. He also was preceded in death by one brother, Vestal Bowen, and one sister, Mydena Jeffries.
Surviving are one sister, Alaira I. (Ervin) Springman of Pekin and several nieces and nephews.
A Vietnam War Army veteran, Mr. Bowen worked out of Laborers Local 231 in Pekin for many years, retiring in October, 2000.
He was of the Baptist faith.
He played the banjo and loved to listen and play bluegrass music.
His graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2004 at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin. The Rev. Randy Hall will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are by 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.
AGNES CONAGHAN
(1908-2004)
PEKIN - Agnes Lucille Whalen Conaghan, 96, of 610 South 6th Street, died at 3:20 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2004 in Pekin. She was a resident of Pekin for 71 years.
Born April 9, 1908 in Charleston to Edward Patrick and Mary Ellen McCarthy Whalen, she married James Edward 'Damo' Conaghan in June of 1934 in Pekin. He died February 24, 1966 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by one son (Gerald Edward Conaghan on February 1, 1997 in Pekin), one infant son (Daniel Whalen Conaghan on February 21, 1946), and one grandson.
Surviving are three sons, John Joseph (Margaret 'Margy') Conaghan and Mark Thomas Conaghan, both of Pekin, and James Anthony (Martha) Conaghan of Rowlett, Texas; five daughters, Ellen Ann Hinckley of Sarasota, Florida, Kathleen (Robert) Harrington of Marietta, Georgia, Sheila Agnes (Theodore) Schlitt of Springfield, Denise Mary (Stephen) Snakard of Winnetka, and Phoebe Alice (Stephan) Winninger of Williamston, Michigan; twenty grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
She was a boarding student and graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield and graduated from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana in 1931.
Agnes was a social worker in Chicago and came to Pekin where she continued her work. Following her marriage, she devoted her entire life to her family.
She was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where a funeral mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2004. The Rev. David Whiteside will officiate. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
GEORGE BEENEY, SR.
(1922-2004)
PEKIN - Donald George Beeney, Sr., 81, of 1314 S. 12th St. died at 10:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at his home.
Born October 13, 1922 in Sublette, Illinois to George Washington and Elsie Mable Bolio Beeney, he married Martha Viola Cornwell on September 4, 1948 in Pekin.
Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Donald G. (Kathy) Beeney, Jr. of Pekin; 3 daughters, Carol Lynn (Larry) Porter of Mapleton, Patricia Marie Beeney and Brenda Sue Hill, both of Pekin; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Bill (Kay) Beeney of East Peoria; and 2 sisters, Vera Beeney and Evelyn (Bill) Geier, both of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by 1 son, Danny Lee Beeney; 1 daughter, Sheila Beeney; 2 grandchildren; and 4 brothers.
Mr. Beeney had worked as a carpenter/lather in the Peoria and Champaign areas for many years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #183 and the Wood, Wire, and Metal Lathers International Union Local #36, both in Peoria.
He served during World War II with the U.S. Coast Guard in the Asiatic-Pacific theater and in the liberation of the Phillipines. He was a member of the Roy L. King V.F.W. Post #1232 and the George Maple Memorial AMVETS Post #235, both in Pekin.
He was a former member of the Pekin Boat Club, Pekin Moose Lodge #916, and Pekin Eagles Aerie #1869.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Monday, July 26, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Kent Smith will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 25, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
SOPHIE YOUNG
(1915-2004)
PEKIN - Sophie Young, 89, of 1906 El Camino Dr. died at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at her residence.
Born May 3, 1915 in Gilchrist, Illinois to Anthony and Joanna Kombol Yovanovich, she married Cecil Merle Young on September 18, 1967 in Palmyra, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1985; 2 brothers; and 1 sister.
Surviving are 1 nephew, Ed (Pat) Wyss, with whom she lived; 1 grand-niece; and 1 grand-nephew.
A homemaker, she was of the Catholic faith.
A private service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2004 at American Mausoleum in Peoria. Deacon Mark Wilder will officiate. Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Methodist Medical Center Hospice Services, 221 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, IL 61636 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
ROLLIN D. "ROD" MONROE
(1921-2004)
PEKIN - Rollin D. "Rod" Monroe, 82, of 7310 North Buckley Drive, Hayward, Wisconsin died peacefully Tuesday morning, July 20, 2004 at his residence. He was formerly of Pekin.
Born September 20, 1921 in Ashland, Illinois to Samuel S. and Minnie F. Christie Monroe, he married Margaret A. "Marge" Houston on June 14, 1945 in Hernando, Mississippi. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Christie D. (David) Pruski of Redmond, Washington and Connie J. Monroe of Tucson, Arizona; seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Celeste A. Houlihan on March 10, 2003 in Tucson, Arizona; three sisters and four brothers.
He was a World War II Navy Air Corps veteran.
He worked in mechanical maintenance for Commonwealth Edison for 37 years, retiring in 1982 as a supervisor at the Powerton Station in Pekin. He then enjoyed 22 years of living on the lake in Wisconsin during the summer and in the desert of Arizona in the winters. Rod loved life and lived it to the fullest.
He was a member of the Powerton Playboys and was a former member and past president of the Powerton Club. He was a life and 55-year member of Empire Lodge #126 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois in Pekin and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1271 in Pekin.
He was a former member of the First Christian Church in Pekin.
Rod was a kind and wonderful friend, father, grandfather and husband. He was married to Marge, the love of his life for 59 years.
He enjoyed doing yardwork.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Robert N. Brite, Jr. will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens In Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 651 West Washington Boulevard, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foudation, 500 North Dearborn, Suite 305, Chicago, Illinois 60610.
