Sonja Croy Bill

Sonja Croy Bill, 72, of Bellflower, Illinois, passed away at 7:53 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 19, 2013) at her residence.

Sonja was born Oct. 14, 1940, to Kenneth and Ethel Mae Croy in Clarinda, Iowa. The family later moved to Springfield, Illinois, where Sonja attended Springfield High School, graduating with the Class of 1958.

She married Gerard M. Bill on Aug. 27, 1972. Surviving are three daughters, Cynthia (Mark) Gevaart, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Cheryl Britz, Springfield; and Natalie Bill, Texas; two sons Fredrick E. Britz Jr., Bellflower, and Jay (Lisa) Bill, Texas; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Connie and Susie; and close friends, Lee and Nancy Bidner, Bellflower.

She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Michael Bill; and brothers, Ronnie and Cecil Croy.

Sonja was the owner-operator of the H&R Block in LeRoy. She owned numerous restaurants: Lion’s Den in Bellflower, Anchor Inn in Anchor and Sonja’s in Gibson City.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Lee and Nancy Bidner for all their love and care toward Sonja over the years and for being such great friends. Sonja was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City. Her funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., also at the funeral home. The Rev. Louella Pence will officiate. Burial will be in Bellflower Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Bellflower Community Library or the family.

Veterans Day 2012

Last Memorial Day, Bob and Pam Shewmaker visited Quantico National Cemetery and paid tribute to our classmate, Bob Willis (1940-2001), a career Marine officer who served in Vietnam. We 58's will remember him as a star athlete and gifted point guard, who helped take us to the State tournament.

The two Bobs were friends at West Grand and Butler schools and played hours of football, baseball and basketball, often on the West Grand playground across from the Willis home. 

Bob Shewmaker took these pictures and wanted to share them with his friend's widow, Olivet Willis, and classmates. We're pleased to post them on this Veteran's Day of 2012, as a tribute to all who have served our country, in war and peace. 

Leslie Heineke Sandlin

SAVANNAH, GA - Leslie Ann Sandlin passed away October 10, 2012 under the care of Hospice Savannah and in the presence of her devoted husband of 47 years, Robert Sandlin.

Leslie was born in Springfield, Illinois to Julia McNulty Heineke and Henry L Heineke. Her early education was in Springfield and she was presented at the Beaux Arts Ball in 1957. She attended Beloit College in Wisconsin and Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. 

She was a twenty year resident of Savannah, a wonderful homemaker, and a loving wife who always put family and friends first. It was a lucky person who sat at her table or spent time as a guest in her home. Leslie loved her books, the N Y Times crossword puzzle, water aerobics, and a good tomato. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Her daughter, Leigh Ann Golis Sandlin, and her sister, Joyce Heineke, preceded her in death.

Besides her husband, Leslie is survived by two children; Michael R Sandlin of Kennesaw, Georgia and Gail A Sandlin of Aurora, Colorado; four grandchildren Robert Young, Jessica Espino, Robert Golis and Preston Golis; one great grandchild Adrian Espino; her brother Roger Heineke of Swanton, Ohio; a niece and two nephews, Reece, Regan, and Randy Heineke; and a first cousin, Betty Lee Chornyei.

A memorial service will be held at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel, located at 4605 US Hwy 80 East on Whitemarsh Island, at 3PM Monday, October 15, 2012. After the service, the family would like for friends to join them for a reception at Jones Square condominiums, 323 West Jones Street in Savannah.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leslie's name to the American Cancer Society, 6600 Abercorn St., Suite 206, Savannah, GA 31405. Please sign the on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com

Published in The State Journal-Register on October 12, 2012

Tom Martin

E. Thomas (Tom) Martin, 72, of Hiawatha, Iowa, died Sunday, September 16, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Graveside services: 11 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2012, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois, with military honors. A celebration of life will follow from 1-3 p.m. on Friday at Camelot Reception Center, 1550 Recreation Drive in Springfield, Illinois. 

A second celebration of life will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2012, at Chappy's Safari Lounge, 229 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; daughter, Dina Martin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sons, Andy (Kela) Nagel of Acton, California and Derek (Cari) Crifasi of Springfield, Illinois; brother, Ken (Maxine) Martin of Springfield, Illinois; sister, Donna (Tom) Strode of Bath, Illinois; and grandchildren, Allisha and Halley Martin, Nino Crifasi, Chelsea Hudspeth, and Jake Nagel.

Tom was born May 29, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of John and Edna (Ihlenfeldt) Martin. Tom attended Springfield High School before he entered the US Navy in 1957, serving four years and attaining the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. In 1974, Tom married Judy Dunseth in Springfield, Illinois. Before retiring, Tom worked in sales at Hometown Restyling in Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Bill, and David; and son, Drew Crifasi. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Hospice, 290 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Suite 100, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, in memory of Tom. Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about Tom at www.stewartbaxter.com.

Lincoln Balloon Festival 2012

Here's a few photos of some of the many balloons at the Lincoln Balloon Festival.   The "ladybug" was sitting on a yellow flower.  This pilot came the farthest to participate--he was from New York.  

The blue balloon was tethered and giving rides to folks who wanted to go up for a few minutes.  

You can see several people helping with the yellow, orange, and red striped one.   They are always looking for volunteers and it's a fun thing to do. 

The group balloon photo was taken after dark when the "balloon glow" was held.   A commentator encourages everyone to do a countdown and all the pilots turn on the propane jets simultaneously.  

It's good family fun.   Weather was perfect.  Hot and dry and just a little breeze.    The ones who had been there before brought folding chairs.   We lucked out and found an empty bale of hay to sit on. 

Diane Gurgens Urbanckas '58

Ron L. Dunkel, Sr.

SHERMAN - Ron L. Dunkel, Sr., 72, of Sherman died at 1:52 pm, Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born July 21, 1940 in Springfield, Illinois to Richard and Maxine Shaffer Dunkel. He married Sandy Eells on December 31, 1993 and she survives him. His parents preceded him in death.

Also surviving are one son, Ron Dunkel, Jr. of Sherman; three step-sons, Andrew Mercer of Sherman, Alexander (fiancé Jessica Walker) of Athens and Greg Osing of Springfield; three grandchildren, Logan Mercer, Kierrah Walker and Whitney Dunkel; brother, Donald Dunkel of New Mexico; brother-in-law, Mike Eells of Naples, FL; sister-in-law, Amy Vena of Homewood, IL and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was a U. S. Air Force Veteran serving from 1957-1962. He was a member of the 170th Fighter Squadron of the Illinois Air National Guard and was deployed in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. He was a member of Koke Mill Christian Church. He loved cooking and won several Chili Cook-offs and was known for his BBQ Ribs. He enjoyed spending time in his pool, Sunday family dinners and researching Springfield History.

Ron owned an Automobile Dealership, "Ron Dunkel Motors," and had previously owned Mobile World in Springfield. He was former president of the Illinois Manufactured Housing Association and the Illinois Independent Auto Dealers Association. He was a lobbyist with the Illinois Independent Auto Dealers Association and was a member of the American Legion Post 32.

Visitation: 4-6 pm, Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Staab Funeral Home.

Lie-in-State: 9:30-10 am, Monday, August 20, 2012 at Koke Mill Christian Church.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Monday, August 20, 2012 at Koke Mill Christian Church with pastor Stan Summers officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Koke Mill Christian Church Building Fund.

Share stories, pictures, Facebook and Twitter at: StaabObituary.com

Published in The State Journal-Register on August 18, 2012

Kay Keyes Millhon

Kay Keyes Millhon born July 2, 1938, died peacefully at Enso House on Monday January 30, with her husband Jerry Millhon and friend Dana Kelly at her side.

Kay was born in the small town of Page, North Dakota, near Fargo, where she spent her childhood. She and her husband Jerry moved to Whidbey Island in 1994 after a brief stay in Kirkland, preceded by many years in Toledo, Ohio. Kay worked as a Development Officer at Maumee Valley Country Day School, as an assistant at the Cleveland Foundation, and as assistant to the President of Bowling Green State University before moving with Jerry to the Northwest. 

Her ultimate work of love, however, was as a team member at the Whidbey Institute where she was rightly credited for far more than she really believed she did in the early years of the Institute. What made that experience so special were the community relationships she built over the years, both at the Institute and with so many wonderful people on Whidbey Island. She joined the staff in 1996 and resigned in November of 2004, gleefully joining her husband whose work took him to San Francisco, a city where she had spent many years after leaving Fargo.

Kay and her husband loved each other deeply, she loved reading, she loved her brother Jerry, she loved crosswords, she loved her grandchildren and her immediate family and she always had a suitcase at the ready for travel. Her gracious warmth and remarkable care for others, her deep understanding of many things not easily seen, her calmness in any given situation and her deep laugh will be missed.

She leaves her brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Gayle Keyes from Orange, California, her sisters-in-law Alice Millhon, Owaneco, Il, Marti Mather Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Betsy Calder from Ocala, Florida. She leaves four grandchildren through Jerry's former marriage, two of whom she was fortunate to come to know and love unconditionally, Harper Prud'homme and Margot Prud'homme granddaughters of Jerry's daughter Elizabeth Polk and her husband Sam Prud'homme from Seattle, WA. Her other grandchildren, who she dearly loved, Lucy and Henry Millhon from Waccabuc, New York, are children of Jerry's son Drew Millhon and his wife Kim.

A celebration of Kay's life was held at the Thomas Berry Hall at the Whidbey Institute on February 26, 2012. Kay suggested that in lieu of flowers to send support to either the Whidbey Institute Box 57 Clinton, WA; to Enso House, 6339 Wahl Road, Freeland, WA 98249; to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, or to a charity of your choice.

Mary Wolf Thomas

Mary Wolf Thomas, 70, of Springfield passed away Monday, June 18, 2012 at her home.

She was born July 14, 1941 in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Hanlon Wolf. On Dec. 21, 1991 she married H. Stanley Thomas, the father of her daughter, Amy Jo Wolf. He preceded her in death on May 3, 2011. She is also preceded in death by her parents.

Mary was a 1959 Graduate of Ursuline Academy. She went on to attend St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing and graduate in 1962. She graduated from the College of St. Francis in 1984, receiving her bachelor degree in nursing. Mary was a registered nurse and worked in many aspects of health care professions until her retirement.

She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church where she attended in recent years and, as a Springfield native, was an active participant in both Blessed Sacrament and Cathedral parishes during her lifetime.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Amy Jo Wolf of Springfield; grandson, Halen James Thomas Wolf; sister, M. Jane Jabusch of Riverton; several nieces, nephews, great niece and nephews; and one great-great niece.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Friends may call Sunday, June 24 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel. A memorial mass will be held Monday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m.at Christ the King Catholic Church. Msgr. David S. Lantz will be officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial donation may be made to the charity of the donor choice.

55th Reunion Plans

The '58 Reunion Committee met today at the Springfield Motor Boat Club to plan our 55th Reunion. Folks are updating the master list of addresses, phone numbers, and emails. If your information has changed, expect mail or a call soon. The Reunion dates are September 6-8, 2013, the weekend following Labor Day. 

Pictured here are (back) Mary Houghton Elberson, Judy Vicars Van Hagen, Judy McGaw Lewis, John Brownback, Ann Tobin Hart; (front) Diane Gurgens Urbanckas, Keith Schnepp, Janet Frederick, and Carolyn Baldwin Quinlan. Mark your calendars!

Mary Eleanor Carmody

Mary Eleanor Carmody, 88, of Springfield, died at 7:20 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at St. John's Hospital. Mary was born September 1, 1923 in Litchfield, IL, but lived in Springfield nearly all of her life. She was the daughter of M. Louis and Mayme McKeon Carmody. She was preceded in death by her parents and by one sister, Constance "Connie" Collins.

She is survived by a sister, L. Jeanne Carmody and a brother, Michael (wife, Patricia) Carmody, both of Springfield. She is also survived by three nieces, Colleen (husband, Doug) Hyde of Oneida, IL, Cathleen (husband, Brian) Gawthorp of Illiopolis, and Kathleen Carmody of Maple Grove, MN; five nephews, Michael (wife, Casey) Collins of Virginia, Kevin (wife, Sue) Collins of Peoria, Sean (wife, Patricia) Carmody of Marshall, MN, Brian (wife, Debra) Carmody of San Diego, CA, and Martin Carmody of Washington, DC; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Mary Eleanor was an honor graduate of Ursuline Academy and Springfield Junior College. She received her Bachelors of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Master's in Education from the University of Illinois.

She began her teaching career at LeRoy, IL in 1945, taught at Pawnee High School, and in 1951 started teaching at Springfield High School. She taught there until 1982 when she retired.

Once when called to jury duty, Mary was asked if she knew any of the principals. She answered that she had taught both the prosecutor and the defense attorney. She was excused from jury duty.

Mary was a dedicated teacher and a gentle, kind, generous person. She was a devoted Catholic and gave many hours as a volunteer to her parish. Mary was a member of Brinkerhoff Association and St. Louise de Marillac Guild. She enjoyed playing bridge and solving crossword puzzles.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Carrollton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Joseph's Home, 3306 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703, Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL 62704 or donor's choice.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

Published in The State Journal-Register on May 13, 2012

Roy Barnett

Roy A. Barnett, of Chatham, IL, died on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the age of 73 at St. John's Hospital. He was born February 26, 1939 in Springfield, the son of John and Louise Saul Barnett. He married Mary Julia McDonald on May 23, 1977. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, including his step-father George Saul, and brother, Charles L. Barnett.

Mr. Barnett graduated from Springfield High School in 1958. He retired from the Springfield Police Department as a deputy Chief of Operations in January 1988. He became Chief of Police for the Chatham Police Department on February 1, 1988 and retired in May 2009. He was a member of the Police Benevolent Protective Association, Illinois Police Association, the Illinois Chiefs of Police, National Association of Retired Police Officers, and Retired Disabled Police of America, and life member of the International Chiefs of Police Association.

He is survived by four daughters, Tamera (husband, Mark) Winner of Forney, TX, Michelle (husband Ron) Duek of Pembrook Pines, FL, Emily Barnett of Chatham and Cora Logsdon of Chatham; sister, Dorothea "Pat" (husband, George) Metzger; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and friends, including a close friend, Evelyn Jones of Springfield.

Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Illinois Police Officers Memorial, 435 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702. 

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

Geraldine Tinsley

SPRINGFIELD - Geraldine Tinsley, 96, of Springfield, passed away December 16th, 2011 at St. John's Hospice. She was born in Springfield, on March 19, 1915, to William H. and Sarah Frances Murrell. She married George E. Tinsley Sr. in 1935.

She is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth (Steve) Alexander of Springfield, one sister, Olan Elliot of Springfield, a daughter-in-law, Joyce Tinsley, 11 grand-children, 16 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her 3 sons; George E Tinsley Jr. Charles Arthur Tinsley, and William Clarence Tinsley and 12 brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Tinsley was a retired employee of the Illinois Department of Public Aid. She graduated from Springfield High School and Browns Business College. She was a member of St. Paul AME Church where she was a class leader and a member of the Estella Thompson Women's Missionary Society.

A funeral service will be held at Noon on Wednesday, December 21, at St. Paul AME Church, 1130 S 16th St. Springfield, IL 62703. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. Rev. Galda McCants will officiate the services.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Paul Church's Estella Thompson Women's Missionary Society. Online condolences to the family at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.

Judy Kay Schnepp

Judy Kay Schnepp, 69, of Springfield, died at 6:45 p.m. on November 25, 2011 at Memorial Medical Center.

Judy was born December 14, 1941 the daughter of William and Celia Heather Kramzar. She married Keith Schnepp on November 23, 1963 at St. Agnes Church in Springfield.

Judy was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 1959, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois and worked as a social worker until she began her family. She then devoted her time and energy entirely to her family and their activities. She was a volunteer for the Girl Scouts, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and a member of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church for over thirty-nine years, where she served on several committees. She enjoyed golfing with friends, gardening, photography, and being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Kramzar; and her step-father, Leslie Sebring.

Judy is survived by her husband, Keith; son, Jason (wife, Brenda) Schnepp of Springfield; daughter, Audrey (husband, Steven) Moore of Appleton, WI; four grandchildren, Rileigh and Karlie Schnepp and Natalie and Ian Moore; three siblings, Dwain Kramzar, Linda (husband, Guy, MD) Photopulos, Gary (wife, Terry) Kramzar; step-brother, Michael (wife, Marilyn) Sebring and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas, Springfield.

Memorial Ceremony: 11 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Julia Melgreen officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield, IL 62704 or Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society, 3512 Banyan Dr., Springfield, IL 62712.

Nick Graebel

Richard Read "Nick" Graebel died on Aug. 3, 2011.

He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Dorothy Read and Richard Paul Graebel. He grew up in Springfield, Ill., and spent his summers in Tomahawk with family and friends. He moved to Madison in 1963 and became a firefighter in 1964. During his 41 years of service, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and became known as "The Commander." He was known for his generosity, humor and for respecting both sides of any argument.

Richard thoroughly enjoyed his time on earth. He was known for taking the scenic route and enjoying all of the views whenever he left the house. He was a bike commuter before it was Madison cool. He loved singing and was a longtime member of Madison Maennerchor, a German singing group. 

He belonged to Madison Turners and served on the board for many years. It was Richard's mission to be the best father, grandfather and citizen he could be. Madison will not be the same without the big grandpa swinging kids on his shoulders, chasing them around and breaking out into song.

Richard is missed by his wife, Ilse; son, Pascal of Mount Shasta, Calif.; daughter, Isolde (William Lorman) of Middleton; sister, Mary (John) Hofmann of Green Bay; six grandchildren; and many friends and acquaintances.

A celebration of Richard's life will take place on Oct. 8, 2011, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at TURNER HALL, 3001 S. Stoughton Road in Madison; 608-222-4922.

'58 Dinners in Springfield

Hi '58s:

On the 4th Thursday of each month, a group of the '58 SHS girls get together and have dinner at a nice restaurant here in Springfield. There were 11 of us the last time, including one husband: John Maloney, who graduated with us also. He comes with his wife, Donna Haycraft Maloney. 

I am attaching a picture from our "outing" at the Old Luxemburg Inn on July 28th for the blog. It is blurry, but you can see when it is enlarged, who all is there. 

Picture: From the nearest person on the right and going back around the table:  Dottie Huddleston Fitzgerald, Connie King Mohan, Betty Klecamp England, Kris Hockenyos Tipps, Janet Bailey Kerner, Mary Houghton Elberson, Donna Haycraft Maloney, John Maloney, Marilyn Markwell Ruch, Diane Smith (Bill) Hester (Carole Crouch Ball was not present for the picture, but did come later).  

We are open for any other 58'ers who wish to join us. Just call or email me or Carole. Phone numbers are in the latest red book from 50th reunion and current email addresses are on the SHS site. We don't turn SHS guys away as you can see by John attending our "get together" dinners. He enjoys the group as much as we do. 

Thanks,

Janet Kerner

Allan Stephens Interment

Allan Durand Stephens, 70, died of cancer on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at the Hospice Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, KY. A memorial service celebrating his life was held December 30, 2010, at First United Methodist Church in Richmond.

Interment services with military honors will be held in Springfield, IL, at Oak Hill Cemetery at 2:00 pm Friday, July 29. Following the interment, a visitation reception will be held at 3:00 pm at Laurel United Methodist Church, South Grand at Walnut. A man of faith, Stephens was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Richmond, KY.

Stephens was born on June 2, 1940, in Springfield, the son of Charles Bennett Stephens and Cordelia Crout Stephens Fues, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, the Reverend Stuart P. Stephens.

As a youth, Stephens participated in Boy Scouts through Troop 36 at Laurel United Methodist Church and was especially proud to be an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1958, Stephens attended Northwestern University, then received his BS degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He later earned his teaching credentials from the University of Texas at Austin and completed his Masters degree at Southwest Texas University at San Marcos. During the Vietnam conflict he served his country as a communications officer in the U.S. Air Force, then as a reserve officer before retiring with the rank of Major.

Stephens served as band director at Eastern Kentucky University's Model Laboratory School in Richmond for 24 years. He devoted 32 summers to leadership at a Music-Arts-Dance-Drama church camp for teenagers, who affectionately knew him as "Big Al."

Music, theater, and Ham Radio were Stephens' passions. He was a member of the Kentucky Music Educators, played clarinet in the Central Kentucky Concert Band and Richmond Area Community Band, and was active in Rose Barn Theatre productions. He helped to begin the Classic Radio Exchange for the enjoyment of old tube-type radios and belonged to several Ham Radio Clubs. His call sign was N5AIT.

In addition to his loving wife Mary Lou, he is survived by one daughter, Susan Mae Zarzycki and granddaughter Natalie Mae Zarzycki of Richmond, KY; one sister, Dee Dee Gain of Springfield, IL; one brother, C. Bennett Stephens, Jr. (Barbara) of Lake Forest, IL; one sister-in-law, Barbara Stephens-Rich of Sandusky, OH; two step-brothers, Russell Fues (Ann) of Memphis, TN and Donald Fues (Marianne) of Columbia, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Allan D. Stephens SCF Music Camp Fund, an endowed fund honoring Stephens' musical legacy of encouragement and support for his students. This fund has been established through Eastern Kentucky University for middle school and high school students who need financial aid to attend Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp. Gifts may be sent to: EKU Development Office, Attn: Allan D. Stephens SCF Music Camp Fund, CPO 19A, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, KY, 40475.

Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of local arrangements. Sign the online guest book at www.boardman-smith.net

Published in The State Journal-Register on July 24, 2011

Branson Trip

Dear '58s,

In light of the sad passing of so many of our classmates, I thought I'd send in a few photos to show that some of us are still alive and kicking and having some fun in our "old" age.   

 

Attached are 3 photos taken on a recent trip to Branson, Mo.   For those who have never been there, it's a terrific place to visit.   Not only do they have a variety of shows and restaurants, they also have completely renovated the old river front into a modern shopping strip.   The architect that designed the dancing waters at the Bellagio in Los Vegas designed a mini-version in old Branson and visitors gather in a concrete landing to watch the colorful fire jets and water fountains perform to upbeat music on the hour.  

 

In addition, Branson just opened up several new ziplines.   We decided to try one out.   It was great fun, although that first step is a real doozy!  My son, Ross, and Sue, his girl friend joined us for the trip.   Here we are in harnesses and helmets, ready for their huge Swiss army vehicle to transport us up to the top of a hill.  From there we walked across a swinging suspension bridge and onto a small platform where our guide snapped us individually to the zipline.   He went first (to stop us if we were coming in too fast) and then each one of us stepped off into space and zipped to the next platform.  Talk about exhilarating!!   

 

Al and I enjoy Branson so much that we visit at least twice a year.  Nearby is Silver Dollar City, which contains acres and acres of beautiful rolling hills, arts, crafts, vendors of all sorts, entertaining family shows, and great food.   In fact, Branson is such a great place that I vote we hold our next reunion there!  — Diane Gurgens Urbanckas

 

June Nesbitt

Mrs. June Nesbitt, who taught Home Economics at SHS, celebrated her 90th birthday on June 10. She still lives in Springfield.


We are attempting to find her local address, for those '58s who might wish to send her birthday card.


Thanks to Janet Bailey Kerner for the tip and scan of the SJR clipping.

Inez E. Gieseking

Inez E. Gieseking, 96, passed away on March 6, 2011 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village in Springfield. She was born February 21, 1915 in Altamont, Illinois, where she was raised. Her parents, C. Herman and Clara Enzeroth Gieseking, both preceded her in death, as did her beloved brother, H. Merle Gieseking, who was killed in World War II.

Inez received a BS in education from the University of Illinois in 1937 and an MA from the State University of Iowa in 1944. For many years she taught classes in business education at Springfield High School, where she also chaired the department of Office Occupations. Later she taught at Lanphier High School in Springfield until her retirement. 

She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Eastern Star in Altamont and the Garden Club in Springfield. She was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Springfield.

Inez was an excellent cook and an avid gardener. She loved travel, visiting Canada, Guatemala, the British Isles and China in the 1970's. She kept a beautiful home and enjoyed entertaining a large circle of friends.

Inez is survived by a niece, A. Inez Gieseking of Willow, AK; cousins Vera (Logan) Mellendorf of Altamont, Norma Tipsword of Springfield and second cousin John (Cathy) Mellendorf of Effingham; as well as a large extended family in Altamont and other areas of the Midwest and beyond.

At her request, no service was held.

H. Stanley Thomas

SPRINGFIELD - H. Stanley Thomas, 71, of Springfield passed away Tuesday May 3, 2011, at St. John's Hospital.

He was born in Springfield on March 3, 1940, the son of Stanley and Jean Briggle Thomas. He attended Lawrence Grade School and Springfield High School,  where he was a member of Wranglers and played on the varsity golf team. After graduating from SHS with the Class of 1958, he attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and graduated with a B.S. degree in History.

He married Mary Wolf on December 21, 1991, in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Jan Michael. He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Amy Jo Wolf and grandson Halen Wolf both of Springfield; a sister, Nancy Thomas of Springfield; sister-in-law, Margaret Jane Jabusch (husband, Walter) of Riverton and several nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews and one great-great niece.

Friends may call Wednesday May 11, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of memorial services at 10:00 AM with Rev. Dr. David McDonna officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, 2100 Pfingsten Road, Glenview,IL 60026. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.