chris adams

I remember that in either seventh or eighth grade, I was in the library reading this wonderful book about the life of President Roosevelt (FDR). When I got to the last page, there was this passage about FDR's death and how his dog (Fido?) kept looking for him after he died, as dogs probably often do. I could not hold back my tears, and when I started crying, I remember Chris walking past me, and she had such a knowing, comforting look on her face. I may have told her what I was reading. I looked up from the book, saw Chris smile at me, and it was a moment of wonderful bonding. I will never forget it as on some adolescent level, I knew that tears were special and could be shared with others, or at least not suppressed. I did not know her that well in high school, but I imagine her to be a kind person then and for the rest of her life.
- Marjorie Skelly

TOM AMBLER

“Thomas William Ambler, 69, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Tom was born on February 8, 1951 in Oak Park, Illinois to William and Rosemarie (Schultz) Ambler. He was the eldest of four boys. Tom was preceded in death by his father, William, his brother Bill, his loving wife, Vicki (Gerfen), and stepson Scott. He is survived by his mother, Rosemarie, mother in law, Lois, daughters, Tracy (Michael), and Kelly (Chris), his grandchildren Margaret, Bridget, and Matthew, brothers Keith (Vickey), Bruce (Sue), and many cherished nieces and nephews. Tom will be remembered for his kind heart, his love of birds, cars, Green Bay Packers, and water sports. He was loved by many and will be missed. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 26th, at 11:00am, at St. Mary's Church, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove. Interment immediately following at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Tom's honor to the charity of your choice.”

from: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/thomas-ambler-obituary?id=2838509

craig anderson

mary andrews

Mary Andrews was one of my GBS best friends. This picture was just one of many, many fun times we had together! I told her there was no film in the camera but she didn't believe me at first. But little liar me convinced her that there really was no film in the camera! Consequently I got this great picture of her doing a movie star pose!!! She was a physically and spiritually beautiful girl. It blew me away that she didn't think she was pretty! Ah youth! She had a large family and I spent lots of time over there. Great family. In 1970 I spent a winter at her home and we had to share a make shift place in the living room. We had a sheet-like curtain to pull across for some privacy. Those were the days. (Oh boy!) Anyway, I lost touch with Mary but she did move to California to work in the film industry in Hollywood. She always had a heart condition and I'm sad to see that she is no longer with us. There but for the grace of God go we.
- Sharon Nelson (Lusk)

mike anderson

My heart is shattered today as my dear brother, Mike, was called into God’s glory early this morning after a 2 year battle with cancer. Please bear with me as I know this is a long post, but I need to tell you about my brother. Mike was the oldest child in our family and 9 years older than me, so I really don’t have a lot of childhood memories of him growing up but here are a few: Mike and my brother Paul always tackling each other on the living room floor pounding on each to where I thought one of them would surely end up in the ER, Mike pulling me into his room making me listen to Grand Funk Railroad albums and him being yelled at by my father to “get a haircut” and “get a job.” Mike was a rebellious child barely graduating high school and would push my parents buttons to the limits. Well that rebellious, pain-in-the-butt child became a very successful entrepreneur with 12 successful automobile dealerships along with several other successful business endeavors, and I was so extremely proud of him and his accomplishments and my parents were even prouder. My brother lived life to the absolute fullest engaging in life, in experiences and in people every chance he got. He had always been athletic participating in Little League baseball as a child, hockey in his 20’s, and an avid golfer and runner in his adult life. With everything he enjoyed he gave it 110% and excelled in everything. He didn’t just play hockey, he joined a hockey club and would attend every Black Hawks game he could. He didn’t just play golf, he played golf all over the world wanting to experience and play on all those great courses. He didn’t just run for exercise. He joined a running club and ran in marathons all over the country. He didn’t just love the Cubs, Colts and Bears. He went to every game he possibly could, including several Super Bowls. Over the years Mike developed a passion for horse racing and jumped into the life of buying, selling and racing horses which became his ultimate passion. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer he did not let that stop him. He would go every other week for treatment and as soon as that treatment was done he was jetting off to some other part of the world engaging in whatever activity he had on his calendar. But among Mike’s great strengths, he of course also had his struggles. He was a smoker for many years and an alcoholic. But my brother had the strongest will of anyone I know. One day he decided he wasn’t going to smoke anymore and he never picked up another cigarette. One day he decided he shouldn’t drink anymore so he enrolled himself in AA and never had another drink, even though he was surrounded by that temptation almost every day of his life. (11+ years of sobriety) Heck he even invested in a wine business and never actually tasted the wine! He decided he was was going to start eating healthy so from that point on he was very disciplined with his diet. He was constantly striving to be the best he could be and had lots of self help books to help him along the way. My brother was also very generous. He always gave back to the community in which he lived and to many other charities, invited and hosted family and friends on his many grand adventures in life and provided free lodging for family and friends at his condo in Florida. I remember a few years back he bought a new home in Florida. I asked him why he was still hanging onto the condo that he did not need anymore, and his reply was “I want to keep it so people can use it when they come down”😊

My brother lived a very blessed and very grand life. He was a loving father, an adored grandfather, a great friend to so many, an outstanding businessman and an admired brother. His life was cut way too short and I never imagined I would lose a sibling this soon. But I hope I can live by his example to seize every moment , follow your passions and to live life to the absolute fullest, just as he did. RIP dear brother. You will be truly missed.
- Mike’s sister, Joan

Michael C. Anderson, age 67, passed away early Sunday morning, September 1, 2019, at his home in Chicago, IL, after a two year battle with cancer. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Mike Anderson (Micae) of Chicago, IL, daughter, Katy Props (Erik) of West Lafayette, IN, son, Daniel Anderson (Sarah) of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren Jais, Gisel and Ella Anderson and Nicholas and Aaron Props; two brothers, Paul Anderson (Amy) of Crown Point and Chris Anderson (Bonnie) of Sarasota; sister, Joan Scott (Greg); and a number of special nieces, nephews, friends and valued employees.

Mike was born on September 29, 1951 in Chicago, IL to the late Robert and Bernice Anderson. He graduated from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL in 1969. After graduation, the family moved to Crown Point, IN where his father opened Bob Anderson Pontiac. Mike worked for his father until going out on his own in 1980 when he opened Mike Anderson Pontiac, GMC in Logansport, IN. Over the years, he went on to acquire new car dealerships in Gas City, Marion, Rochester, Ossian, an additional store in Logansport, along with used car super centers in Kokomo, Plymouth and Peru. He also purchased two Chevrolet dealerships with his son Mike Jr. While mostly retired, he was still helping arrange sales of cars to his many friends across the country right up until his final days. He took great pride in keeping the lots and cars looking neat and clean. The General Managers knew if Mike was coming to your store, you better have the weeds sprayed and tires shiny.

Over the years he was involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis, among many others. Both personally, and through his dealerships, he supported many community events, projects and local charities. In 2013, Mike was honored with the Automotive Dealer Association of Indiana Hermann Goodin Civic Service Award which was a testament to his incredible generosity. The award honors automobile dealers who display civic and patriotic activities.

Mike lived life to the absolute fullest, engaging in life, in experiences, and in people every chance he got. He was always athletic, participating in Little League baseball as a child, hockey in his 20’s, and was an avid golfer and runner in his adult life. With everything he enjoyed, he gave it 110%. He didn’t just play hockey, he joined a hockey club and would attend every Black Hawks game he could. He didn’t just play golf, he played golf all over the world wanting to experience and play on all those great courses. He didn’t just run for exercise. He joined a running club and ran in marathons all over the country. He didn’t just love the Cubs, Colts and Bears. He went to every game he possibly could, including several Super Bowls. Over the years Mike developed a passion for horse racing and jumped into the life of buying, selling and racing horses which became his ultimate passion. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer he did not let that stop him. He would go every other week for treatment and as soon as that treatment was done he was jetting off to some other part of the world engaging in whatever activity he had on his calendar.

A Memorial Visitation will be on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 10:00 AM CST with Mike’s brother, Pastor Paul Anderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cass County Community Foundation for the Mike Anderson Family Unrestricted Fund, P.O. Box 441, Logansport, IN, 46947.

Sign Mike’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com - (219) 663-2500.

tom arnold

Who could forget the gorgeous Corvette that blessed the streets of Glenview in the late 1960s! Tom Arnold loved his Corvette and so did everyone who knew him. 

Tom passed away of a heart attack on June 27, 1998. It was sudden and unexpected (washing his car). He was the Area Manager of Customer Operations for GTE in Missouri. He was with GTE for 23 years in various management positions. He was also involved in many community organizations at the time of his death in Missouri. He left a beautiful wife and 3 wonderful children. 

Tom left this world way too soon and is missed each day by those who knew him. 

- Jan (Arnold) Gyzen, sister

Tom and I shared a love for fast cars and great music! When we combined these two, it was guaranteed to be a memorable time!  

Tom and I became friends during our high school days. We worked the summers on Stranger III, a yacht that was owned by Murphey Engineering, and was docked in Burnham Harbor, near the planetarium. This was, by far, the BEST job I ever had!

After high school, my folks moved to Colorado and I stayed behind in Glenview for a year. The Arnold’s opened their home to me. Our friendship continued – with camping trips to Colorado and return trips to the North Shore for a pizza at Tonelli’s and a Hackney Burger! We stood up for each other as we got married and celebrated the birth of our kids!  

I was deeply saddened when I heard of Tom’s death at the young age of 46. Gone too soon and never forgotten!  

Tommy could really drive the sh*$ out of that Corvette!

Love,

- Bruce Moore

andy baldwin

Andy Baldwin was one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever known. We first met in Mrs. Considine’s 8th grade class. He lived life with intensity and was as intellectually gifted as anyone I have known, which is saying a lot. As one of our lunch table group, he led us in the challenge of eating a package of Lorna Doones in a minute. He built a 10-foot kite in his garage, finally flying it when the storm of the year blew through. He said that several adult men in the  neighborhood came out to help him. They thought it was cool and it was. He also launched a hot air balloon one morning; it reportedly landed at the intersection of Waukegan and Golf Roads. He also hosted poker parties which degenerated into contests of “two card gut.”

In April of our senior year he and I visited the Museum of Science & Industry on a Sunday afternoon. Afterwards, while walking to our car we were suddenly surrounded by eight guys who started hassling us (“Whitey, you got a quarter?”). The leader hit me with a big stick and Andy managed to dodge him. Cars started honking and they ran off. Later we found a cop and had the leader arrested, discovering that he was the 51st Street “chieftain” of the Blackstone Rangers. I mention this because it is an example of the exciting times we had together. A year later we rode his motorcycle to Grant Park to see a free Sly and The Family Stone concert that never happened because a riot broke out. Life was never dull with Andy.

Andy was a fierce environmentalist, ahead of his time. After graduation he led a clean-up of the Chicago River branch in Glenview, later parlaying that into a summer job with the village. He went to Stanford. In the second semester of his freshmen year, he rode his motorcycle across the country to visit us in Cambridge, Mass. He went through about seven majors at Stanford and lived in a house covered with morning glories behind a fraternity. When I was a college drop-out, he invited me to California. He led me in my old VW Bug on a tour of the West, from Tijuana to Crater Lake, Yellowstone and Colorado. We rafted on air mattresses near Rocky Mountain National Park. He later became legal counsel for Friends of The Earth.

When he had graduated from Stanford and I was still on leave from college, he led me, Dave Slown, and another friend on the adventure of our lives, riding bicycles from Mississippi to Guatemala. He was hoping to catch some riders sponsored by National Geographic, with whom he had ridden the Coast Highway of California.  We never caught them but we did have some incredible experiences riding through mountains and desert, not to mention Mexico City. Andy was the General; he had the hutzpah.  None of us would have made such a crazy trip without his prompting.

He later earned a law degree at Berkeley. He then got bored, I guess, and went back to Stanford to get an M.D. He finished out his life as an ER physician in Louisiana. We had only brief contact over the last 30 years. His hobby was river rafting, which took him all over the world, e.g. the Amazon. He eventually remarried and had a huge blended family in Farmersville, LA. He suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, which must have been excruciating for an active guy like him. I was dismayed to learn that he had died in the past year. His obituary spoke of his generous contribution to that small community. He was even an active member of the local Baptist church.

I can still hear Andy’s loud laugh. He also did not suffer fools lightly. Not everybody was comfortable with his intensity. But he certainly brought much life and adventure into my life. I miss him and am sad that he won’t be at the Reunion.

- Jim Siwy

Dr. William Andrew "Doc" Baldwin Jr.
September 29, 1951 - April 8, 2019

Dr. William Andrew Baldwin Jr., 68, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, April 9, 2019 in Monroe Louisiana. He was born, September 29, 1951, in Evanston, Illinois, to William and Barbara Baldwin. His father, William Andrew Baldwin Sr. was a WWII Corsair pilot. He was also a classically trained pianist and aided in the cultivation of his son’s lifelong love for music. His parents also sent their young son to the south of France to study tennis.

After High School Andrew attended U C Berkley, where he obtained a law degree in 1977. He was immediately put into consideration by top law firms in California and Illinois. While weighing his offers he became an advocate for environmental causes. He was appointed president of the advocacy group, Friends of Earth, in California.

Deciding to put a hold on his law practice, he returned to school to become a medical doctor. He enrolled in Stanford Medical School and graduated in 1985. He completed his residency at the Stanford Hospital. He also obtained a John’s Hopkins fellow in surgical intensive care. Instead of taking the traditional route of applying to the regular medical positions, he joined the Smile Train medical mission. He traveled with them, by ship, and offered medical procedures to children in impoverished countries.

It was shortly after graduation from medical school, that he married Susan Newell. They would become parents to three children, Barbara, Andy, and Will. However, His marriage to Mrs. Susan was not meant to be, they divorced, and he would eventually move to North Louisiana. He met and married Karen Sue Bryan. They remained together for the remainder of his life. They would become the parents of four more children; Arthur, Mac, Nick and Leo. Mrs. Karen had two children from a previous marriage; Jerod and Chauston Mason. Together they would raise all nine children.

Doctor Baldwin worked for several hospitals in the North Louisiana area. He opened a family medical clinic at Union General hospital in Farmerville Louisiana. It was Farmerville that he would call home. Just a few of his local passions were pizza eating contests at the local Johnny’s and attending local baseball games. He was also a member of the Farmerville First Baptist Church.

Doctor Baldwin had many hobbies. Two of his favorites were bicycle riding and White-water rafting. He once rode his bicycle from Chicago, Illinois to Oaxaca, Mexico. He rafted or canoed rivers throughout the Americas. He was well loved in our community and will sorely be missed.

Other survivors include his brother Nichols Baldwin. His Sister in-law Debbie Baldwin. His niece and nephew Nikki and Cole. His mother in-law and father in-law Nelda and Gerald Bryan. His daughter in-law Nisha Mason.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18th at the Farmerville First Baptist Church.

davianne billmire

“Davianne Charles of Kennesaw, GA passed away on 7/09/21. She was the daughter of Iris Marie Mackie Billmire and Frank William Billmire. She is survived by her sister in Charlotte, NC Catherine Lynn Herig.”

from https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/atlanta/name/davianne-charles-obituary?id=20745237

Elizabeth black

JUDITH BOHNEN

robert bonovich

barb brandell

jim breckenridge

JAMES W. BRECKENRIDGE, 'BRECK', 62 ROCKFORD - James W. Breckenridge "Breck" 62, of Rockford, died Sunday, August 18, 2013, at home surrounded by his family. Born January 8, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Warren and Diane Breckenridge. Moved to Glenview in August, 1963, graduating from Glenbrook South High School in 1969. Graduated from Rockford College Magna Cum Laude in 1973, Graduated Illinois School of Medicine in Rockford June 1977. Married Jennifer (Buell) on October 22, 1977, before entering surgical residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. In July of 1979 he entered his anesthesia residency at the University of Michigan graduating in July of 1981. Breck joined the medical staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital in July of 1981. He became the Director of Anesthesia in 1991 until May 2013. In 1998, Jim joined Rockford Health Systems Board which he served on for 15 years. He was the chairman of the board in 2007 and 2008 Jim was also on the board for the Northern Illinois Blood Bank for over 25 years. In July, 2012, he received the Department of Surgery Faculty Recognition award from the U of I College of Medicine. Breck loved his colleagues and friends at Rockford Memorial, especially the operating room staff. Jim loved the University of Michigan and held season tickets to the football games for many years, even attending the 2004 Rose Bowl game. Jim loved flying to Mackinac Island, Michigan, with his family. He especially enjoyed the winter months riding on the snowmobile and seeing the beauty of the island. More than anything, Jim loved being a grandpa to Lucas, Zachary, and Caleb. Survived by his wife, Jennifer; daughters, Megan (Joshua) Coke and Emily (Scott) Gaddini; parents, Warren and Diane Breckenridge; grandchildren, Lucas and Zachary Gaddini and Caleb Coke; nieces and nephews, Jason (Liza) Buell, Justine (Jason) Sallee, Joscelyn (Cory) Espensen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Webster and Sandra Buell; great-nephews, Anthony and Dominic Espensen, Solan and Leif Buell and Giovanni Sallee; best friends, Fred and Mary Gahl and Alan and Lee Ann Mowbray. Predeceased by his son, Nicholas Breckenridge; grandparents, Dorothy and Frank Peters and Adelle and Warren Breckenridge Sr.; mother and father-in-law, Ione and William Buell. Special Thanks to Molly at VNA Hospice and Amy and Sean at OSF Home Infusion. Funeral Service 11 a.m. Thursday, August 22, at Christ Lutheran Church 425 Riverside, Belvidere, Il 61008 with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday morning at Christ Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dr. James Breckenridge Endowment for Anesthesia and Surgery or Nick Breckenridge memorial scholarship fund in care of his family.

Published in Rockford Register Star from Aug. 20 to Aug. 21, 2013

MARK BROWNING

“Mark G. Browning, age 57, died May 30, 2008.

Beloved husband of Dvora Ivankowski; devoted father of David and Rachael; dear brother of Drew (Annette Barbier) Browning and Brett (Cathy) Browning.

An architect, most recently with SmithGroup of Chicago, Mark held himself to the highest standards, with a commitment to usability and artistic integrity, principles which he applied to every aspect of his life.

His thoughtfulness was shown in every one of his designs, and made the world a better place for those who lived and worked in the structures built out of his creative vision.

He will be greatly missed.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-06-01-0805310650-story.html

joann bush (Mueller)

mike cavanaugh

george christensen

“FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — A man is dead after authorities said he was struck and killed while riding a bicycle.

Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill said 73-year-old George Christensen of Countryside Illinois was riding along Highway 34 in Ridgeway on Monday, April 22. 

Hill said Christensen was traveling west on the roadway when he was struck by a truck that was going in that same direction. Christensen died at the scene.

The collision remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol's Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team and the Fairfield County Coroner's Office.”

From: https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/man-riding-bicycle-killed-fairfield-county/101-2faff58d-cbe3-48eb-8ff0-2ff6dfb1da7c

See also: https://chi.streetsblog.org/2024/04/24/legendary-chicago-bicycle-traveler-and-writer-george-christensen-killed-by-truck-driver-in-south-carolina

GEORGE’S LAST ENTRY:
My life’s story of bicycling the world is there on the blog (georgethecyclist.blogspot.com) as well as in stories written about me in the Chicago Reader, the Chicago Tribune, the Hollywood Reporter, Streetwise, the Los Angeles Times, a WBEZ Worldview interview and elsewhere that can be found on the blog or by googling.

10645 Stalford
Countryside, Illinois 60525-4711
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Blogger
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george6567@yahoo.com

dave christiansen

David "Dave" Christiansen
May 4, 1951 - August 21, 2019

David K. “Dave” Christiansen, 68, of Glenview, passed away peacefully, August 21, 2019. Loving son of Irene and the late Bernard Christiansen. Dear brother of Judy and Doug (Barb) Christiansen. Fond uncle of Bradley, Phillip, Dane and Rebecca. Dear Nephew of Alice Jernberg. Beloved cousin of Lori Jernberg. Dave loved all sports and was an avid Cub fan. Memorial visitation Saturday August 31, 1-3 p.m. at the N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home, 1240 Waukegan Rd, Glenview. Interment Private. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.

Dave Christiansen was my oldest continual friend.  We met in first grade at Westbrook. The opening of Henking School separated us for a couple of years, but we were back together in seventh grade homeroom 7-8 with Mr. Leland. Dave was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially baseball, and he was a Cubs fan. I was just as intensely rooting for the White Sox. We were united in our support for all of the other Chicago teams, but not baseball.  Throughout high school I ate my lunch at a table with Dave and usually Bruce Paynter, dissecting and debating the sports news of the day. When we were each sixteen-year old juniors in 1968, a sudden opportunity arose for me to manage a last minute “expansion” team in the Glenview Pony Baseball League. Dave joined as my base coach.  The players we were coaching were fourteen years old and all the other managers were dads or volunteer adults.  We had a blast and I continued for twenty-five more years in the league. Dave eventually turned to umpiring and trained at national umpiring schools, instructed by major league umpires. He worked games from Pony League to high school to adults and was renowned for his patience and knowledge of the rules (although he did have a tight strike zone.) Dave attended the University of Illinois-Urbana. When my younger brother was checking out colleges, Dave took a day of his winter break to accompany him in a drive downstate for a campus visit. By the time they completed the trip, my brother had decided to become an Illini. Dave was highly intelligent, getting in on the ground floor of futures stock trading for a while, but also following other interests such as cinema film and even working at the library. His happiest moments were at Wrigley Field or on the road visiting stadiums around the country, showing up for big games and somehow wrangling a last minute ticket. He lived in Glenview his entire life and never married, caring for his mother and playing an important part in the lives of his brother’s children. Dave was a great conversationalist and in later years we mainly stayed in touch by phone, even though we lived just a couple of miles away. I hadn’t talked to him for some time and was unaware that his body was starting to fail him. In fact, I had been planning to phone him and encourage him to attend the reunion. His “earliest” friend and neighbor, our classmate Jay Anderson, posted Dave’s death announcement on the reunion site. I am so grateful that he did, because it gave me the opportunity to celebrate his life with his family and friends.
- Scott Buzard

grant cioffi

BARRINGTON Mar. 11 to Mar. 12, 2010 — Grant Louis Cioffi, of Barrington, N.H., died on March 5, 2010, after suffering a heart attack at work. He was 58. The son of Louis F. Cioffi and Nan Russell, he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Educated at Stanford University (A.B. in English, 1973) and the University of Minnesota (Ph.D. in Education, 1981), he was a professor in the Department of Education of the University of New Hampshire since 1980. He also served as a Senior Specialist in Written Language in the Learning Disabilities Program at Children's Hospital, Boston, where he worked since 1987.

He always said his job was to teach teachers how to teach reading, and he worked with both teachers and students to improve literacy throughout New England. With the late Professor John Carney, he founded the Seacoast Reads program, which has matched UNH student reading tutors with local elementary students for the past 13 years. For his work with Seacoast Reads, he received UNH's award for Excellence in Public Service in 2007.

He taught, published articles, directed dissertations, and gave presentations on reading instruction, literacy, and the diagnosis of learning disabilities.

Grant rebuilt wooden boats and sailed them in Great Bay. On dry land, he could fix just about anything, from his beloved 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider to the roof of the barn. These skills were self-taught. He believed that one could do anything with the right tools, the right information, and a little patience.

A resident of Barrington since 1980, he lived at "Animal Farm," where they say, "Four legs good, two legs bad."

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ann Whitehill; twin brother, Frank; sons, Robert and William; dogs, Abby and Whiskey; and horse, Ellie.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 2, at 4 p.m. in the Huddleston Ball Room at the University of New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UNH "in memory of Grant Cioffi" for scholarships for students focused on service learning in the Reading Program in the Department of Education at UNH.

The Spirit of St. Louis                                                                                    
in memoriam GLC (1951-2010)

Two miles south of Baptistown, on the way 
to Flemington, “Little Bit of Heaven 
Farm” sits, not too far from “Now or Never 
Farm.” (Many farms have names out here, and though 

at first these names seem corny, maybe on 
reflection, not so much.) Each farmstead, each 
family, makes a sacred, hallowed space,
where they need—what?  Really not all that much:

just some land, good health, tractors, seed—and one 
another. My family had its own 
little bit of heaven, no farm, but a 
place, and there the Spirit of St. Louis 

landed—as plans—one day in ‘65.  
In one-forty-eighth or -sixty-fourth scale,
intricate blue tracings on tissue-thin
paper, page upon layered page: a heft 

of detail. It’s late spring—early summer—
and my twin brother cons and thumbs these plans 
which, thick as a National Geographic,
to me looked hopeless, like the innards of 

a dissected frog or jimmied-open 
wristwatch. He cuts precise, thin, smooth balsa 
wafers to match the blue-on-white templates;
tailors papery fabric to cover 

fuselage, wing, stabilizers; collects 
stray fragments for aggressive rotary 
engine; buys bottle after bottle of 
silver airplane paint called “dope,” that, brushed on, 

pulls fabric taut to skeleton of frame— 
a scale model Spirit of St. Louis. 
Small prop engine, added last, the only 
inauthentic detail. Gas-powered hunk  

of steel, no bigger than an infant’s fist, 
yet ballpeen hammerhead hard, and once it 
finally fires up, screeches like a 
mean cat in heat. I sit across our base-

ment, factoring polynomials, smell-
tasting the awful, acrid fumes, while my 
brother’s sharp X-Acto knife makes swift and
muffled rips, finding gussets, struts, rudders, 

wing, and even rotary cylinders 
that lurk in planks of balsa, or in long 
thin sticks, waiting to be revealed. With hands 
safe-cracker-deft, obstetrician-steady, 

he works smoothly, steadily, and model 
airplane seems to rise from junk, from nothing—
by magic, nearly. Now and then, he holds 
it up, considers the silver beauty, 

tilts it, studies it, locks his head the same 
way our father had done as a child (I 
saw this in a family photo, my 
father at age 10, frowning), consults and  

softly taps the scarred and glue-blobbed plans, nods, 
grudgingly approves the whole endeavor.
I tell him not to fly it. Too pretty, 
too perfect, it’s twelve weeks’ hard labor, glue 

fumes, allowance money too, think of that.  
I always prized the final product; he, 
the effort of construction. Let’s hang it 
in our room, I say. He scowls, hurt, thinking  

I doubt his competence. Lucky Lindy 
would’ve agreed with me, I think. After 
all, his luck didn’t last, no one’s ever
does. So the Spirit hung from thread, indoors,

just a piece of boys’-bedroom furniture, 
but as the weather warmed, my twin succumbs, 
impulsively snips the supporting 
lines, brushes dust off silver wings, and pre-

tend-flies the Spirit in his hand. Seeing 
me watching, he smiles, embarrassed—“Hey, let’s 
go,” he says, and selects the local play-
ground for his maiden voyage. A high school  

friend and I go along, watch my brother 
fussing with a handle controlling two 
ends of a forty-foot double line, which
is designed to actuate up-down flaps— 

keep the plane aloft, steady in the air.  
He calculates the center point of the
projected circle the plane will make as 
it revolves around him, while I, to start  

it, hold Spirit—engine whine furious—
straining forward in my grasp. Vibrating 
thing, delicate but vicious, almost 
alive, still it needs my guiding hand for  

its first few feet of earth-bound travel, like 
the child whose parent holds the bike-fender 
on that first bike ride without the training 
wheels. Then, I let go. It taxis. It’s up. 

Its scream takes on need and purpose—it flies! 
Its transformation into airborne thing 
makes us all smile and gasp in unison, 
distorts our breathing. The Spirit captures 

 a small swath of sky for one, two, then three 
revolutions, before lines foul or fail, 
or break, or who knows what, and up, up, up 
it climbs, lead lines sagging then taut, but it  

suddenly swiftly plunges straight back down,
the impact terrible. I wildly rush 
to the pile of wreckage, while our onlooking 
friend has heaped to the ground, convulsed by mirth.

My brother sprints not sure why after a 
lone plastic wheel scurrying across the 
asphalt, swiftly speeding from the crash site, 
which still smolders and implodes, as if a 

tiny bomb hidden aboard had deto-
nated on impact. When he looks at us, 
eyes shiny as freshly-applied decals, 
his face twists with wrath toward our friend who, still 

incapacitated by his laughter, 
seems to be uncontrollably weeping. 
“You bastard, you bastard,” my brother says, 
as he picks through jagged, smoking flinders. 

He refuses to walk home with us: “Go!  
Go!” he shouts through tears, transported, enraged, 
defeated. I recall the Spirit, its 
soul and shape, its engine noise warbling up 

and down—in shrieks, then roars—and my brother’s 
face tight yet proud, rapt, hands knuckling his
controls while the tiny craft devours 
its own slipstream doughnut of battered air. 

Today, my brother’s hands have hardened in-
to solid callus, hard as the ax he 
often uses—and as he appraises 
a task or problem, he first envisions 

the ideal way to solve it: with planning,
with tools, he knows he’ll make his dream prevail.
This prospect sends his brain awhirl, his craft 
and product welded, splendid, moving fast.

- Frank Cioffi

IRENE GEROSA (BAKER)

Irene Gerosa Baker of Janesville, Wisconsin passed away on September 28th after a short illness. She is preceded in death by her husband, Don and
father, Louis. She is survived by her daughter Annie, son-in-law Ronald, brother Michael, mother Ann and three grandchildren Christian, Dakota and Cassie. And Gigi, her cat…

Irene was an employee of Tithof Tile and Marble Inc., working as a successful salesperson for this beautiful showroom formerly located in Highland Park with NuHaus Kitchen and Bath designs.

 She posted many jokes, Art history, politics and cat pictures on Facebook. She had many friends on social media and also was a singer for the band “Dirty Looks.” She passed on her love of music to her daughter Annie, also a singer and her grandson Christian Clark, a multi talented musician, singer and writer. How proud she must have been of her legacy and the musical skills she had inspired…

May you Rest In Peace, dear friend!

- Chris Moravcik

donna gibbons

DONNA GIBBONS; ACTRESS AND HOST OF CABLE SHOW

Kenan Heise, Tribune Staff Writer
CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Donna Gibbons, 42, a movie and TV actress, appeared in films, including "About Last Night," and was also host of the long-running cable television show, "Health."

A resident of Glenview, she died at home Sunday.

Ms. Gibbons, a 1969 graduate of Glenbrook South High School, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She went on to get a master's degree in the arts from Penn State University, where she also served on the faculty.

While in school, she was a featured performer and traveled extensively with the Claude Kipnis Mime Troop.

She moved to Los Angeles and appeared in a number of productions, including the NBC-TV series, "Studio B-5." She was also in the stage production of "Balm in Gilead."

Survivors include her husband, Jason Brett; two daughters, Jessie and Julian; a brother; and six sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at her home.

kathy golich

john grider

John Grider left us way too soon, in college at U. of I. I cried when I learned that he had taken his life.  And, of course I knew no reason why it happened. What I remember was a gentle, soft spoken guy who was in our group of friends. He was in drama productions and was very bright, with a sometimes quirky point of view. He looked like he thought intensely, but he smiled frequently and was always friendly. I remember thinking that I never really knew him, but I wonder who did. I do know that I felt his loss painfully and acutely. He was so easygoing and enjoyable to be with. Maybe too much so; his anger was never given the expression that it needed. I wish we could all go back and be better friends with him. The memory of him has motivated me in my work, helping to prevent troubled individuals from dying young so needlessly. My best reunion fantasy has John there with us; it brings a sad smile. 

- Jim Siwy

Jim Head

Died in 1996. Was a Master Chief Sonar Technician - Surface in the U. S. Navy.

mary beth herbst

This is for Mary Beth Herbst- god rest her soul— MBH was my first real girlfriend, we used to attend the Pit at the Glenview public golf course, she liked the local GBS rock band “The Shadows of Night” who did record and get AirPlay for their cover of Van Morrison’s “Gloria”—-quite a feat for a high school group. I shared my first real girlfriend kiss with her. I am sad to know that she is no longer with us. God Bless.

- James Harrison Eldert

mark hollerbaugh

Mark was a good friend and collaborator and musician. He helped to manage the “Funky Soul Train” in which I was a member. We went on two vacations in summer of 1968.

- James Harrison Eldert

Mark passed away in 2015.

glen holzwart

Glen died on October 12, 1995 at age 44.

RICK JOHNS

Dr. Mitrick “Rick” Alan Johns
Born: April 17, 1953
Died: June 12, 2023

Rick Johns was the oldest son of Pat and Bill Johns, and a brother to Dan (Karen) Johns and Susan (Craig) Morgan.
A child of the 50s, he grew up loving everything about science and outer space. He followed that passion to Yale University, which he found he didn't enjoy much. Luckily, he did get a degree in Biology out of it, and also met his first wife, Diane Gimble. They married in 1976 and moved to the west coast (which he liked better), where he earned a PhD at the University of Oregon. They had two daughters, Emily Faulkner and Caroline Johns, who both look like him in different ways.

In 1985 he took a job as professor in the NIU Biology Department, close to his parents and siblings. His research focused on the molecular biology of corn, rice, pigs, and petunias, but he was always happiest teaching students biology and genetics. During lectures, he liked to draw his pet cats as excellent examples of piebalding (calico) and X-linked inheritance (tortoiseshell) traits. And also because he thought it was funny.

After his first marriage ended, Rick married Freyja Rasmussen-Johns, whom he loved deeply. They had more than 30 years together, but would have wanted many, many more. He embraced his step-children, Josh Kerwin and Brittany Chatfield, as his own, and when each of his children brought home their partners–Stephanie Faulkner, John Livadaros, Connie Kalsch, and Nick Chatfield-he welcomed them too. Holiday dinners that overflowed the dining room with family and friends gave him great joy.

As so often, though, the real stars were his grandchildren–Edith, Everett, Theodore, Selene, and Axel. Whether marching them straight through the underbrush at Russel's Woods, teaching them how to build an ungainly but ultimately perfect birdhouse out of scrap wood, supervising their truly terrifying skateboarding sessions, or making silly faces, he loved to be there as they grew. His greatest sadness will have been not getting more time with them, especially Selene, Axel, and the grandson who is on the way.

Rick loved to be outside. No matter the weather, he was always walking, running, gardening, camping, or just sitting on the porch with a glass of wine and a good book. He and Freyja loved to travel together, stopping at quirky roadside attractions and seeing the country from behind the wheel. He loved to work with his hands to fix his and his children's houses, often using the work as an excuse to spend time with them and have deep, winding conversations about everything going on in their lives.

But mostly, Rick loved to sing. Whether he was with his brother belting out rock and roll on the guitar, practicing a complex classical piece with the DeKalb Festival Chorus, leading a hymn with the St. Paul's Episcopal Church choir, or just humming an advertising jingle from the 1950s (thanks a lot, Mr. Clean! None of us will ever forget you!) Rick was always making music.

Rick died suddenly but peacefully Monday afternoon while resting after helping in the rectory and garden at St. Paul's, where he had found a true spiritual home and a place to use his time and talents to serve his community.

His family and friends will miss him terribly, and DeKalb will never be quite the same without a second Jeff Bridges walking around town.
His memorial visitation will be on Sunday, June 25th from 2:00-4:00 PM at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb, IL. His memorial service will begin at 4:00 PM.

A reception will follow the service at the Church.
Memorials for can be made to the DeKalb Public Library in care of the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178. To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com

from: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/daily-chronicle/name/mitrick-johns-obituary?id=52267791&fbclid=IwAR1p3eFbztXTBN8tNvTBROAQcvtFHXezlV9P4tDpbxLvwBjt9iOaPtv0dfc

RICK’S LAST ENTRY:
After we graduated from GBS, I spent 17 years out of Illinois getting an education. I ended up with a PhD, and a job as a biology professor at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. My specialties were genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics (a field that didn’t exist when I started). I retired from there in 2018: It was a good and satisfying job, but it was time to let a new generation of scientists take over.

I have been married or in a serious relationship most of my adult life; my second wife and I have been married for 16 years now. We have four children between us, three of whom live in the DeKalb area, and 4 young grandchildren. I spend a lot of time with my grandchildren: lots of fun, and when they get cranky I can give them back to their parents. My wife and I enjoy taking long car trips together, especially when we can find offbeat sights in out-of-the-way locations. We have been to 2 of the 3 World’s Largest Balls of Twine, as an example. We have also done a lot of work renovating our home, doing most of the work ourselves. I especially enjoy electrical wiring and soldering copper pipe.

Music plays a big role in my life. I have played guitar (mostly acoustic) for almost 50 years now, and I sing tenor in a serious/classical music choral group as well as in a church choir. I also like camping and hiking and other outdoorsy things, mostly with my brother Dan, who lives nearby. Also downhill skiing, mostly in Utah: I am good enough to be able to stay off the crowded intermediate slopes, but no one should expect to see me in the Olympics.

I am an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, despite not being a very religious person. A career in science has left me more of a rationalist and materialist than is strictly compatible with religion. Regardless, I have found a real home in the church, and at present I am working on taking over as church treasurer.

Overall, I am very happy and grateful about where my life has taken me. Not everything has gone as planned, but after 50 years I can genuinely say that I am living a very excellent life.

glen kaiser

kathy klein

Kathy Klein had been my closest friend since grade school (5th or 6th grade). We had tons of fun jumping and singing with the Beatles songs and lots of other great simple fun music. Kathy went to Australia as an exchange student in her junior year. She wanted nothing more than to go back. Australias immigration laws required that she learn a skill their country could use. So, off to computer school and back to Australia where she had found a truly loving family that she couldn't live without. She met her significant other there and they were together until her passing. I'm grateful that Kathy came to the US several times to visit. Very special. She was brilliant, witty and had many talents. She spoke over 4 languages fluently and designed and sold specialty dresses at her own shop. Kathy was a very loving person. She was a MND (motor reurone disease) sufferer with PBP (progressive bulbar palsy). Not fun. I've kept her e-mails on my computer. She will always be in my heart. Her Aussie friends and family gave her a wonderful full life of love and joy. She truly deserved every bit of it!
- Sharon Nelson (Lusk)

rick kolba

“Richard F. Kolba, Jr., age 66, of Fountain Valley, left us too soon on January 20, 2018. Rick was most proud of being a great Dad to his three wonderful children and for being known as a really “nice guy.” Originally from Chicago, Rick was a dedicated, life-long Chicago Cubs Fan who got to see the Cubbies win the World Series!  Rick had a goofy sense of humor that especially entertained his kids.  We will all miss his crazy jokes and his great hugs.

Rick, is survived by his wife of 39 years, Paulette Kolba of Fountain Valley, his amazing children, Jamie Kolba (Fountain Valley), Lindsay Kolba (Astoria NY) and Daniel Kolba (partner Gary Woodling) (Anaheim, CA), his siblings Brian Kolba (Sarasota, FL), Susan Peeler (husband Cal) (Canton, MI), Kevin Kolba (wife Kathy) (Arlington Heights, IL), and Tracy Weyhrich (husband Jim) (Arlington Heights, IL); his sisters-in-law Pam Ahern (husband and great friend Ed Ahern) (Braintree, MA), Cathy Roach (Wilmington NC), Kathleen Brown (Hyannis, MA), and brother-in-law Frank Rider (wife Keverly) (Raleigh NC); his wonderful and generous Aunt Carol Wittwer,  and his honorary “sisters-in-law” Lisa Harvey-Mone and Mona Harvey-Mone – and of course all of his amazing nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Peggy and Dick Kolba and  brother-in-law Stephen Roach. 

During Rick’s illness, while sitting in the courtyard of the UCLA Medical Center, his family observed so many young families with children with cancer taking walks or just spending some playtime together. They were so moved by these families, realizing that those families’ situations were so much more heart wrenching than their own, therefore in lieu of flowers, the family requests, with thanks, that donations be made in Rick’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support their great efforts in treating and curing childhood cancers:  https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/faq/how-can-i-donate-to-st-jude.html or by mail to: Memorial and Honor Gifts (St. Judes), P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN  38148-0142.  

Go Cubs Go!”

from https://www.heritagememorialservices.com/tributes/Richard-Kolba

joanne kretchmer

Joanne Kretchmer Stebbins passed away on November 23, 2005.

mike lautenslager

“Glenview Times, 22 Aug 1974, p. 14. Date of Event: 10 Aug 1974     Age: 23 Residence: 2904 Linneman St. Died: Aug 10 as a result of an auto-pedestrian accident in Naples, Fla. Employment: worked for his father's firm, the Curt Lautenslager Paving Co. of Glenview. Survived by: wife, Deborah; brother, Chris and Curt, Jr.; sister, Ann; his parents and his grandmother, Mrs. C.A. Jensen.”

from https://vitacollections.ca/glenplnews/3796642/data?n=19

See also John Schnell’s appreciation of Mike here.

joann leech

JoAnn graduated from Colorado Women’s College after majoring in elementary education. She married Joseph Rangus and lived in Virginia and Saudia Arabia. After her husband left the Navy, they settled in San Diego, California. BETH, a horseback riding program for disabled children was created by JoAnn. She ran the nonprofit, learned to write grants, and was an instructor for a program that had over thirty horses. She was honored to be a judge at the Special Olympics and other competitions. For over twenty-four years, JoAnn battled non-lymphoma cancer. She lost her valiant fight April 17, 2013.  

- Bob Schmidt

Gail Lempicke

September 3, 2022.

nick madgey

Nick Madgey was a home builder and skilled carpenter who built several beautiful homes in Glenview and Banockburn, Illinois.

- Perry Lump (Hedstrom)

heather madson (Waldoch)

“Heather Waldoch, 70, of Grayslake passed away June 22, 2022, at home. She was born August 28, 1951, in Libertyville to the late Robert Gordon and Ruth (Larsen) Madsen. On May 22, 1976, in Chicago, Heather married the love of her life, Lee M. Waldoch. Heather loved animals, especially elephants, the outdoors, camping, nature, and swimming. She also enjoyed interior decorating. Heather is survived by her sister, Gail (Edward) Craddock; sister-in-law, Colleen Madsen; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Laura and Michael Luisi; nieces, Nicole, Trisha, and Miranda; nephew, Frank; cousins, Linda Ansell, Kristin Ansell, Joelle and Sam; and her best friends, Ron and Rose Page. In addition to her parents, Heather was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Lee M. Waldoch; her brother, Robert G. “Chip” Madsen Jr.; and her nephew, Kevin Lee.”

from https://www.strangfuneral.org/heather-waldoch/

JOHN MASCHOFF

“John A. Maschoff, 72, of Ninety Six, SC, husband of Deborah Shamla Maschoff, passed away on December 24, 2023 at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont.

Born on May 12, 1951, in Montgomery, AL, he was a son of the late John Marker Maschoff and Joy Sue Pouncy Maschoff.

With a bachelor's degree to his name, John embarked on a successful career in the investment management industry, ultimately retiring as the Director of Client Services at Winslow Capital Management. His exceptional talents and unwavering commitment earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, making him a true role model in the field.

However, John's impact reached far beyond his professional achievements. He was a man of immense integrity, renowned for his genuine nature and honesty. Selfless and kind-hearted, John dedicated his time to serving others. He tirelessly delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, volunteered at the local hospital, providing comfort and companionship to those in need.

John's adventurous spirit led him to explore the great outdoors, where he indulged his passion for hunting and fishing. His love for exploration extended beyond hunting, as he traveled the world, immersing himself in different cultures and embracing new experiences. A true connoisseur, John delighted in savoring all types of cuisine with a particular fondness for trying unique and exotic dishes.

His spiritual side was deeply rooted in his commitment to faith and fellowship. As a member of The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, John found solace and strength in his beliefs. He derived great joy from engaging with others through his involvement in the Men's Bible Study and Men's Golf Group at Grand Harbor.

John had a unique appreciation for history and found joy in deciphering the stories told by road signs he encountered during his travels. He had a deep connection to the past, recognizing that it shapes the present and guides the future.

John's refined taste in entertainment mirrored his adventurous spirit, with a profound fondness for movies such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Indiana Jones. These films allowed him to experience the magic of epic storytelling and ignited his imagination.

In addition to his passionate pursuits, John treasured his family above all else. He cherished the time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren, who affectionately called him, Papa. His love and nurturing spirit will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have been touched by his presence.

The legacy of John A. Maschoff, a remarkable man, lives on through the lifelong friendships he cultivated, some spanning more than three decades.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, John Maschoff (Katie) and Katherine Maschoff; sister, Leslie Joy Maschoff; brothers, Mark Maschoff (Cindy) and David Maschoff; grandchildren, Jack Maschoff and Liam Maschoff; best friend of fifty plus years, Steve Cameron; niece, Sarah Maschoff; and nephews, Jackson Maschoff and Alex Maschoff.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection with the Rev. Mary Balfour Dunlap officiating.

Receptions will follow the service at the church in Bishop Hall from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and at Grand Harbor Club House from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.

Messages and photos may be shared with the family by visiting John's life tribute page at www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Index-Journal from Dec. 26 to Dec. 27, 2023.”

from: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/indexjournal/name/john-maschoff-obituary?id=53928985

See also:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-a-maschoff-40509123/

tom maslanka

Thomas E. Maslanka formerly of Mundelein. Services for Thomas E. Maslanka, 47, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview.

Born Sept. 2, 1951, he died Tuesday, June 1, 1999, in Highland Park.

He was the beloved father of Emily and Tommy Maslanka; dear son of Edward T. and Jeanette Maslanka; and fond brother of James (Kathy) Maslanka, Edward (Vonna) Maslanka Jr. and Jeanette (Phillip) Hall.

Jackie Mattea

“Jacquelyn Jean Mattea Wiggishoff of Franklin, Tennessee passed away on October 12, 2021 at the age of 70. Jackie was born on March 18, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. 

She graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelor’s degree in English and from Rosary College with a Master’s degree in Library Science. 

She was actively involved in the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association and the Franklin Farmer’s Market. What brought Jackie the most joy was her family, flower farming, puzzling, and kayaking down the mighty Mississippi in Stoddard, Wisconsin, her happy place. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Vivian Mattea, and her brother, Jim Mattea. 

She is survived by her husband, Nicholas “Nic” Wiggishoff; her daughter, Lindsay Oduor and her husband, Brian; her son, Dillon Wiggishoff; and her daughter, Lauren Leber, her husband, Bernard, and their daughter, Maggie. She is also survived by her siblings Bill Mattea, Joanne Benton, Keith Mattea, David Mattea, Mary Feit, and Richard Mattea as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

There will be no services at this time as there will be a celebration of life at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Jackie’s name to the Kidney Cancer Association (www.kidney cancer.org).”

from https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/brentwood-tn/jacquelyn-mattea-wiggishoff-10398857

dave matthews

I remember like it was yesterday the first time I met Dave and his brother Dan at a pickup baseball game at Roosevelt Park. We were going into 7th grade that year and our lives ran parallel from then up until his passing three years ago. We endured the highs and lows in high school together and the first year of college. Dave was my best man in my wedding and shortly after that our lives went in different directions. As years passed Dave settled in Tennessee and we spoke on occasions and holidays. He had mentioned that he had been sick and had been in remission and it was the second round that had sadly taken him from us. They say some friends are friends for ever and that was the case for us. It was an honor and a privilege to call and have Dave as a lifelong friend.
- Jay Brickman

kevin mcguigan

“Kevin Daniel McGuigan passed away on January 23, 2024
Born December 11, 1950 in Chicago, IL

His father was James V. McGuigan and his mother Mary Rose Baechle McGuigan formerly of Riverside, IL. Kevin graduated from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL as well as Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He also served in the US Airforce. Kevin had 4 children with former spouse Valerie Chrisos, and 1 step son from former spouse Laurie Abhold. He worked in the IT Field many years prior to retiring. Kevin enjoyed family genealogy and history, as well as cruises on the SS Badger on Lake Michigan. He loved his family and grandkids.

Kevin is survived by 3 children and 1 step son. Colleen McGuigan, Dominick (Heather) McGuigan, Christopher (Kim) McGuigan and Daniel (Felicia) Trelfa, and 7 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandson (with another Great Grandchild on the way). He is also survived by 2 sisters Lynn (Chris) Binkley, Sara (Sam) Tubeville, 2 brothers Gary (Debbie) Renneckar, Todd Renneckar, 3 nieces, 3 nephews and some Great Grandnieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Daniel (Tyra) McGuigan, his parents James McGuigan, Mary Rose McGuigan Scheutzow, twin brother Sean McGuigan and siblings Craig and Wendy Renneckar.

Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit & Sign Kevin's
Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com”

from: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kevin-mcguigan-obituary?id=54277334

sean mcguigan

“Sean Carl McGuigan, of McHenry, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020.

He was born December 11, 1950, the son of the late James Vincent and Mary Rose McGuigan.

Sean was united in marriage to Valerie C Leibengood on December 18, 1991 in Geneva, IL.
From January 10, 1975 to September 27, 1978, Sean was active duty Army serving in Korea. He then served with the Illinois National Guard from June 29, 1979 until June 28, 1982.

Survivors include his children, William (Brittany) McGuigan, Christina Leibengood, and Brian McGuigan; siblings, Sara (Sam) Renneckar,  Todd Renneckar, Lynn Binckley, Gary (Debbie) Renneckar, and Kevin McGuigan.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 1-4 p.m. with military honors at 4:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake.”

from: https://www.davenportfamily.com/obituary/Sean-McGuigan

linda mercer

judi milke

Judith (Judi) Marie Milke, aged 69, passed away in her Shreveport home on Monday 26 Oct 2020 at the end of a long respiratory illness. Daughter of Scottie and Leonard Milke, she is survived by siblings Tom, Susan, Deborah and David. Judi is cousin to: Gary, Karen and Mark, and aunt to: Jennifer, Lisa, Bethann, Michael, Jessica and Tommy.

She was born in Chicago where she lived until our family moved to Glenview, IL. She graguated from Glenbrook South HS, the U of I (Champaign) and UW Madison Law School. She moved to Shreveport, LA in the 80s where she worked as an Attorney for over 30 years, until retirement.

Judi accomplished a great deal in life. She never followed the path of least resistance, particularly when that path conflicted with her principles. For myself, my sister spent a great deal of time guiding me through my college year when she lived in Madison - those years that I can recall with true fondness, filled with great memories and jokes that I still laugh about today.

In lieu of condolences, simply consider examining “the path of least resistance” the next time it conflicts with your own principles – I think Judi would be happy with that.

- Dave Milke

sue moberg

Every memory I have of Sue Moberg has her smiling. I knew her since Rugen School, but never really connected until our senior year. We went to Homecoming and “dated” for much of the year. I remember surprising her and her family on Christmas Eve when I was dressed as Santa. It was great fun asking her father, “Herbie, have you been a good boy?” She introduced me to Christian Science, which was a deep source of her positive attitude. She kept that faith for her entire life, as far as I could tell. It was painful to hear that she lost her first husband to suicide. I lost track of her until our 40th Reunion. She looked terrific then, was as happy as ever, just like “the girl next door” as I had always known her. In fact, she looked younger than the rest of us. I looked forward to seeing her this year, but was unable to contact her. Then I was stunned to find out that she had lost a long battle with cancer. I will much miss her presence--and smile—when we gather together in October.

- Jim Siwy

roger mueller

ann muenster (Muenster-Nuiry)

“Ann Muenster-Nuiry joined God in Heaven on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at 72, surrounded by family and friends in New Orleans. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend to so many. Everyone who knew and loved Ann will miss her contagious laughter, beautiful smile, sharp mind, wittiness, and her vivacity and curiosity for life. Ann is survived by her husband, Octavio Nuiry; her daughters Monica (Samuel Taggart) and Emma (Gillian Dannis); her brothers, whom she was extremely close, John Muenster (Donna) and Mark Muenster (Robin); niece Kailani Muenster; nephews Landon Muenster, Jackson Muenster, and Orion Muenster (Ened); and her extended community of family and friends. During her 37 years of successful professional service, Ann was a role model and a key player at each company, in every role she held. At the time of her death, she was Client Executive at Conduent Transportation in Los Angeles, CA. Previously, Ann worked at Xerox as a senior-level executive for the Western region, managing large staff operations, client relationships, and developing new business opportunities. Ann's international business experience included working with clients in Cordoba and Buenos Aires, Argentina, Santiago, Chile, and Mexico City, Mexico. Ann earned a B.A., Sociology/Social Work, from Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU), and a Masters of Public Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from Northeastern University. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Ann remained a dedicated and passionate alumnus of these institutions until the time of her death. Ann held many board member positions, including at the Greater Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce; Ohio Wesleyan Alumnae Board; National Charity League, Las Amigas Board; the Los Angeles Unified School Volunteer Program; Hopkinson Elementary School Site Council; Greater Los Angeles YWCA; Civic Angels; and was a Program Chair of the California Public Parking Association Conference. Ann was also an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Uptown, and St. Hedwig in Rossmoor, CA. Ann relished trips to National and State Parks with her husband, Octavio. She often recalled her time volunteering on a Kibbutz in Jerusalem, Israel, and her spiritual travels with the Santa Brigida convent in Rome, Italy. Ann was known as the family historian, spending her time researching and recording our heritage and lineage. She also loved and trained many dogs during her lifetime, and anyone who knew her recognized her innate kinship with these animals. She died on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4). Ann enjoyed swimming and walking her dogs, Lala and Rooney.”

-from https://obits.nola.com/us/obituaries/nola/name/ann-muenster-nuiry-obituary?id=53289514

ANN’S LAST ENTRY:
Hello Class of 1969! Wow, I am very much looking forward to seeing all of you! I have fond memories of our alma mater. Our great school and community shaped all of our lives. 

Ohio Wesleyan University:  After leaving GBS, I attended Ohio Wesleyan University earning a B.A., Sociology/Social Work. It was the perfect university for me! I joined Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, four singing groups, had a fabulous summer abroad in Israel on a Kibbutz and grew up! I am still very active with OWU currently serving on the Ohio Wesleyan Alumni Board.

Boston:  Graduation found me moving to Boston, sleeping on my brother John’s (GBS ’71) couch while he attended Harvard Law School. I found a job with City of Boston in the Mayor’s office working for Mayor Kevin White for 6 years as:  Special Assistant to the Mayor, Allston Brighton Little City Hall Manager, and finally worked in Boston Transportation Department as the Parking Coordinator—anyone for “Lovely Rita- Meter Maid”- I had 120 officers working for me! While in Boston, meet a really nice Boston, Irish Catholic lawyer, got married but it ended in divorce- a long story. While in Boston, I also received my Masters of Public Administration, from Northeastern University.

New Orleans: My next adventure, when my Mayor left office and the divorce was final, I was offered a unique opportunity to work for a startup consulting firm that advised cities on parking management. New Orleans was like moving to a different country. Napoleonic law, hot humid summers, music to die for and the most fabulous food you ever tasted. I was in heaven! I met my prince Octavio Nuiry, an amazing Cuban American journalist , running in Audubon Park amid the live oaks and Spanish Moss. We got married and with a new promotion for me, moved to Los Angeles.  

 Los Angeles: Culture shock from New Orleans, huge city, but we love it. I had my first child Monica at 42 years old and we were blessed with a second daughter Emma which I had at 44! The girls were great students and athletes, thank God for Title 9 which we never had. Monica is now working on her second BA, now  in Nursing in Denver and Emma graduated from Ohio Wesleyan, a Theta and is program director for the POINT Foundation which raises money for scholarships and mentoring for kids that identify as LBGTQ in Los Angeles. 

I keep busy working hard and am now the Client Executive for Conduent Transportation for Southern California and have worked on various boards:  Los Angeles Unified School Volunteer Program, the Hopkinson Elementary School Site Council, Greater Los Angeles YWCA, Civic Angels Program Chair of the California Public Parking Association Conference, and National Charity League Las Amiga’s. I currently serve on the board of the Greater Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and Ohio Wesleyan Alumnae Board. I swim for fun.

Hope to retire soon!
Best to all.

barb nelson

I met Barb in our journalism class junior year. What a great girl. A couple of things stand out. First was that cowlick in the front of her head. I loved it and wanted one so badly that I used to set my hair with alligator hair clips trying to get my hair to look like hers. To increase the odds of getting her look, I also spiked the family shampoo with peroxide aiming for her blondness. My family did not appreciate their orange heads for a season and alligator clips do not a cowlick make.

Another great memory was getting to leave school during class time legally. When Barb could get her mom’s car we went to “town” and sold advertising for the Etruscan. What freedom!

But the best Barb story is shared with Debbie Shields. I wanted pierced ears so badly even though my mother told me I didn’t need any more holes in my head. Debbie told me that wasn’t the point and convinced me she could do the job because she had investigated the details in Seventeen magazine. Barb offered her kitchen because her mom was a nurse and could oversee the delicate procedure. So under Debbie’s masterful direction I numbed my almost lobeless earlobes with ice after which she plunged a needle right through my lowest, chubby, baby earskin backed by a half an apple lingering near my neck so the said needle didn’t jab my carotid artery and flood my blood all over the Nelson kitchen. I would have been so embarrassed, mostly because all our girlfriends were studying this project as if it were the Dr. Kildare’s surgical gallery. Pam Gray, Perry Lummp, Rae Roller assured me Debbie did a great job even though the holes were crooked and still are. And I still love them. The crooked holes and my friends. And I really miss Barb.

- Jill Ruschli (Crane)

Barbara Mortimer 

August 07, 2017 

Obituary for Barbara Mortimer

Obit Tree
Barbara Nelson Mortimer, 66, of Lake Bluff, IL passed away in the presence of her loving family on August 7, 2017 at JourneyCare Hospice Center in Glenview, IL. She was born in Concord, NH on June 29, 1951 to Arthur and Edythe (Fredeen) Nelson. After graduating from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL in 1969, Barbara attended Arizona State University and received her Bachelor of Education in 1973.

In 1974, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Steven Mortimer, at Glenview Community Church in Glenview, IL and a reception followed at the Deerpath Inn of Lake Forest, IL. Steven and Barbara celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary this past March. They have three children. 

Upon college graduation, Barbara was a teacher at Cherokee Elementary School in Lake Forest, IL. She resigned from teaching to focus on raising her first child and expanding their family in 1979. In 1985, Steven and Barbara moved to Lake Bluff, IL and Barbara quickly became an active member of the community in many capacities. She volunteered on countless committees and boards such as the Lake Bluff Farmer’s Market Committee, Lake Bluff PTO, Lake Bluff Village Board and was a proud and active member of the congregation at the Union Church of Lake Bluff. Her greatest accomplishments were being a loyal friend, devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. 

Barbara leaves her husband Steven of Lake Forest; their daughter Katharine (Michael) Kreissl of Chicago; daughter Christine (Michael) Cwienkala of Chicago; and a son James Mortimer of Chicago as well as her adoring grandsons Maxwell and Bennett Kreissl. She is survived by her sister Lenore Nelson of Easton, MA, and her brother Daniel Nelson of Easton, MA. She is also survived by her niece Kari Valcourt of Columbus, OH and her nephew Matthew Zimmerman of Boulder, CO. She leaves Robert and Pauline Nelson (paternal aunt and uncle) of Northbrook, IL and Phyllis Hjerpe (maternal aunt) of Kensington, CT as well as several cousins. 

A celebration of her life is scheduled for 11 am on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Union Church of Lake Bluff with Barbara’s dear friend, Pastor Mark Hindman, presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Barbara’s memory to the Union Church of Lake Bluff, 525 East Prospect Avenue Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, (847)234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com

gail nowobilski

Farrl Olson

Enlisted (Army?), June 4, 1970.
Died March 3, 1971.

pam orsinger

Pamela K. Orsinger-Engman, 66, passed away June 23, 2018, due to complications from breast cancer. 

She was originally from Glenview, Illinois, and then moved to Hawaii in her late 20s where she operated her own promotions business. She married Rheinhold Engman in 1993 and together they operated and expanded the business. 

In 2004, the couple moved to Kingman, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Maxine Orsinger. 

She is survived by her husband Rheinhold, five stepchildren, 22 step-grandchildren, and her brother; Gregg Orsinger of McHenry, Illinois.

marcia patzmann

bruce paynter

Bruce D. Paynter | 1951 - 2019

Bruce David Paynter, age 67, passed away January 20, 2019 at home in Glenview, IL. He was born in Evanston, IL on November 9, 1951 to the late Marietta and John Paynter. He was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Paynter, in 2008. He is survived by his loving wife Bonita Paynter (nee Berning), his son Brett Paynter (Laura), his granddaughter Charlotte Paynter, and his sister Megan Anderson (John). He was a fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A 1969 graduate of Glenbrook South High School and a 1973 graduate of Northwestern University (J.D. 1976), Bruce was a loyal supporter of all things associated with Northwestern University, especially its athletic teams and its School of Music. He was a former Cook County State’s Attorney and defense attorney. He enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia, reading books about historical figures and events, travelling, competing in rotisserie baseball, fishing with his sons, and walking his grandpup Lady. As Bruce penned in Whatsoever Things, “It has been said that we all live life forwards, but can best understand life by looking backwards and by applying hindsight” which Bruce exhibited in his continual quest for knowledge.

Visitation will be Friday, January 25, 2019, 3-8pm at Oehler Funeral Home (corner of Northwest Hwy./Rt.14 and Rand Rd.). Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 11:30 until the time of service at noon at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church. Entombment to follow at Ridgewood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bruce’s name to Northwestern University Athletics or School of Music (c/o Jack Griffin 1201 Davis Street Suite I-400 Evanston, IL 60208) or Northshore Concert Band (1555 Sherman Ave #315 Evanston, IL 60201) or Wounded Warriors (230 W. Monroe St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606). 

penny peterson

Thursday, May 11, 2000

Dr. Penny E. Petersen promoted fine arts

By Carole Beers, Melinda Bargreen
Seattle Times staff reporters

Penny E. Petersen, a respected Seattle physician, mother and arts patron, achieved balance between her career and her other passions.

A pianist, swimmer, sailor and a wine-and-food connoisseur as well, she found value in commonplace duty and uncommon delights.

"She was a person with an exquisite appetite for everything in life," said a friend, artist Marsha Burns. "Yet she was an intellectual, compassionate and very balanced. More Zen than driven. Her home is Asian-style, and her yard is very, very peaceful."

Dr. Petersen collected art. She served on the boards of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival in Seattle, the Seattle International Music Festival and the Seattle Opera.

She was the International Music Festival's first president in 1994 and 1995. As opera vice president she helped create and fund the prestigious Young Artists Program.

Dr. Petersen died Tuesday (May 9) of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She was 48.

Born in Galesburg, Ill., she graduated summa cum laude from Knox College in Galesburg and from the University of Georgia Medical School. She did her internship and residency at the University of Washington, where she also completed a fellowship in allergy medicine and immunology.

A junior year in Besancon, France, ignited her interest in French cuisine and wine. She became an expert chef and oenologist.

She practiced as an internist, allergist and immunologist at Seattle's Polyclinic from 1984 until illness forced her to retire in 1995.

But she continued to promote and enjoy music and art.

Surviving are her husband, Dr. Thomas Green, and daughters, Lauren Nicole and Kathryn Noelle Petersen-Green, all of Seattle; mother, Roberta Scott of Savannah, Ga.; brothers David Petersen of Savannah and Stewart Petersen of San Francisco; and grandmother, Julia Petersen of Oshkosh, Wis.

Services will be held at noon Monday at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., Seattle.

Donations may go to the Young Artists Program of Seattle Opera, 1020 John St., Seattle, WA 98109.

link to original

deborah power

Retired Covenant pastor Deborah J. Power died April 1, 2023. She was 71.

Deborah Jean Power was born October 25, 1951, in Newport, Rhode Island, to parents Bashford and Doris Power.

She obtained her BSN in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1973. Following her graduation, she began working as a nurse in Seattle, Washington and as a lecturer at Western Washington State Hospital. During that time, she obtained her M.N. in Gerontological Nursing from the University of Washington School of Nursing in 1981, where she was invited to become a lecturer upon her graduation alongside continuing her work as a nurse.

In 1983, Deborah moved to Chicago to begin her studies at North Park Theological Seminary while working as a nurse at Swedish Covenant Hospital. During this period, she completed a joint internship as the dean of women at Covenant Bible College and associate pastor at Gateway Covenant Church, both located in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

After graduating from North Park Theological Seminary in 1987, Deborah accepted a call to serve as pastor of Shaktoolik Covenant Church in Shaktoolik, Alaska.

Deborah extended her ministry beyond the walls of the church building, preaching at both correctional centers and nursing homes throughout her ministry. She also became involved in her community, serving as both a substitute teacher in the Shaktooklik School District and in fundraising efforts for the Canadian Heart Association.

Peace be to her memory.

Source: https://covchurch.org/2023/07/17/deborah-power/

marcia pugliese

I was saddened to hear that Marcia Pugliese had died from an illness many years ago. She had seemed like such a good person, one who was more mature than many of us. I did not know her well, even though she lived just a block away. Senior year I felt obligated to attend Prom and did not have a date. Somehow Marcia came to mind and I asked her. She tried to talk me out of it, but then agreed to go. She was a good sport and we made the best of it. After the long night which was not particularly memorable, I dropped her off at her home. She looked at me and smiled, “Well Jim, that was Prom!”  We both laughed. I wish I had gotten to know her better. I hope that she found meaning and joy in her too brief life.

- Jim Siwy

wendy renneckar

“Occupation: Manager, National Car Rental
Burial: Memorial Park, Skokie, IL Sec 55 Lot 47 <PIC>
Notes:

Never married.
Cause of death: suicide/depression induced by metabolic chemical imbalance
genetically carried by the Renneckars (ie. her mother), controllable by proper
diet but was never diagnosed. Her mother had and died from the same condition.
The Renneckars are also susceptible to Diabetes and Epilepsy.

Last address: 233-B Bowie Ct., Bolingbrook, IL (owned a townhouse).”

from: https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~maguiggan/genealogy/grpf0107.html

See also Appreciations.

jill revesz

For a while, early in high school, Jill was the kind of best friend I read about in Trixie Belden books. We called each other twenty times a day, hated our own families, but loved the other’s, talked endlessly about our amazing similarities (shared our first name and the initial of our last, same number of siblings and celebrated our birthdays in September. There were other important and stimulating coincidences but boredom isn’t the object here.

The Beatles were the center of our world and hours and hours, if not days, were spent poring over the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and growing our consciousness with their music. A year later Jill was the first to announce ’newest’ The Beatle song, All You Need Is Love, our favorite. 

That same summer we counted all the Corvettes in Glenview, using a numeric statistical variable confirmability analysis meaning we had to see the car twice. I recall there were 43. We saved our babysitting money to go the Indie 500 but instead settled for lunch at Glen Ayre Restaurant twice a week squirting our initials on our hamburgers with mustard and ketchup.

Our craziest adventure was walking down the middle of Glenview Road during the great snows of ’67 when always confident Jill suggested we smoke our cigarettes in public because nobody was outside to see us. Oh what gumption! The guts of soldiers! The heroism of martyrs. When you’re 15, mediocre, can’t do the splits, add fractions, act in school plays and have older siblings who gain all the glory, smoking was our first step to true bravery in our pathetic teenage minds.

Then something happened and I never apologized to Jill. I put her in a horrible position. In my ignorant and youthful stupidity I didn’t even realize it until I arrived to my adulthood sometime in my sixties.  

The incident came about on Colfax Avenue driving nowhere one day with my brother’s girlfriend. She asked us if we wanted to drive her car. That answer was obvious. “Had we ever driven before?” “Sure.” Jill said.  Me, “Oh yeah.” I was thinking of a time two or three years earlier, Dad let me drive in the A&P parking lot for exactly one minute while we waited for the store to open. So Jill drove first, masterfully, I might add. There were no lines on that little street, but if there were she wouldn’t have crossed them. Now it was my turn. I was a nervous wreck right when I needed to look cool, especially in front of cool Jill and my brother’s girlfriend who was even cooler than Jill. I mean, she was a cheerleader! So I got behind the wheel, put the car in drive, carefully stepped on the gas, pulled out from the curb, headed towards the street, kept stepping on the gas, kept heading towards the lane, heading, stepping, heading…heading towards the other lane, then over the other curb, onto the grass, stepping on the gas a little harder, a little harder...yes...flooring it…right, right, right smack dab into the very middle of a very huge oak tree.

Oh, the inhumanity of it all. We got out of the car to watch smoke willowing out of the engine. Not a word was spoken. Ninety seconds later a policeman arrived. He broke the silence by smirking, “I heard the crash a mile away.” Still no talk by the three of us. “Who was driving?” I looked at Jill. She looked at me. See, here was the problem. Jill had just turned 15 so she was allowed to be driving with a licensed driver. I hadn’t had my birthday yet. I was only 14 so there I stood hoping she would take the rap for me. Sure, why shouldn’t my friend ruin her life for me? Finally, my Catholic morality (really, dread of silence) took over and  I spoke up and confessed that I was the driver.

And that was the end of our friendship.

When I tried to talk to Jill about it all she said was, “Thank God it wasn’t (the dreaded Officer) Baumann.   

By senior year I thought it was The Doors and Ginger Baker and wild adventures that clouded the mind that changed us. It was different friends and trying to learn the splits and adding fractions, being too afraid or not afraid at all. It was just life happening, getting what you wanted, not getting what you wanted and learning to live with it - or without it, or maybe not at all. It never occurred to me, it was the accident and having the gall to think a friend should take on my responsibility.

Every time it snows and snows, I’m always hoping it will snow for days and always reminisce with Jill our march down Glenview Road searching for little bit of courage.

- Jill Ruschli (Crane)

darrell rossman

steve schuler

Steven E. Schuler, suddenly, 52 years old, devoted father of Jennifer (Robert) Allen, Nicole and Adam; cherished grandfather of Leslie and Robert Jr.; beloved son of Tom and Joy; loving brother of Daniel, Mary M. (Peter) Greenfield, Elizabeth (Jamie) Thompson and Anne; dearest uncle of many. Memorial Mass at 10 a.m., Monday, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Church St., Glenview, IL (1 block W. of Waukegan Rd - 1 block N. of Glenview Rd). In lieu of flowers please make donations to Rainbow Hospice at 847-685-9900.

Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from July 12 to July 13, 2003

charles (chuck) smith

“On the night of Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, Charles Phillip Smith passed away at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, AR. He was 73 years old.

Charles (also known as Chuck and Charlie) was born on August 28, 1949 in Chicago, IL to Arnold and Jocelyn Smith. After graduating high school, Charles served for a brief time in the army before moving on to attend Kishwaukee College in DeKalb County, IL. There he met and married fellow student, Marla Plapp. In the early 1980’s, Charles and then-wife Marla left the Chicago suburbs and moved to rural Arkansas to fulfill the dream of raising a family in a natural environment, far removed from the threat of negative societal influence. They built a beautiful homestead on 40 acres of raw Ozark wilderness, not far from Hardy, AR. Together they had six children, Darsey, Tarin, Fawn, Joel, Callie, and Brianne. Charles (“Chuck”) was a life-long self-employed Arborist. His company, Chuck-N-Saw Tree Service, was well-known in Cherokee Village and surrounding areas. After retirement, Charles continued to do occasional tree work up until the stroke that ultimately ended his life. It’s not every day you see a 70+ year old man with a chainsaw dangling from a rope 100 feet up a massive tree. But for Charlie, it was just another day of adventure, with no room for fear.

To Charles, life was about experiencing and learning new things and passing on his knowledge and experience to others. He was an explorer, a joker, a philosopher, an avid numerologist, and an unapologetic breaker of rules. Above all, Charlie was a Seeker of Truth, Love and Light. He will be missed.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Arnie, his mother, Jocie, and his two sisters, Linda and Carol. He is survived by his six children and seven grandchildren, Darsey (Elan, Evie), Tarin (Hallie, Vivian, Marla), Fawn, Joel, Callie (Kaida, Linley) and Brianne, as well as his brothers, Gilbert, Will, Joel, Jon and their families.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 26th, 2022 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville, AR at 1 o’clock p.m. Donations and flowers can be sent to Fawn Smith at UUFF, 901 W Cleveland, Fayetteville, AR, 72701.”

From: https://www.siscofuneral.com/obituaries/Charles-Smith-340/#!/Obituary

See also: https://www.facebook.com/charles.smith.1865

terry spizzirri

Terrance J. "Terry" Spizzirri was the beloved husband of the late Nicolette (nee Mosca); beloved brother of Theresa (Jim) Feurer, Peggy (Gerry "Spyder" Hamm) and Patty Spizzirri; loving uncle of Jimmy (Doreen), Greg (Debbie), Maureen (Adam) Heun, Marc (Tracy) and Christopher Gay; and the loving great-uncle of 14. Terry was preceded in death by his parents Mary (nee Lennon) and Louis Spizzirri and siblings Jim (Pat) and Mary.

Terry was a singer, songwriter and entertainer who "spanned the musical horizons" across northern Illinois as a "Wondering Minstrel" along with his godson, nephew and friend Greg Spizzirri. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 12:00 noon until the time of the memorial service at 4:00 PM at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main St., Wauconda. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family are appreciated.

RANDY STANKUS

https://peoplelegacy.com/randall_m_stankus-6P1o381

dave steitz

I got to know Dave Steitz the last day of the 1989 reunion. I was separated from my husband and was telling Dave that ‘everyone’ thought I should be seeing a therapist because how could I want to leave a man who ‘gave me’ such a beautiful house, car, country club, clothes and boy and girl. I was pretty sarcastic and obnoxious.  He suggested I read M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Travelled. I never got to tell Dave how this book changed my life. He told me he saw a therapist every other week, which was all he could afford and that I was very lucky and should take advantage of my opportunity for therapy. Boy, was he ever right. I finally started getting somewhat smart and learning about the life examined. Thank you, Dave. Also, to people who might not think reunions are a good idea - you never know what piece of life info you might pick up.

- Jill Ruschli (Crane)

pat sullivan

Pat Sullivan was was sophisticated and so funny. Screwy sayings were her best. She didn’t like white convertibles with dark tops because they looked like saddle shoes. Once she told her mother to adopt me because she wanted a little sister. We were shopping at Eden’s Plaza and we came out of Carson’s and saw a car on fire and she made an inane comment about stupid people leaving cigarettes burning in their cars. It turns out it was Pat’s mom’s Cadillac! Pat was so calm. It was just a matter of finding a phone as she asked her mom to come with another car to pick us up. She wrote her term paper on the Volstead Act. At that time I never even heard of the Volstead Act. I was with Pat the first time I heard the Rotary Connection. I miss her.

- Jill Ruschli (Crane)

Leo (leopoldo) Terrero

“Leopoldo "Leo" Terrero, 64, of La Jolla, California, passed away on April 26, 2014. He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on December 27, 1949, to the late Leopoldo Terrero Aguerrevere and Ana Emilia Castillo de Terrero.
Leo was a gentle soul who cared deeply for his family and friends. He had a passion for life and lived life to its fullest. He was an experienced commercial pilot for over 30 years flying between the US, South America and the Caribbean. Leo was also a pioneer in the water being one of the first surfers in Venezuela. He was also an avid fisherman and kayaker.
Leo is survived by his loving wife, Georgette; son, Christian Furst and his wife, Antoinette; granddaughter, Sofia, who brought him great joy; daughters, Maria Elena and Isabella Terrero; brother, Alejandro "Catire" Terrero; sisters, Irene Terrero, Cristina "Kiki" Terrero, Alicia Terrero and Ana Maria Terrero; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2014, at 11am at All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla, CA.
Published by La Jolla Light from Apr. 29 to May 28, 2014.”
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lajollalight/name/leopoldo-terrero-obituary?id=17665719

edna tierney

B.A., Physical Education, University of Dayton.

Died, September 2011.

john trier

TURNER, RANDA

“Randa J. LaSalvia (nee Turner), born in Ft Worth, TX on September 13, 1951, passed away at her home in Palatine on January 24th, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Sam LaSalvia, their 6 children and their families.”

See: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/randa-lasalvia-obituary?id=32593620

tori voltz

Victoria (Tori) Voltz died January 16, 2012.

steve wilks

I double dated with Steve Wilks to the Junior Prom. He took my cousin. It was one of those awkward nights (mostly because of our horrible hairdos). What I really remember is the very end of a long night, as the sun was rising and the four of us sitting in Steve’s car, in my cousin’s driveway, with the radio blasting, singing along with The Young Rascals, It’s a Beautiful Morning.

- Jill Ruschli (Crane)

Steve Wilks was one of my best friends at GBS. I didn’t get to know him well until probably junior year.  He and I were part of a small group that included a few guys from the class of  ’68 who found all sorts of ways to do things we probably shouldn’t have been doing each weekend. Besides Steve and myself, the group included Jim Nelson, Jerry Meinhardt, Don Malinowski and Jerry Mundy. Steve would do anything to help you out and I rarely remember him without a smile and his infectious laugh. He also had a really cool Mustang, which is what the four of us were sitting in after a long prom night as mentioned above.

I know that Steve went to Montana State University and graduated with a degree in business. He ultimately moved to San Francisco and was a successful commodities trader. I lost track of Steve in the mid ‘80s, I’m sorry to say. It was just last year after a couple of us from our old GBS crew got together, that I learned of Steve’s passing after a battle with cancer around 2012 or so. Rest easy my friend and know we will pop a cold Old Style in your honor.

- Phil Clavey

pete winandy

Pete and group of us would pal around at school and after. Pete was a good baseball player and was on the team at GBS. He was married with two children and never left the Glenview area. I worked with him part time at the Jewel Foods in Glenview. He and his wife both attended holiday and party events thru high school and after, you could count on Pete to finish off the beer. Miss him, but last saw him in 1976.

- Len (no last name given)

jim zalesny

[ note: Jim changed his last name from Zalesny to Podgers ]

[ from the ABA Journal of February 2, 2018, by Debra Cassens Weiss ]

Retired ABA Journal editor, a 'classic Chicago journalist' with deep ABA knowledge, dies at 67

James Podgers, a retired ABA Journal editor known for his deep knowledge of the American Bar Association and its inner workings, has died at the age of 67.

Podgers died Thursday from islet cell neuroendocrine cancer, barely one year after his retirement. He had battled the cancer for 14 years, but that didn’t stop him from spending long days as an assistant managing editor sharpening copy and writing articles about two of his favorite topics: the association and international law.

Podgers’ wife, Cis Redmond, said her husband would have wanted his specific cancer diagnosis in his obituary. “He would complain bitterly that obits usually don’t include the cause of death; I laugh thinking of him wondering how this or that person died, and he didn’t even know them!” she told the ABA Journal in an email.

Podgers interviewed a wide range of people in his work for the ABA Journal. They included former President Gerald Ford, Telford Taylor (an attorney who assisted Robert Jackson at the Nuremberg tribunals), Bianca Jagger and numerous ABA presidents. While on assignment in London, he approached the podium after a speech by Margaret Thatcher and pilfered her paper clip, Redmond recalls.

He wrote about political divisions in the ABA, the Nuremberg trials, the creation of the International Criminal Court, and the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. His last article, written for the ABA Journal as a freelancer, profiles a lawyer whose hobby is bullfighting.

“Jim was the picture of a classic Chicago journalist,” said Molly McDonough, editor and publisher of the ABA Journal. “He was inquisitive, dogged and skeptical.”

Podgers was “truly devoted to the craft,” McDonough recalled. “Jim was a good listener, a serious editor and maintained his dry sense of humor till the end. In my last conversation with him about a week before he died, Jim called me in part to let me know he wouldn’t be able to turn in his last assignment.

“He’ll always have a place in our hearts and ABA Journal lore.”

Podgers, a lawyer, worked for the ABA for 30 years, in two different stints. He left the ABA Journal after working there three years as a reporter. He rejoined the Journal staff in 1992 as an editor. He also worked as a reporter for the Joliet (Ill.) Herald-News and as the assistant dean for public affairs at Chicago-Kent College of Law. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

He also had a love of travel, books, jazz, golf, friendly poker games and the Wisconsin Badgers. He was the lead saxophone player in a big band group and a charter member of FATS at UW-Madison.

FATS is an acronym for Federation of All-Star Tummy Stuffers, Podgers’ wife explained. Other members included a professor, a doctor, a priest, a radio personality and a comedian. “He collected interesting friends,” Redmond recalled.

In a bereavement notice to ABA staffers, ABA Journal Managing Editor Reginald Davis noted that Podgers was known for his “cogent questions” at the end of staffwide information sessions known as town hall meetings. Before his death, Podgers received an email about another staffer “who is bravely taking over his task of asking the questions at the town halls,” Redmond said. “We got a charge out of that. He loved the ABA.”

In addition to his wife, Podgers is survived by their children, Kevin, Michael and Hilary.

A wake will be held Sunday, Feb. 11, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Smith Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave., Chicago.

A selection of articles by James Podgers:

ABA Journal: “Attorney’s bullfighting dreams come true during his golden years”

ABA Journal: “Well Suited for the Job”

ABA Journal: “Remembering Nuremberg”

ABA Journal: “The World Cries for Justice”

ABA Journal: “The World of McElhaney: Jim McElhaney Closes the Book on a Storied Career, But Angus Lives on”

ABA Journal: “Greetings From ‘Independent’ Hawaii”

Last call for a Chicagoan

By Samuel G. Freedman Feb 2, 2018, 12:46pm CST

On a chilly Saturday night in early 1975, I stepped past the thumping bass sounds of a disco on Rush Street called the Happy Medium and followed my friend Jim Podgers down a stairway to the basement sanctuary of the Jazz Showcase. The organist Brother Jack McDuff was leading a quartet there, and it soon became apparent that Podgers and I comprised about half the audience.

McDuff played as if oblivious to the meager turnout, offering two generous sets that mixed ballads and soulful struts. Except for one assembly program during high school, I had never heard live jazz before.

And our visit to the Showcase was only one part of a night on the town, Chicago-style, with Podgers. It had begun in Greektown with flaming saganaki and several bottles of roditis wine at the Halsted Street restaurant named for it, Roditys. Our adventures ended something like 3 a.m. with eggs at the Oak Tree, an all-night place a block or so from the jazz club.

The whole evening hit me with the power of revelation, of epiphany, and that feeling outlasted even the wicked hangover I nursed the next day. Being introduced to jazz was a great enough gift on its own. But even more than that, Jim Podgers had started to teach me to know and love Chicago.

I had grown up in New Jersey, about 40 miles from New York City, and to my friends and classmates at the University of Wisconsin, where I enrolled in August 1973, I may have seemed like a big city guy. But I knew the truth. I was a suburban kid, part of the ridiculed “bridge-and-tunnel crowd,” and the Manhattan of that era, skidding toward bankruptcy and ravaged by crime, was too intimidating a place for me to explore.

During my first week on the Madison campus, I met Podgers. He was a fifth-year senior and the campus editor of the college newspaper, the Daily Cardinal. I was his newest reporter. The Cardinal was a redoubt of trendy radicalism. Jim, in contrast, reveled in his unfashionable tastes.

His politics reflected a Chicagoan’s skepticism of all panaceas. His choice in music ran toward Sinatra, whom most of us then derided as a Nixon buddy and Vegas artifact. Sometimes Jim sent me to a nearby record store to pick up the Sinatra LPs he had ordered, and I hid them under the safe cover of my own purchase of Alice Cooper or Jethro Tull – sort of like the cartoon of Alfred E. Neuman hiding a volume of Shakespeare’s complete works inside a copy of Mad magazine.

Podgers slyly named our bowling-league team the Westbrook Keglers, a pun on Westbrook Pegler, the notorious right-wing columnist on the Chicago Tribune. Some nights, driving home after the bars closed, he tuned his radio to catch the “All-Night Show” with Ron Roland on WGN, a presentiment for me of more jazz to come.

So when Podgers graduated and started as a reporter on the Joliet Herald-News, sharing a bachelor apartment in Lisle, we arranged that epochal visit to Chicago. Another similar one followed a month of two later. This time, it was the legendary South Side tenor player, Von Freeman, who was on the Showcase stage.

Over the years to come, as Jim worked as an editor for the American Bar Association’s magazines, as he married and had children, he kept up my Chicago tutorial: chili at the Oxford Pub in Lincoln Park, sifting through the vinyl at the Jazz Record Mart.

Driving with his wife Cis and me to a friend’s wedding in Milwaukee, Podgers was so smitten by the spring day that he took Sheridan Road instead of the Edens, stopped for lunch at a favorite deli in Highland Park, and got us to the ceremony barely in time to see the rings exchanged.

Jim died last week at the age of 67 at his home on the far North Side, and there is a hole in Chicago for me now. Maybe, I hope, the sound of Von Freeman or the taste of saganaki will help to fill it.

Bob Zimniewicz

“Robert W. Zimniewicz "Bob"; passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024; beloved husband of Alice (Nee, LeBoeuf); loving father of Constance (Robert) Oushanna, Victoria Zimniewicz, Patricia (John) Finner and Michael Zimniewicz; cherished "Papa" of Tyler, Jalen, Evan, Nickolas, Jewelianna, Josaphina, Izabella, Joesph, Sophia, Elly, Halley, Venus, Autumn, Annabele and the late Luca and step-granchildren Sanaa, Elijah and Aaliyah; step-father of Robert (Stacey) Stolerow, David (Michelle) Stolerow and Sean (Danielle) Miller; devoted brother of Barbara (David) Williams; also, brother-in-law, cousin and friend of many.

Visitation will be held on February 2, 2024, at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 8025 W. Golf Rd., Niles from 3:00 - 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, starting with prayers at the funeral home at 9:15 A.M. followed by a procession to St. Catherine Laboure Church, for a 10:00 A.M. Mass. Following the Mass, there will be a procession to All Saints Cemetery, in Des Plaines, for final prayers and graveside interment (please dress appropriately for the weather). In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org). For info 847-581-0536”

from: https://www.colonialfuneral.com/obituaries/Robert-W-Zimniewicz?obId=30495120

“Bob, after two years of schooling at Harper and Triton is a director of graphic arts. Obviously, after his marriage to Cynthia on June 21, 1975, he has been keeping his wife happy but busy with their four children, Constance - 6, Victoria - 4 1/2, Patricia - 2 and Michael - 1; not to mention who takes care of their dog Sebastian - 7 and their cat, Trixi - 8. Chicago, Niles, Hoffman Estates and Elgin have ben where Bob has lived, but he has travelled to more exciting places like New Orleans and San Francisco. Although Bob claims to have no spare time with four kids (hey, I hear ya’, Bob!) if he did, he’d like to go boating or fly (I hope he means in a airplane.)”
[ from the 1984 Reunion book ]