60th Reunion Details

Hello ’58 SHS Classmates,

The deadline for sending in your reservations for the 60^th Class Reunion is quickly approaching.

The deadline is August 25, 2018.

Please send your reservation with choice of entrée, filet of beef, salmon or chicken to: Keith Schnepp, 28 Villa Grove, Springfield, IL 62712, with a check made out to Keith for $50.00.

ALSO! BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND THERE WILL BE A CASUAL FRIDAY NIGHT GET-TOGETHER AT THE SPRINGFIELD MOTOR BOAT CLUB, ON FRIDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 7. LOCATION 17 CLUB AREA, LAKE SPRINGFIELD AT 6:00 PM-?.

Cost is $15.00, cash only, per person at the door. Please let Keith know if you plan to attend, (k.schnepp@comcast.net) so we will know how many to count on for food. There will be light hors d’oeuvres, with coffee, tea and lemonade available. Cash bar.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our 60^th reunion weekend, September 7 and 8, 2018.

John T. Stapleton

John "Jack" T. Stapleton of Downers Grove passed away on October 24, 2017. Born on March 18, 1940 to the late John P. and Velma (Sebring) Stapleton. Growing up in Springfield, IL he graduated from Springfield High School in 1958.

His work career began as an Engineering Technician for the State of Illinois. He later graduated from Northern Illinois in 1967 and earned a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois in 1972. A lifelong educator, John served as an Industrial Education teacher and Dean at Downers Grove South High School. He was a long time member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church where he served on numerous committees.

As an active member in the community he served on the Downers Grove Traffic Commission and was a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Downers Grove. John had strong passion for sports which included coaching his son's Little League teams.

He is survived by his wife Nancy of 54 years; daughter Amy L. (Doug) Conderman; son Jon L. (Kim) Stapleton; four granddaughters and one grandson. He is also survived by one sister, Patricia Stapleton, and two brothers, Kevin Stapleton and Mark Stapleton. He was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Kunz, and one brother, Terrance Stapleton.

Visitation will be Friday, November 10th from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Downers Grove. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 11th 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew's Church, Downers Grove.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter.

Clifton L. Tozer

Clifton L. Tozer, 92, of Springfield, died at 12:10 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Concordia Village Senior Living.

Clifton was born February 5, 1925 in Chicago, the son of Ray Thompson and Marie Schultz. He married Dolores G. Stashwick on June 11, 1949 in Chicago.

Clifton earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in 1949 and his master's degree in 1950 in Education. He served his country during WWII in the 5th Division of the U.S. Marines and was wounded in the historic battle of Iwo Jima.

He had a long career with District 186 as an educator, first as teacher, then counselor, assistant principal, and lastly as a principal. Clifton was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, where he served as an Elder. He co-founded the TP Day Camp, a summer camp that had an impact on hundreds of Springfield residents.

After retirement, Clifton volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and Lewis Memorial Christian Village. In recent years, while living at Concordia Village, he started and led a long-running men's discussion group.

He was a life-long athlete, playing semi-pro baseball in Central Illinois in his 20s and golfing until the age of 90. He was known for his ready wit and sense of humor, which sustained him and his family to his last days. He was a humble man who enjoyed the friendship and respect of those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Clifton is survived by a family who loved and revered him: his wife, Dolores of Springfield; sons, Steven (Victoria Chou) of Oak Park, Randall (Beverly) of Paradise Valley, AZ, and Michael (Gail) of Kernersville, NC; brother-in-law, Tad Stashwick (Carole); eight grandchildren: Jocelyn, Lindsay, Samantha, Sean, Stephanie, Kevin, Jennifer and Alex; and seven great-grandchildren.

Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. The family will host a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Concordia Village, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield. Please visit boardmansmith.com to offer your condolences.

Reunion 2018

Luella Jeanne Robertson Coronado

Jeanne Robertson Coronado passed away August 11, 2017 in Phoenix, AZ after a long illness. She was born August 8, 1940 in Springfield, IL to William T. and Margaret Woodruff Robertson.

As a young girl she was baptized at First Christian Church and was a 4-H member showing projects at the State Fair. She loved planting and working with flowers and loved crocheting, which she learned from a teacher at our country school. 

Jeanne graduated from Springfield High School and attended one year of Nurses Training at Memorial Medical. She worked at Franklin Life and was employed and retired after 20+ years at the Arizona State Department of Revenue.

Jeanne married James C. Rogers, Jr. in 1960. She has eight surviving children by this marriage. They are Deanna (Stephen) Anderson, Mary Elizabeth Rogers, Ruth Ann (Eric) Schultz, James C. Rogers, III, Dennis (Leslie) Rogers, Rachel (Mack) Finn, John (Dori) Rogers, Will (Jody) Rogers. 

She later married Frank R. Coronado, III and they had a son, Frank R. Coronado, IV and he survives. Jeanne is also survived by a sister, Mary E. (Jim, dec.) Hansen, and brother, Bert F. (Kathy, dec.) Robertson, both from Springfield, IL, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Frank R. Coronado, III, and twins, Karen Ann Rogers and Karol Ann Rogers, her parents and grandparents.

Visitation was on August 18, 2017, at 9:00 A.M. at Best Funeral Services Chapel in Peoria, AZ. Her final resting place is Resthaven Park Cemetery, West in Glendale, AZ. Ruth and Eric Schultz hosted the family after the service.

Connie King Mohan

Connie Jean Mohan, 77, of Chatham, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 10, 2017, at Memorial Medical Center. She was born May 8, 1940, in Springfield to the late James Otis and Ferry Rosaline Boggs King. Connie graduated from Springfield High School in 1958. She attended Western Illinois University studying Physical Education prior to her marriage. She was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority at Western Illinois University. Connie married John "Jack" Edward Mohan on March 26, 1960.

Connie's love for Physical Education continued her entire life; she worked out daily at the "Fit Club South". Connie enjoyed bowling; she was inducted in 1987 to the Springfield Bowling Hall of Fame. Connie was a member of the 700 Series Club and won the Around the Town Tournament.

Connie is remembered for her infectious laughter and love of her family. She will be greatly missed by her loving family: her husband of 57 years, Jack Mohan of Chatham, IL; two daughters, Karen Mohan Day (husband, Jim) of Wildwood, MO, and Cheryl "Cheri" Lynn Mohan Schmitt of Moseley, VA; three grandchildren John Robert Schmitt of Huntsville, AL, Jacqueline "Jackie" Day of Wildwood, MO, and Sarah Nicole Schmitt of Moseley, VA; sister Lonna Snow (husband, Stewart) of Dade City, FL.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Chatham before services. Her family will greet friends from 10:30am until the time of the Celebration of Life Ceremony at 11:30am, Tuesday, August 15, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL, 62629, with Paula Staab Polk, funeral celebrant. Her urn will be interred at Camp Butler National Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #437, 2413 South MacArthur, Springfield, IL, 62704. Please visit www.staabpolk.com to offer your condolences.

Lawrence Dale Doggett

Lawrence Dale Doggett, 76, of Springfield, passed away at 1:25 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center.

Lawrence was born on September 22, 1940 in Springfield, the son of Charles Marshall and Pauline Workman Doggett. He married Sandra Waterman on April 2, 1966 in Florissant, MO.

Lawrence graduated from Springfield High School, class of 1958, and then graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago, class of 1977. Lawrence proudly served our country in the U. S. Marines from 1957 to 1958, U.S. Air Force from 1958 – 1963, and U.S. Army from 1977 – 2002. He worked as a warrant officer in logistics for all three branches of the military, and worked in finance and sales for Chevrolet from 1963 to 1977. Lawrence was a Desert Storm Veteran, and was a member of American Legion, Elks Lodge, and a lifetime member of DAV and VFW. He enjoyed golfing.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Paula Doggett. He is survived by his wife Sandra; son, Lawrence Dale Doggett, Jr. of Hampton, VA; grandchildren, Erica and Carly Payne, Lawrence "Trip" Doggett III, and David "Artie" Doggett, and several cousins.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Parkinson's Disease Association, 1800 N. Main Street, Suite 215, Wheaton, IL 60187 or Alzheimers Association , 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences. 

Richard L. Sorensen

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Richard L. "Rich" Sorensen, 76, of Springfield, died at 1:47 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at Regency Nursing Care Residence. 

He was born June 6, 1940, in Springfield to Herbert and Grace Marguerette Lawson Sorensen. He married Dorothea J. Spear on Sept. 23, 1967 and she survives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister–in-law, H. John "Jack" and Bernadine Sorensen; and brother, William A. "Bill" Sorensen.

Rich was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He attended Butler Grade School and Springfield High School, graduating in 1958. He was a branch service manager for Monroe Calculator Company and also worked at Black & Co. as hobby department manager and the Whistle Post before retiring.

He was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1963-1965. Rich served as former Commander of the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.  He was a member of the Monday Night Railroad Club and was an avid traveler and especially enjoyed cruising.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothea J. of Springfield; one daughter, Sally (David) Kolb of Monticello; grandson, Joshua B. Kolb of Monticello; sister-in-law, Mona Sorensen of Belvidere, Ill.; and nephew, Mark A. (Patty) Sorensen of Michigan.

Visitation: 4–7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at Staab Funeral Home-Springfield. Memorial Service: 12:00 pm, Friday, January 13, 2017 at Staab Funeral Home-Springfield. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Sangamon County Inter-Veterans Burial Detail and the United States Army.

Memorials may be made to: The Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County, or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. Share stories, pictures, Facebook and Twitter at: StaabFamily.com

Published in Print in The State Journal-Register from Jan. 11 to Jan. 12, 2017

Louise Funk

Louise Emily Funk, 76, of Crete, Ill., formerly of Springfield, Ill., died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at St. James Health Center in Chicago Heights, Ill.

She was born Sept. 14, 1940, to Donald Shores Funk and Mary Douglass Hay Funk, who preceded her in death.

Louise is survived by her brother, Donald H. Funk (Deanna); niece, Anne E. Funk; and nephew, Donald D. Funk (Layna) and their children, Ayden and Ella.

Louise graduated from Butler Grade School, Springfield High School, and Northwestern University. 

She was an antiques dealer and raised race horses. She had a lifelong love of animals and is survived by her pets, a dog and two horses. Other interests were history and sports. She was thrilled to see her Cubs win the World Series.

A private family service will be held at Funk's Grove Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to: The Animal Protective League, or pet rescue of your choice. Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd., Steger, IL 60475, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at www.smitsfuneralhomes.com.

Tom Harmon

Tom Harmon passed away at age 77 after a long illness on November 14, 2016, in Medford, Oregon. He was widely known and highly regarded as a concert organist and educator.

He was born the son of Dr. Thomas and Eleandor Harmon in Springfield, IL, on February 28, 1939, and graduated from Butler Grade School and then Springfield High School with honors. Tom is remembered fondly there as a music prodigy who began playing the piano at age 6 and organ at age 11. He performed regularly at the First Methodist Church, on radio and in local restaurants and lounges. He also is remembered there for restoring the theatre organ from the historic Orpheum Theatre and moving it to the high school.

Tom went on to earn bachelor and PhD degrees in music with honors at Washington University in St. Louis and a master degree in music with honors at Stanford University. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study organ in Austria and pursue his special research interest in the organ works of J. S. Bach. His academic career was devoted to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where he started in 1968 as an assistant professor and University Organist. He went on to become full professor and served as Chairman of the Department of Music for seven years. 

Tom performed frequently as a concert organist with the major symphonies and choral groups in the Los Angeles area. He also performed live and in radio and television broadcasts across the United States, as well as in Mexico, Japan and numerous European countries. Tom also served for 20 years as organist of the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica. He retired in 2002 to Medford, OR.

He was preceded in death by his domestic partner, John Crutcher. He is survived by his brothers, Dr. Charles Harmon of Tulsa, OK, and Dr. Bob Harmon of Jacksonville, FL, and his former wife, Sue Harmon of Ashland, OR. He is fondly remembered for his remarkable intelligence, keen sense of humor, generosity and supremely gifted organ music talent.

A service will take place in Los Angeles next February. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Guild of Organists/Southern Oregon Chapter are suggested (1250 Green Meadows Way, Ashland, OR 97520).

Rosabel Rasmussen

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Rosabel Rasmussen, 88, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 at Concordia Village. She was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Springfield, to Svend and Helen Aarup Rasmussen.

Miss Rasmussen is survived by her brother, Paul Rasmussen, and sister, Viola Hollister, both of Springfield, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gorm Rasmussen, and sister, Greta Graham.

Rosabel received her bachelor's degree from Carthage College and her masters degree from the University of Illinois. She was an American History teacher at Springfield High School for over 30 years. She was a member of the AAUW, the bibliophile group, and she was a charter member of Luther Memorial Church.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at the Concordia Village Chapel, 4101 West Iles, Springfield.

The family will meet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at Concordia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Concordia Village.

Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at bischfuneralhomewest.com.

Published in The State Journal-Register on Jan. 17, 2016

Virginia Hadley Newell

Virginia Hadley Newell

Born March 22, 1918 Chicago, Illinois

Died November 6, 2015

Parents: Bryant E. Hadley and Ruth Hancock Hadley

Virginia Hadley Newell passed away on Nov 6 in Rockford Illinois at the age of 97.  Virginia was born in Chicago on March 22, 1918, the daughter of Bryant and Ruth Hadley.  She moved to Springfield as a youngster and lived there for 39 years, attending Springfield High School and Illinois State University.  In 1938 she married Springfield resident Robert Newell.

In Springfield Virginia was active in many sports, especially golf, tennis and swimming.  She was also active in the YWCA, and was a charter member of the Springfield Jayshees.  She was also supportive of many family activities.

The Newells moved to Rockford in 1967 and remained there for the rest of their lives. They had many good friends in Rockford and were active in Westminster Presbyterian Church, golf, tennis and volunteer work with Rockford Memorial Hospital, where Virginia died on February 6.

Her life was long and full. Her unfailing support for her family, adventurous spirt, and persistence in good times and challenging times were a model for all.

Virginia was preceded in death by her lifelong love, husband Robert in 1995. She is survived by two sons, Robert Jr and Bruce, six grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Arrangements include a visitation and Fitzgerald & Associates, 3910 North Rockton Avenue on M and visitation and graveside service at Boardman Funeral Chapel, 800 South Grand Avenue, Springfield, Illinois, and Roselawn Cemetery, Springfield on Wed. November 11.

Harold Barbee

ALMA, AR - Harold E. Barbee, 74, died August 24, 2015, in his home.

He was born November 21, 1940, in Springfield, Ill. He attended Dubois Grade School and Springfield High School, graduating in 1958. He was retired from Central Illinois Light Company and was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Heissinger Barbee of the home, two daughters, DeAnna Derr and husband, David, of Childress, Texas, Victoria Kockler and husband, Curtis, of Minnestrista, Minn.; two sons, Mark Barbee and wife, Laurie, of Gilbert, Ariz., Brian Barbee and wife, Melissa, of Rochester, Wash.; one brother, Charles Barbee and wife, Margaret, of Chanhassen, Minn., one sister, Debra Johnson and husband, Jeff, of Springfield, Ill.; ten grandchildren and three great-grand-children.

Family-held Memorial Service will be at Merle’s Steak House at 215 W. Fork Street, Alma, AR, Friday, August 28, at 2 p.m. Please join us for a taste of Harold's favorite meal and we invite you to share your favorite memories.

Cremation is under the direction of Lewis-Roberts Funeral Chapel, Fort Smith.

To place an online tribute, go to www.lewisfuneralchapel.net

Published in The State Journal-Register from Aug. 27 to Aug. 28, 2015

Edwin Weiskopf Jr.

Edwin Weiskopf, Jr., 74, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at his home. He was born Aug. 7, 1940, in Springfield, the son of the late Edwin F. and Dorabel L. (Ritter) Weiskopf, Sr.

Mr. Weiskopf graduated from Springfield High School in 1958. He went through the IBEW Apprenticeship Program and became a journeyman wireman, and worked for several electrical companies including Hunter Electric, Anderson Electric, and Mansfield Electric. He retired from the City of Springfield in August of 2002, serving as the City Electrical Inspector. He was a member of IBEW Local #193, Lake Press Club, the NRA, the Elks Club, and he also served as a Hunter Safety Clinic instructor. He was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Springfield.

He is survived by four children: Michele (husband, Ed) Smith of Rochester, Ill., Edwin (wife, Cindy) Weiskopf III of Springfield, Daniel Weiskopf of Springfield, and Jeramie (fiancé, Tarnah Worrall) Weiskopf of Rochester, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several cousins.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter.

Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield, IL where a memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2015, from 5 p.m. until time of the memorial service at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Ladd Sonnenberg officiating. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.

Memorials may be made to: The A.P.L. (Animal Protective League), 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702, or The Wounded Warrior Project Fund, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Published in The State Journal-Register from June 20 to June 21, 2015

Barbara Edmiston Mitchell

Barbara J. Mitchell, 74, of Franklin Hill, PA passed away, Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Forest City Nursing and Rehab Center, Forest City, PA. Born May 24, 1940 in Clinton, IL, she was the daughter of the late Merle and Dorothy C. [McBride] Edmiston.

Barbara attended Hay-Edwards grade school and Springfield High School in Springfield, IL, and Monticello Preparatory School & College, Godfrey, IL and graduated in 1958. She attended the University of Maine, the Douglass College of Rutgers University and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in history from RU in May of 1982.

On May 17, 1978, she married her best friend and soulmate, David W. Mitchell. The inseparable couple loved their home on Franklin Hill that they have called home for over 20 years. She enjoyed nature, wildlife, flowers and animals. She and her husband were avid basketball fans, attending many Binghamton University basketball events. She was a beautiful soul, an amazing woman, who was intelligent, compassionate, kind, and a devoted wife with unwavering strength.

Throughout her life, she wrote and published two books, O’ Fairest Monticello, a book about Monticello Preparatory School and being a student there and How to Cope with Headaches, a book of compilations of weekly articles from online magazines. She was an editor for Business Digest in Waterbury, CT, a reporter with newspapers in Cheshire, CT and Montrose, PA, a columnist with The Northwest Herald, Crystal Lake, IL and wrote numerous magazine articles and several op-ed pieces for various newspapers. Barbara even had her own blog called Views from the Country, freedomacres/blogspot.com where she wrote many book reviews on the books she read.

In 2006, Barbara retired from Southern Tier Imaging in Johnson City, NY as a medical transcriptionist. Graveside Services: Monday, April, 27, 2015 at 10AM at Franklin Hill Cemetery, 400 Franklin Hill Road, Hallstead, PA, 18822 with Rev. H. Chase Page officiating. Services are being entrusted to the Bartron-Myer Funeral Home, Inc., Montrose, PA.

Sandra Pence Nugent

URBANA – Sandra Lee Nugent (nee Pence) of Urbana passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening (March 11, 2015) at Illini Heritage nursing home. She had been struggling with kidney failure for 14 years. There will be no services. She donated her whole body to research in memory of her nursing friends, Lois and Laura.

Sandy was born Dec. 13, 1939, in Decatur, to Clyde Alvin Pence and Hazel Fern (Joseph) Pence [Dickinson]. She attended Springfield High School and graduated in 1958. She married Charles Stigers in 1960 and Sterling Glenn Nugent in 1967.

She was preceded in death by a brother, her parents, her second husband and her son-in-law, Russell Cler. She is survived by her son, Timothy (Theresa) Stigers; her daughters, Robin Cler and Antoinette (Michael) Novak; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister.

She worked at A1 Alarm Service for more than 20 years and was an active member of the Friends of the Urbana Free Library.

"Nothing is better than a rainy day, a comfy chair, a good book, and a cat on my lap." Rest in peace. Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, is in charge of arrangements.

James E. Duncan

James E. "Jim" Duncan, 74, of Lancaster and formerly of Elizabethtown, entered life eternal on Monday, February 17, 2014 with his loving wife, Yvonne, by his side, at Homestead Village, Lancaster. 

Born in Waukegan, IL, he was the son of the late Edward and Elva (Osborne) Duncan. He was a graduate of Springfield High School in Illinois and Tarkio College in Missouri. Jim was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, and was awarded the Bronze Star and attained the rank of Major after serving 15 years in the United States Air Force. 

Upon leaving the military, Jim was employed by M&M Mars of Elizabethtown and retired in 1997. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church of Elizabethtown, was an active volunteer at Homestead Village of Lancaster, and enjoyed singing. Jim loved to travel, spend time with family, and work on wood and leaded glass ­projects. He will be missed by many for his caring ways and willingness to help others.

Jim is survived by Yvonne M. (Copenhaver), his wife of 50 years; aunt Hope Dallman,WA; cousin Concie Luna, WA; three sisters-in-law, Joy Lehman (Jay), Elizabethtown, Jean Ferguson, Lancaster, Jennie Copenhaver, CA; and a brother-in-law, John Copenhaver, TX.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at Christ Lutheran Church, 125 E. High St., Elizabethtown on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. There will be a time of visitation with the family on Saturday at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be sent to Christ Lutheran Church, 125 E. High St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or The Sebastian Foundation for animal rescue, 121 Ridgewood Court, Columbia, PA 17512.

Elizabeth Krueger James

Elizabeth Krueger James, known as Liz or Lizzie to friends and family, passed away in the early hours of March 3, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. She was 74 years old A lifelong resident of Springfield, Liz was born on October, 4, 1940 to William and Alma (Horn) Krueger. She was the eldest of two children.

She attended Trinity Lutheran School, and later Springfield High School. In her early 20s, one of her friends convinced her to work for Illinois Bell, where she worked for the next 30 plus years, making many friends along the way.

While working there, Liz enjoyed volunteering in the Telephone Pioneers of America. Up until a few months before her passing, she still gave her time to help repair Talking Books. She also volunteered with the Senior Center and Memorial Medical Center.

She retired from the telephone company at 51, but retirement didn't suit her for long. She joined the staff of Springfield High School as an attendance secretary in 1996. She worked 10 enjoyable years there before retiring permanently to enjoy life

.

She was also a devoted mother, raising her daughter all by herself. She worked hard, but never missed a game or recital.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Ronald James.

Liz is survived by her daughter, Carrie L. James of Queens, NY; her sister, Carolyn (Robert) Viste; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beloved dog, Mollie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations in Liz's memory to one of the following charities: Animal Protective League, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, or The Telephone Pioneers Shoe Program.

Memorial Gathering and Service: 9:30 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2015, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Inurnment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Published in The State Journal-Register on Mar. 6, 2015

Roger L. Bidwell

Roger L. Bidwell, 79, passed away at his home in Springfield on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014.

Roger was born Dec. 11, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of the late Harry and Pearl (Wells) Bidwell. Roger married Marilyn Evans on Oct. 14, 1961. They celebrated 53 years of marriage. Roger worked as a salesman throughout Illinois for over 50 years. He worked at Allis Chalmers, sold office machines, and then went on to work for Pierce-Royal bond selling supplies to funeral service providers. 

Roger loved working and enjoyed all of the people he met over the years through his work. He loved to dine out and travel with friends and family. Roger was an avid golfer. Roger was especially proud of his daughter, who became his caretaker during his final illness.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Linda Bidwell both of Springfield; nephews, Scott and Michael (Cathy) Evans of Champaign, IL; great-nephews: Fletcher, Parker, and Spencer Evans of Champaign, IL; and a sister-in-law, Judy Evans of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Mark Evans.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch & Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen St., Springfield, IL 62703. A funeral service officiated by the Rev. Bob Dykman will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, at the funeral home. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Roger's name may be made to: The YMCA Soccer Program, P.O. Box 155, Springfield, IL 62705 or Memorial Home Hospice, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702.

Please share in Roger's photo gallery and online Video Memory.

Charles Arthur Elbertson

Charles Arthur Elberson, 80, died on Monday, October 13, 2014 at his residence in Springfield. He was born on October 8, 1934, in Pana, the son of Arthur Fay and Euna Corley Elberson. He married Mary C. Houghton on May 6, 1972, in Springfield.

Chuck was a member of Real Life Church where he was proud to serve as an usher. Chuck retired from Springfield School District 186 where Mr. Chuck was known to buy Pepsis for his helpers at Wilcox School. A prolific woodworker, he followed NASCAR driver Bill Elliot, Kasey Khane, and the Chicago Cubs. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Albert Elberson; and two sisters, Harriett Schrame and Fannie Betzold. He is survived by his wife, Mary Elberson of Springfield; son, Charles Rob (Nichole) Elberson of Springfield and his children, Alaina, Alec, and Eli; daughter, Pam Huffstodt of Princeton, Ill., and her daughters, Christina and Michele; stepdaughter, Peggy Fowler of Lawrence, Kan., and her children, Madison and Malcom; seven great- grandchildren; and his beloved, Rottweiler Kasey.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Real Life Church, 2700 Hermitage Road in Springfield. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2014, at Real Life Church with Pastor Rick Hector officiating. Inurnment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Real Life Church Building Fund, Adopt-a-Pet in Benld.

Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702, is in charge of arrangements. Visit our online obituary at www.ellingerkunzfuneralhome.com.

Published in The State Journal-Register from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23, 2014