COLESON GEHRT-MONROE
(2004-2005)
Peoria - Coleson Theodore Gehrt-Monroe, 6 week old infant son of Nicholas Peter Gehrt and April Lynn Monroe of 1101 Inverness, died at 4:58 p.m. Thursday, January 6, 2005 at Proctor Hospital Emergency Room. He was born November 19, 2004 in Peoria.
Surviving are his parents; three sisters, Madison Taylor Gehrt, Alexis Payton Nichole Gehrt, both of East Peoria and Jayni Renee Monroe of Peoria; his grandparents, R. Jeanie Monroe of Pekin and Paul M. and Laurie A. Gehrt of Smithville, Missouri and his great-grandparents, R. Marlene Hosick of Mill Shoals, Helen P. Kirven of Smithville, Missouri and Theodore H. and Marjorie L. Gehrt of Topeka, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Howard G. 'Bill' Hosick.
His funeral will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, January 9, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Stephen E. Hartman will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before services at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the service.
The family will receive friends following the service at the Pavilion in Mineral Springs Park in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61603.
CAROL J. KEEN
(1934-2005)
MANITO - Carol Jean Keen, 70, of 13928 Winfield Dr. died at 11:17 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2005 in the emergency room at Pekin Hospital.
Born February 4, 1934 in Fayette Township, Livingston County to Charles A. and Verna L. Peters Monks, she married Billy E. Keen on July 21, 1951 in Pekin.
Surviving are her husband; 2 sons, Michael (Becky) Keen and Brian Keen, both of Manito; twin daughters, Donna (Leo) Ratcliff of Lacon and Diana (Lester) Koehl of Pekin; 5 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Gordon Monks of Pekin; and 1 sister, Lois Rynearson of Glasford.
She was preceded in death by 1 brother and 1 sister.
A homemaker, Mrs. Keen attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin.
She was an avid bowler in leagues at Roxy's Lanes in Pekin. She was a member of the Peoria Sportsmens Club and a former member of the Mothers of Twins Club in Pekin .
She enjoyed gardening and bird watching.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 10, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Brian Smith will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, January 9, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
DARRELL A. WILSON
(1928-2005)
PEKIN, IL - Darrell Arvil Wilson, 76, of 905 Truman Dr. died at 7:37 a.m., Monday, January 03, 2005 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
He formerly resided in Bee Branch, Arkansas from 1991-2003.
Born November 5, 1928 in Damascus, Arkansas to Sherman and Virgie Chrisco Wilson, he married Annie Lois Martin on August 15, 1950 in Heber Springs, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his wife on September 10, 2003 in Pekin; and his twin-sister Jewell Wolfe on February 5, 1992.
Surviving are 3 sons, Arvil Duane (Diana) Wilson of Pekin, Donald Ray (Debra) Wilson of Brimfield, and Timothy Joe Wilson of Manito; 3 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Wilson retired as a shop mechanic from Pekin Energy (formerly Corn Products Corporation) in 1991, after 40 years of service.
He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin and a former member of the Nazarene Church in Clinton, Arkansas. He had served as a church board member and Sunday School superintendent at the church in Clinton.
He was a member of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers, International.
He was an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener, and small engine mechanic.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2005 at First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin. Rev. Greg Mason will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 Broadway Rd., Pekin, IL 61554 or the American Cancer Society, 4234 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.
LESTER C. SCHRIEBER
(1926-2005)
PEKIN - Lester Charles Schrieber, 78, of 730 Audubon Dr. died at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, January 2, 2005 at his home.
Born August 5, 1926 in Pekin to Henry and Anna Moenkemoeller Schrieber, he married Glenda Lou Hild on September 21, 1952 in Pekin.
Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Greg Schrieber of Pekin; 2 daughters, Jan Hayes and Jeri Lynn (Dan) Gianessi, both of Pekin; 7 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by 1 son, Steve Schrieber on March 3, 1984 in Pekin and 1 brother.
Mr. Schrieber worked for CILCO for 37 years, retiring as a gas and electric supervisor on December 1, 1983.
He was a member of the CILCO Quarter Century Club and the CILCO Retirees.
A member of Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin for over 50 years, he was formerly a church trustee and a member of the church 'Nitro-gang'.
He was a former member of the Pekin Optimist Club.
He had volunteered as an escort at Pekin Hospital, a volunteer for the Pekin United Way campaign, and a Boy Scout volunteer.
He enjoyed fishing and gardening.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin. Rev. Michael McLeod and Rev. Joe Olson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel and 1 hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Stonecroft Ministries, P.O. Box 9609, Kansas City, MO 64134
KENNETH "HERB" WHEELER, SR.
(1933-2005)
PEKIN - Kenneth Herbert 'Herb' Wheeler, Sr., 71, of 706 East Shore Dr., died at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 2, 2005 at his home.
Born June 25, 1933 in Portageville, Missouri to Samuel and Dossie 'Dot' Babb Wheeler, Sr., he married Marlena Kay Brienen on July 2, 1955 in Peoria.
Surviving are his wife; 3 sons, Greg P. (Nancy) Wheeler of Pekin, Kenneth H. (Julie) Wheeler, II of Norwood, and Jeff A. (Sandy) Wheeler of Pekin; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Robert Lyndell (Marge) Wheeler of Pittsburg, Illinois and Sam (Linda) Wheeler, Jr. of Creve Coeur; and 1 sister, Linda L. (Calvin) Thorne of Glasford.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 daughter, Victoria 'Vickie' Wheeler on February 18, 1985 in Pekin; and 3 brothers.
Mr. Wheeler worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 31 years, retiring in 1996 as a machinist. He had previously worked at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 11 years.
He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin where he had been active in various church activities, functions, and ministries. He was a member of Crusillo Class #132 and was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
His interests included bowling and computers. He was also an avid sports fan, including St. Louis Cardinal Baseball and Bradley Braves baseball.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2005 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Rev. David Whiteside will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel, where a Christian Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.
LAURA HANLEY
(1965-2004)
PEKIN - Laura Estelle Hanley, 39, of 101B Pin Oak Drive, died at 2:08 a.m. Friday, December 31, 2004 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was formerly of Farmington.
She was born December 31, 1965 in Pekin to D. Neale and Nancy Carolyn Willey Hanley.
Surviving are her father and step-mother, D. Neale and Patricia L. Hanley of Pekin; her twin sister, Tammie (David) Vocatura of Westerly, Rhode Island; two brothers, Charles R. (Kelley) Hanley and D. Neale 'Buster' (Joely) Hanley, II, both of Pekin; two nephews, Tyler R. Hanley and Preston R. Hanley, both of Pekin and three nieces, Megan N. Hanley of Pekin, Caroline R. Vocatura and Emily E. Vocatura, both of Westerly, Rhode Island.
She was preceded in death by her mother on December 4, 1987 in Pekin and her grandparents.
She attended her freshman through junior years of high school at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and graduated in 1984 from Pekin Community High School. She attended Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas and graduated from the Methodist Medical Center School of Nursing in Peoria on May 20, 1989.
She was a co-founder and co-owner of Spoon River Home Health Services, Inc and Spoon River Home Health Care, Inc, both in Farmington. She previously worked as a registered nurse at the Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, last as a charge nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit. She also was a C.N.A. instructor.
She was a member of the Zeta Alpha Chapter of Phi Mu Sorority.
She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.
She enjoyed collecting M*A*S*H memorabilia and bears. She also enjoyed fishing.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Gary L. Ford and Rev. Krista L. Brockman will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2005 at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 503 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554, Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin, IL 61554, or to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Road, Pekin, IL 61554.
VIVIAN CLAUSEN
(1913-2004)
PEKIN - Vivian Caroline Clausen, 91, of 1221 Florence Avenue, died at 9:03 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2004 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital.
Born May 27, 1913 in Bryant, Iowa to Nicholas and Mary Schrum Mason, she married Gilbert Franklin Clausen on March 2, 1932 in Morrison. He died July 23, 1979 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter (Kara L. Clausen), and one brother (Herbert E. Mason).
Surviving are one daughter, Barbara G. (John) Fuelberth of Pekin; one son, Karry B. Clausen of Warrenville; five grandchildren, Vonda L. (Patrick) Zehr of Morton, Brian J. (Ann) Fuelberth of Pekin; Kari L. (Jim) Schimka of McHenry, Tiffani L. Clausen of Wheaton, and Gregory J. (Nichole) Clausen of Wauconda; and five great-grandsons.
A homemaker, Mrs. Clausen was a member of Saint John's Lutheran Church in Pekin. She was a life-time member of the American Angus Association. She was a former member of the Spring Lake Home Bureau and Tazewell County Farm Bureau. She also was a former 4-H leader in the Spring Lake area.
She volunteered for Ewe's Treasures in Pekin for many years.
She enjoyed genealogy, traveling, and writing letters.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2004 at the Lemke Funeral Home South, 2600 Lincolnway Boulevard, Clinton, Iowa, where visitation will be 30 minutes before services. The Rev. Mark A. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Clinton Lawn Cemetery in Clinton, Iowa.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
MADALYN G. MEYER
(1908-2004)
PEKIN - Madalyn Geneive Meyer, 96, of 191 East Queenwood Road, Morton, died at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at Morton Terrace. She was formerly of Pekin.
Born February 26, 1908 in Clinton, Missouri to William Frederick and Hazel Bell Crawford Keefer, she married Vernon Samuel Meyer on August 26, 1931 in Fayette, Missouri. He died October 2, 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister (Frances Korzack).
Surviving are one son, William J. 'Bill' (Pat) Meyer of Pekin; two grandchildren, W. Scott Meyer of Jacksonville and Kristie L. 'Bill' Bruneman of Bartlett; and three great-grandchildren.
A homemaker, she was a 1931 graduate of Central Missouri College in Warrensberg, Missouri with a degree in Physical Education.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pekin. She was a former member of the Branson United Methodist Church in Branson, Missouri and the Order of the Eastern Star in Canton.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 6, 2005 at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Branson, Missouri. The Rev. Donal Keithly will officiate. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 606 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
RUSSELL E. MEYER
(1942-2004)
PEKIN - Russell Earl Meyer, 62, formerly of 342 Ann Eliza St., Apt. 7, died at 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Danville.
He was born July 30, 1942 in East Peoria to William and Jane Modenricker Meyer.
Surviving are 1 brother, Charles Meyer of Pekin; 2 sisters, Margaret (Bill) Gaboriault of Creve Coeur and Dorothy (Bill) Hurt of Pekin; and a sister-in-law, Polly Meyer of Morton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; and 1 sister.
Mr. Meyer worked out of Laborers Union Local #231 in Pekin for 30 years, retiring in 2002.
A Viet Nam war veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1967-69.
He was a life member of Amvets Post #169 in Pekin and a member of Pekin Eagles Aerie #1869.
He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, January 3, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Tom Cone will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
DONALD E. JOHNSON, SR.
(1941-2004)
PEKIN - Donald E. Johnson, Sr., 63, of 320 Herman Street in Pekin, died at 12:41 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at the Pekin Hospital Emergency Room.
Born August 21, 1941 in Peoria to Lourn Eugene and Dora Frances Rode Johnson, he married Marlene M. Martin on September 16, 1961 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Becky S. Hacker of Pekin; one son, Donald E. (Val) Johnson, Jr. of Pekin; three grandchildren, Nicole M. Hacker, Kylie N. Hacker and Ian M. Hacker, all of Pekin and one brother, Lourn E. Johnson of Peoria.
His parents preceded him in death.
Mr. Johnson worked at Pekin Insurance for 16 years in the maintenance department, last working Tuesday night. He previously worked for the American Distilling Company in Pekin for 19 years until its closing.
He was a member of Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869. He also was a longtime blood donor with the American Red Cross. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, December 31, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Christine A. Bell will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, Central Illinois Chapter, 311 West John Gwynn Jr. Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61605-2524 or to the St. Jude Midwest Affilitate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
DONNA V. STANLEY
(1931-2004)
PEKIN - Donice Verlee Stanley, 73, 230 Court St., Apt. 606 died at 1:35 p.m., Monday, December 27, 2004 in Apartment 301.
Born January 10, 1931 in Galesburg to Paul G. and Evelyn McDonald Stoneking, she married Edward Stanley on November 7, 1982 in Manito.
She was preceded in death by her husband; 2 brothers; and 1 granddaughter.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Deborah Mercer of Pekin, Donneta (Shawn) Van Etten of Memphis, Tennessee; 3 sons, Gregory (Colletta) Tribbett of Cape Cod, Florida, Charles Tribbett of Manito, and Jack (Linda) Tribbett of Pine Island, Florida; 18 grandhildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Stanley had last worked as a dietary aid at Heritage Manor in Chillicothe. She was formerly a professional singer in the Peoria area.
She was a member of the Manito Baptist Church.
She was also a member of the Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869 auxiliary.
She enjoyed singing and collecting antiques and collectibles.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 30, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel.
Cremation will follow the visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Manito Baptist Church.
EMIL S. TOMEVI
DOROTHY O. TOMEVI
Emil S. Tomevi, 88, and Dorothy O. Tomevi, 78, both of 208 Maywood Avenue in Creve Coeur, died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Mr. Tomevi was pronounced dead at 8:46 p.m. Saturday, December 25, 2004 at the accident scene in Normal. Mrs. Tomevi died at 11 a.m. Sunday, December 26, 2004 at OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. They married April 5, 1947 in Granite City.
Emil was born December 31, 1915 in Dawson, New Mexico to Amadio Angelo and Conda Toresani Tomevi. He has two brothers surviving, Henry (Edna) Tomevi of Panama and Herman Tomevi of Big Fork, Minnesota and one sister, Virginia Dixon of Punta Gorda, Florida. He was preceded in death by three brothers and five sisters.
Dorothy was born March 29, 1926 in Steele, Missouri to William E. and Cordellia Woodward Rikard. She has one sister surviving, Geneva (Herschel) Wills of Greenville, Missouri. She was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.
Also surviving are three sons, Ronald E. (Diana) Tomevi of Pekin, Russell A. (Sandi) Tomevi of Winfield, Kansas and Richard W. (Laura) Tomevi of Bloomington; five grandchildren, Tyler N. Tomevi of Winfield, Kansas, Alisa D. (Carl) Biggs of Pekin, Tierney A. (Chad) Hopkins of Coffeyville, Kansas, Angela M. (Ian) Dawson of Pekin and Danielle K. Tomevi of Bloomington and seven great-grandchildren.
A homemaker, Mrs. Tomevi enjoyed crocheting baby blankets and fishing.
Mr. Tomevi worked at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 30 - years, retiring in 1978 as a crane operator. He also was a member of the American Legion and served in the Navy during World War II.
Mr. and Mrs. Tomevi were longtime members of Pekin Bible Church, where Emil was a former trustee and Dorothy was the Sunday school secretary for more than 30 years. For many years they participated in the couples bowling outings. Emil also played softball in the church league.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 30, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Richard W. Jones will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military rites accorded for Mr. Tomevi by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Bible Church, 2405 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
RAYMOND W. YEAKEL
(1938-2004)
PEKIN - Raymond W. Yeakel, 66, of 1118 Shire Avenue, Apartment B, died at 4:42 a.m. Sunday, December 26, 2004 at the Methodist Medical Center of Illinois in Peoria.
Born August 3, 1938 in Pekin to Raymond and Marie Shanklin Yeakel, he married Edna I. Garrison on March 8, 1964 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Bill M. (Brenda) Yeakel of Pekin; one daughter, Vickey S. (Davy) Fitzgerald of Pekin; five grandchildren, Jason G. Fitzgerald, Shawn W. Fitzgerald, Brandon W. Fitzgerald, Natassia B. Yeakel and Brandy S. Yeakel, all of Pekin; two brothers, Steven J. Davis and L. James (Kathy) Davis, both of Pekin.
His parents preceded him in death.
He served in the Army from 1961 to 1963 in Germany.
He worked for more than 15 years for Fahnders Auction Service in Pekin, last working on November 11th. He previously had worked 19 years for Meyer Morton and then Butler Manufacturing in Morton. In earlier years, he worked at Hicksgas in North Pekin. He also was a lifelong farmer in the Pekin area.
He was a former member of the Pekin Riding Club and enjoyed horses, camping and fishing.
His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Christine A. Bell will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Commerce Bank, 110 North 5th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
NINA I. GARDNER
(1931-2004)
PEKIN - Nina Irene Gardner, 73, of 108 Parkview Ct., Apartment #1, died at 3:54 p.m., Friday, December 24, 2004 at Pekin Hospital.
Born August 7, 1931 in Rushville to Clyde and Ora Cleavinger Pryor, she married Howard Earl Gardner on August 7, 1948 in Pekin.
Surviving are 2 sons, Howard L. Gardner of Pekin and Alvin G. (Joyce) Gardner of Somerset, Kentucky; 1 daughter, Joy L. (Floyd) Keyes of Pekin; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister, Betsy Pratt of Peoria.
She was preceded in death by 1 infant daughter; 1 sister; and 2 brothers.
A homemaker, she had formerly worked as a housekeeper and a nurses aide.
She had attended First Assembly of God in Pekin.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Quinn E. McKenzie will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Assembly of God, 1209 Parkway Dr., Pekin, IL 61554.
LARRY R. JONES
(1941-2004)
PEKIN - Larry Ronald Jones, 63, of 14111 First St., Midway Addition, died at 11:10 a.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2004 in the emergency room at Pekin Hospital.
Born May 10, 1941 in Kennett, Missouri to Cletus and Winnie Carr Jones, he married Sandra Huskisson on December 31, 1983 in Pekin.
Surviving are his wife; 8 sons, Dallas (Deb) Jones and Jeff (Carol) Jones, both of Lincoln, Illinois, Larry (Susan) Jones of Hartsburg, Walter Lowe of Taft, California, Dean (Twyla) Lowe, Jimmy (Robin) Lowe, Jerry (Tina) Lowe, and David (Ginger) Lowe, all of Pekin; 1 daughter, Becky (Dave) Katz of Lincoln; 23 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Lanny (Elaine) Jones and Claude Allen (Dian) Jones, both of Kennett; 1 sister, Norma Sue Woods of St. Peters, Missouri; and a good friend, Dick Sheppard of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 son, Brian Jones; and 4 brothers.
A self-employed auto mechanic, he formerly owned and operated S&L Towing Service in Pekin.
He was a member of the South Pekin General Baptist Church, where he had been an usher and a church trustee.
He was an avid collector of antique automobiles, model cars, and cigarette lighters.
He enjoyed cooking, family reunions, and his friends.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, December 24, 2004 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Lelon B. Gatlin will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to services at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the South Pekin General Baptist Church,
110 E. Main St., South Pekin, Illinois 61564.
VELMA F. MEYER
(1921-2004)
PEKIN - Velma Florence Meyer, 82, of 1506 Hamilton Street, died at 11:02 a.m. Sunday, December 19, 2004 at her home.
Born December 28, 1921 in Saskatchewan, Canada to Frederick William and Katherine Hunter Purdy, she married Oscar A. Meyer, Sr. on July 17, 1946 in Peoria. He died March 30, 1957 in Peoria. Her parents and one daughter (Rosemary Meyer) preceded her in death.
Surviving are one son, Oscar A. (Marlaine) Meyer, Jr. of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Brandon O. A. Meyer and Meghann L. Gaidosek, both of Houston, Texas, and Jillian K. Santosousso and Clinton W. Meyer, both of Greenville, South Carolina; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, George Purdy of Bartonville and William Purdy of Havana; and two sisters, Sarah Roth of Washington and Margaret Moss of Alabama.
Mrs. Meyer worked at the American Distilling Company in Pekin for many years in the bottling department, until its closing.
She was an active volunteer and participant with the Pekin Township.
She enjoyed watching the ducks and her walks in the park. She was devoted to recycling and enjoyed exercising.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, December 23, 2004 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. The Rev. Rory L. Bond of Grace Baptist Church in Muncie, Indiana will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Township, 420 Elizabeth Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or the Pekin Park District, 1715 Dragon Drive, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
SANDRA S. WOLFE
(1951-2004)
PEKIN - Sandra Sue Wolfe, 53, of 204 North 10th Street, died at 4:58 a.m. Sunday, December 19, 2004 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital.
Born May 31, 1951 in Pekin to Henry Dale and Merle Edith Hoyle Oates, she married Larry Alan Wolfe on September 1, 1991 in Groveland. He survives.
Also surviving are her mother, Merle Shelton of Pekin; two sons, Troy L. (Regina) Stone of Pekin and Bradley A. (Shawna) Stone, Sr. of Peoria; one step-son, Mark A. Wolfe of Pekin; one step-daughter, Stacey L. (Bob) Oday of Peoria; seven grandchildren; one brother, Dale A. (Vi Jessa) Oates of Manito; and two nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, step-father (Richard Shelton), and one nephew.
She worked at the Derby Street Laundry in Pekin as an attendant for 10 years. She later worked as a waitress for Pekin Spudnut for 6 years. She last tended bar at the Midway Tap in rural Pekin for the past 2 years, last working Friday.
She was a member of the Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) and the ABATE Free Birds Chapter in Mason County.
She enjoyed collecting quilts, Boyds Bears, and Betty Boop items.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel, where visitation will be one hour before services. The Rev. Terry C. Edele will officiate. Entombment will be in the Glendale Memorial Gardens Chapel of Dreams Mausoleum in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Relay for Life in care of the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
JOHN D. TRUEBLOOD
(1954-2004)
MORTON - John David Trueblood, 50 of 4531 Mt. Pellier Dr., Pensacola, Florida, died at 4:32 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2004 at his home. He was formerly of Morton.
He was born June 17, 1954 in Pekin to Oce 'June' and Mable Eileen Myers Trueblood.
Surviving are his mother of Pekin; 2 nieces; and 1 great-niece.
He was preceded in death by his father; 1 sister; and 2 brothers.
A 1972 graduate of Morton High School, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from City College in Pensacola in 1976.
He was currently the vice president of operations for Parametric Systems, Inc., a designer of pollution control systems, where he had worked for the last 10 years. Previously, he had worked for Spectrum Systems, Inc.
He was an avid sports fan, fisherman, and sailor.
Memorial services will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Terry C. Edele will officiate. Cremation has been accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Dr., Suite 403, Decatur, IL 62526.
Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
CAROL B. WALKER
(1917-2004)
PEKIN, IL - Carol B. Walker, 86, a resident of Hopedale Nursing Home, died there at 8:12 a.m., Monday, December 13, 2004. She was formerly of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas and Atlantic, Iowa.
Born December 17, 1917 in Gravity, Iowa to Elmer S. and Ressie Selders Brown, she married Meredith W. Walker, who died May 13, 2002 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was also preceded in death by 1 sister.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Alice (Joe) Doyle of Boulder, Colorado; 1 son, James Walker of Pekin; and 2 grandsons, Patrick Doyle of Boulder and Andrew Doyle of Denver.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
She had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Atlantic, Iowa.
A homemaker, Mrs. Walker had also been a pianist and organist for several churches and funeral homes in Iowa. Prior to her marriage, she had been a school teacher.
Cremation has been accorded.
Graveside services will be at held at a later date at Washington Township Cemetery in Gravity, Iowa. There will be no visitation or funeral services.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel is in charge of arrangements.
DAVID E. WAGNER
(1949-2004)
SOUTH PEKIN - David Eugene Wagner, 55, of 109 5th Street, died at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2004 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital.
Born April 25, 1949 in Pekin to George Anderson and Martha Lorraine Howell Wagner, Jr., he married Marsha Lynn Workman on April 29, 1967 in Pekin.
Surviving are his mother of Pekin; one son, David Alan Wagner of Pekin; one granddaughter, Kiera Lynn Rhoades of North Pekin; one sister, Carol Eileen 'Toots' (Daniel) Cruikshank of Pekin; and one niece, Amy Joann Cruikshank of Pekin.
His father preceded him in death on May 2, 1974 in Hopedale.
Mr. Wagner was a member of Laborer's Local #231 in Pekin since December 28, 1978. He last worked for Ghelardini, Inc. in Pekin on December 1, 2004. He also had worked for Ted Goodin Plastering. In earlier years, he worked at the American Distilling Company in Pekin.
He enjoyed Harley Davidson Motorcycles and was a Chicago Bears football fan.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2004 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before. The Rev. Robert N. Brite, Jr. will officiate. Cremation will be accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Lions Club Christmas Basket Fund, Post Office Box 751, Pekin, Illinois 61555-0751 or Toys for Tots.
KENNETH L. RIGLER
(1943-2004)
PEKIN - Kenneth Lee Rigler, 61, of 12730 Carter Road, died at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2004 at his home.
Born October 6, 1943 in Beardstown to Harold James and Vera Mae Bradbury Rigler, he married Sharon Kaye Maxwell on August 7, 1967 in Perryton, Texas. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Rebekah Ann (Pearl III) Cottingham of South Pekin and Nancy Sue (Dustin) Whetstone of Pekin; six grandchildren; and one brother, Rev. Robert Warren (Connie) Rigler of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son (Melvin James Rigler on March 24, 1982 in Peoria).
Mr. Rigler worked in maintenance at the former Pekin Mall for several years, retiring in 1985. He previously worked in security for many years at Pekin Hospital and KMART, both in Pekin.
He was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God in rural Pekin, where he was a member of the men's dartball team.
He enjoyed writing stories and poems.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 6, 2004 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Charles Grogan will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 5, 2004 at the funeral home. Burial will in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God, 12511 Illinois Route 29, Pekin, Illinois 61554, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614, or Methodist Medical Center Hospice Services, 221 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61636.
JONI SVENDSEN
(1937-2004)
PEKIN - T. Joanne 'Joni' Svendsen, 67, of 1923 Highwood Avenue, died at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at her home. She was formerly of 17419 Red Shale Hill Road in Pekin.
Born January 13, 1937 in Pekin to Richard Alvin 'Casey' and Thelma Melbarine 'Mel' Henderson Jacobs, she married Daniel James 'Dan' Svendsen on May 18, 1957 in Pekin. He survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Kathy A. (David) Habenicht of Winthrop Harbor; three sons, Eric D. (Madeline) Svendsen of Bailey, Colorado and Scott T. Svendsen and Robert M. 'Rob' (Kelly) Svendsen, both of Pekin; five grandchildren; two sisters, Sandra K. 'Sandy' (John) Bressner of East Peoria and Joyce L. (Gene) Wade of Nixa, Missouri; and one brother, Richard T. 'Tim' (Joyce) Jacobs of Pekin.
She was preceded in death by her mother (Thelma 'Mel' Lowery) and father and step-mother (Richard 'Casey' and Edna Taylor Jacobs).
Mrs. Svendsen worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring January 1, 1991 as an executive assistant at the General Office in Peoria. She later worked part-time for Caterpillar, Inc. for several years as a secretary at the General Office in Peoria and at area plants, last working in 2000. In earlier years, she worked for Producer's Dairy in Peoria as a secretary.
She was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and a former member of the Ladies of Columbus, both in Pekin. She was a past volunteer for the Pekin Township Holiday Meals Program.
A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, December 6, 2004 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. The Rev. David Whiteside will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 5, 2004 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, with recitation of the Rosary at 5 p.m. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph School, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
