Sylvia Hageman Stover, classmate of 1957 MMHS

 

Sylvia Annette Stover Obituary

Sylvia Annette Stover, 86, of Dixon, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Heritage Square in Dixon. She worked for Borg Warner for 30+ years prior to her retirement.

Sylvia was born on December 20, 1938, in Mount Morris, IL, the daughter of Raymond and Althea (Highbarger) Hagemann. She married Richard Stover Sr., on November 10, 1962, in Dixon. He preceded her in death on October 16, 2020. She enjoyed eating out, reading, history, and Bible study.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Doug (Sherry) Hartle, Debra (Glen Hughes) Nagy, Linda Magnafici, Kelly (Jim) Eastman; siblings, Patricia Carter, Sue (Norman) Martin, Rob (Irene) Helfrich, Butch Helfrich; brother-in-law, Larry Hyche; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Evan) Payne, Tony (Abby) Magnafici, Leigh (Mark) Delhotal, Greg Nagy, Staci (Justin) Turner, Ian (Katelyn) Eastman, Hannah (Justin Voelker) Blackburn, Aaron Eastman; and nine great-grandchildren, Aiden Payne, Olivia Payne, Jack Delhotal, Nathaniel Payne, Ethan Pearce, Silas Delhotal, Everleigh Magnafici, Lucas Magnafici, Shaylynn Turner.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Richard Stover, Jr.; son-in-law, John Nagy; brother, Greg Helfrich; and sister, Sandra Hyche.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon, with Rev. Dalmus Meeks, officiating. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be directed to Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL.

Ralph Dollinger, husband of Pat

Although I haven’t found an obituary, Marion Dollinger Walkner noted on Facebook that her brother Ralph “Tommy” Dollinger, husband of our classmate Pat, has died. He graduated from Mt. Morris High in 1956 and married Pat and they had 3 children plus grandchildren and great grand children. I will add more as I find it. I’ve looked through the candid shots from my 1957 file, and found one of Pat and Tom at the 2009 class get together at Moe and Nancy’s place, but only a partial of his face. Perhaps someone else has a better shot.

Update from Restland Funeral home.

Ralph William “Tommy” Dollinger, age 79, died of lung cancer on September  9th, 2017, in his home in Rockwall, Texas.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Ann Bryant Dollinger of Rockwall, Texas, daughter Susan Mase, son-in-law Rob Mase, daughter Tonya Burns and son-in-law Lee Burns, sisters Marion Walkner of Dallas, Linda Baumblatt of California and Brenda Warren of Tennessee, four granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Victor Dollinger and Thelma Hibbs Dollinger, in-laws Eddie and Alda Bryant, sisters Martha Hosier and Carol Zellers and his son Steven Scott Dollinger.

Tommy was born on January 15, 1938, in Rockford, Illinois.  He graduated from Mt. Morris High School in Mt. Morris, Illinois and then joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged 1963.  He also attended DCCCD in Richardson, Texas.  He worked at Blue Cross Insurance, Hartford Insurance and Continental Emsco working in data processing.  He then left the corporate world and opened The Quick Print Shop in Rockwall, Texas.

Tommy was a Rotarian, won the Paul Harris award and was Rotarian of the year, a 4^th degree Knights of Columbus and active and involved in the ping pong group at The Senior Center in Rockwall, Texas.  He enjoyed carving realistic waterfowl and walking his dog, Carlie.

Tommy was a founding member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall, Texas and remained a faithful member until his death.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 6-8 pm at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, TX.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 am on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic church, 1305 Damascus Rd, in Rockwall, Texas.

Burial will be at Restland Dallas following a reception at the church.  The funeral Mass will be officiated by Father George Monaghan and Deacon Jim Daniels.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tommy’s life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of the Lake Building Fund or Patriot Paws Rockwall, Texas.

Lola Duncan, Marion's mom

Lola Duncan, Marion’s mother,  passed away on September 11, 2017. Many in our class remember this sweet, quiet woman, and we send our sympathy to all the family, including Marion’s sisters Barbara and Linda, and her brother Steve.  Lola was born November 3, 1917 in Leaf River, IL the daughter of Galen & Carrie (Fisher) Blake. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1932. Lola married Robert L. Duncan in February 1937 in Mt. Morris, IL. She was a member of Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL. Services were  held Saturday September 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Julie Bunt officiating.  http://finchfuneral.com/2017/09/lola-j-duncan-99/

Don Falzone, friend of the class

The class of 1957 has lost a a good friend—the husband of Nancy Snodgrass.  He was well known to us all, and for the last 30 years had frequently attended our reunions and class breakfasts.  Nancy and Don met as children in 1951—on horseback, of course.  Later as teens they dated a few times, but both married someone else.  Some time later when both were single again, they started dating and were married in Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris in 1985. He will certainly be missed and the class sends Nancy our prayers and thoughts.

Duane, Dave, and Don, class breakfast Nov. 2015

(Ogle County Life)  MOUNT MORRIS – Donald A. Falzone, age 79, died Sunday Sept. 10, 2017 in KSB Hospital, Dixon, IL. Don was born June 16, 1938 in Rockford, IL,  the son of Joseph and Anna (Hall) Falzone.

Don served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 serving in Korea. Don married Nancy Snodgrass on July 20, 1985 in Mount Morris. He worked for Barber Coleman and Vensys Technologies. Don was involved with many things; his favorite pass time was racing homing pigeons.

Don is survived by his wife: Nancy Falzone, Oregon; sons: Brian (Julie) Falzone and John Falzone both of Rockford; Step-sons: Bob (Esther) Mongan, Oregon, and Joe ( Debbie) Mongan, Rockford; grandchildren, great grandchildren; brother: John (Kathy) Falzone, Cherry Valley, and Jeff Warren, Rockford; sister: Mary Ellen (Robert) Crowell, Rockford; many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joe and Sonny.

A memorial service and burial service were held Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery, Mount Morris.  A luncheon followed the memorial service in The Disciples United Methodist Church, Mount Morris.

Memorials may be sent to the American Pigeon Museum and Library, 2300 N.E. 63rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
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Dalene Holverson Nelson, 1939-2017

Class members were shocked to learn by e-mail of the death of Darlene.  Her daughter, Kathy Blair, asked for some remembrances of her mother to use in planning the service for her. If class members have additional thoughts you shared with Kathy, I can add them here.

Lynne Wilburn:  Darlene was gifted at the piano and often would go to music contest as accompanying other soloists. She had very good musical taste. We shared that as early as 7th grade. She was a spirit lifter that always knew how to make her friends feel good about themselves. She also had excellent taste in clothes, as she always looked like a model, tall, thin with her long hair...she was stunning. She always reminded me of Suzy Parker, the super model of the 50's.  She was a loyal member of our Pep club, played in MMHS band and sang in school musical groups and acting in school plays.  I helped at her wedding to her first husband, Jim Appelgren, and she was a lovely bride. She was to the end, a good friend to her classmates. If I would use a short to the point profile of our Darlene it would be loyal, elegant and capable (she could type like the wind and run every type of business equipment.

 

I hope to meet you again, you were a toddler when last I saw you!  Your mom called me when Cassidy was born-she was so thrilled...  My heartfelt sympathy to you and your brother and families. 

Norma Bruce: You mentioned her love of music; yes, she played cornet in the band (4 years) and went to district contest. Band was a busy, competitive group—played for ball games and had concerts during the year.  She was also in the Girls Chorus and Mixed Chorus, and you know she played the piano and was the accompanist for several groups and also for soloists who performed for various events and for contests. I was in a group called Treble Clef and she was the accompanist—we sang for things like PTA and assemblies.  Your mom was in the school pep club, called Pepsters (we wore black skirts, white blouses and red long sleeve sweaters and supported the guys’ teams since Illinois didn’t have competitive women’s sports). We did get to have some “organized” sports as young women, and she was in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) all 4 years. It sticks in my mind that as freshmen and maybe sophomores we wore horrid pea green baggy onesies, but graduated to white blouses and navy shorts.  Your mom was in the senior class play, “The Red House Mystery.” Her thespian talents were also used for school assemblies where students did little sketches about school happenings.  I recall she was a very good, honor roll student, and she put some skills to use working on the Hilltopper, our school newspaper we all eagerly read when it came out.  Then there was the unofficial activities like stuffing millions of napkins into chicken wire for our class Homecoming floats in freezing weather, and drinking a gazillion chocolate and cherry cokes at the local drug store after school with other screeching, giggling girls.

 I remember your mom as a young girl—tall, graceful, slender, thoughtful and often sober as she pondered life’s problems, and. . . perhaps important then. . . with style and flair. It’s sort of a silly memory, but when we were in 7^th or 8^th grade, long dangling necklaces came into style, and she was one of the first to wear them!  I’m sure I had a bit of envy which is why I remember it.

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(Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris) Rockford, IL, Darlene Nelson, age 78, Nee: Holverson, passed away at Swedish American Hospital on September 3, 2017 after a brief illness.

 Darlene grew up in Mt. Morris, IL and was a proud and beloved graduate of the Mt. Morris High School Class of 1957. Classmates describe Darlene as uplifting, loyal, and elegant. She had a love of music that she expressed over a lifetime through multiple bands, piano accompaniment, teaching piano, church choirs, bell choirs, and ushering at the Mendelssohn Center. Part of her adult life was spent in Lake County, IL and she eventually returned to the Rockford area. Darlene’s family will miss her and is thankful for the friends and family who helped her during some difficult times.
Darlene is survived by her children: Jon Appelgren, Rockford, IL; Kathy (Troy) Blair, Gurnee, IL; grandchildren: Cassidy (Daniel) Gerber, Jersey City, NJ; and Kevin Blair, Chicago, IL.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents: Harold “Slim” and Bertha Holverson; and son: Michael Appelgren.

Memorial service was held Friday, September 8, 2017 at 12:00 P.M. in The Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris, IL. She was buried in Franklin Grove Cemetery, Franklin Grove, IL. Visitation was held Friday September 8, 2017 from 11:00 A.M. until service time in the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Darlene’s name to a charity of your choosing.

Can you spot Darlene? Front row center, white shorts, hands on knees
 

Glenn Rowe, obituary

Glenn “Rowdy” Rowe, Age 77, of Vass, NC, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at FirstHealth Hospice House.

Glenn was born in Mt. Morris, Illinois on July 30, 1939 to Morris and Florence Miller Rowe. He and his wife moved to Woodlake in 1993.  He was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman and chef.  He was very active in his community serving as a member of VFW, Moose Lodge, and Mason.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna Rowe; children, Margo Rowe, Marty Rowe and Matt Rowe; sisters, Muriel Wild and Lois Tremble; grandchildren, April, Roy, Brandon, Morgan, Kasey, Dylan and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Teegan, Damon, Marley, Glenn, Bradley and Jayden and a very special friend Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Florence Miller Rowe; son, Mark Rowe; sisters, Margaret and Dorothy; brother, Roy.

At his request, no services will be held.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Someone announced this on Facebook, and this is one of the obituaries I found, with a photo. Glenn was a member of the class of 1957, and although I don't have my yearbook near by, I recall he played golf and basketball, and was an all around popular guy.  Perhaps others have some memories they could share. 

The color photo I believe is from 2007 when we had our 50th, and some of the golfers got together. Glenn is on the far right. The black and white classroom photo is 6th grade 1951, and Glenn is 2nd row from the right, 2nd from the back, dark shirt. Glenn had started elementary at Center School (rural) with Sylvia T., Barb H. and Judy T.

Francine Kitzmiller Scovel, obituary

Fran at the 2007 class reunion, White Pines

Francine M. Scovel (nee Kitzmiller), 77, of Braceville, IL, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 at her home.

Born Aug. 12, 1939 in Freeport, IL, she was the daughter of Melvin and Grace (nee Mennenga) Kitzmiller. Francine was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Women of the Moose Lodge #1551 in Mt. Morris, IL.

Surviving are three daughters: Malinda Gentry of Dwight, IL; Lisa (Craig) Adams of Braidwood, IL and Sheila (Dale) Halstead of Mazon, IL; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, special friend, James Baker; and one brother, Gregory Kitzmiller. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Walker Scovel; daughter, Kelly Ann Scovel; grandson, Nick Peddicord and sister, Shirley Otten. 

Funeral services will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, Braidwood Chapel, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Dixon, IL. The visitation will be Thursday, Jan.19, from 4-8 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her name may be directed to Braceville Fire Department or Braceville United Methodist Church. 

For more information and to visit her online guestbook, log onto www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find their Facebook page at R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes.

R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.
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Several classmates attended the graveside service in Dixon and had the opportunity to speak to her family.  Lynne has prepared some personal remembrances collected from classmates. 

 LYNNE‘S Reflections: The fun has gone out of life today. The four of us, Priscilla, Fran, Nancy and I, did everything together in school. She was the first of the four to marry, have children and to die...leaving us to scratch our heads in wonderment. I dropped in one Sunday for some of their good coffee to find Fran reading to little Malinda, a Golden Book I had recently given the darling little girl. . . and thinking to myself. . . She IS a good mother, she was probably a “fun” mother, too. I had a “fun” mother. . .what a delight they are!  She never took herself seriously as some of us did. She was wonderful fun!!! Damn cancer anyway, on top of her strokes, if that weren't enough... Enough already--rest  now...Priscilla often says “old age sucks." Today she is soooo right.....
 
SALLEY‘S Reflections: Salley remembers that she and Fran were kicked out of the  Trinity Lutheran church junior choir for giggling and making fun of something. They were sent to the choir loft that next Sunday at services  as punishment. It was hardly punishment. They had more fun up there unsupervised  and continued to giggle and have fun, and considered it not much punishment.

DAVE B recalls: Fran and her husband Art attended some of the parties he and his wife Marilyn had.  Fran WAS the life of the party. . . many good memories of her. Unforgettable smile and laugh.

MIKE B:  Francine was terrific!  She didn’t know anyone she didn’t like or didn’t like her.  Always smiling and positive.  She loved to dance-boogying was her middle name. She was always among the volunteers to decorate a float or for a dance or cheering on the “Mounders.” Her parents were terrific people, too. Very supportive of their 3 kids. Fran was an “honest” personality. She will be missed.

SARA remembers: Franny was her own woman. You had to love her! The song ”We’ll meet again” is going through my head and mind now. I know that is true because of the Promise we have been given.  It’s the Between Times- we need to be pondering and cherishing more fully.  “We’ll meet again some sunny day”

Norma remembers: My most vivid memories are of us, at my parent’s home on Hannah, after a wedding shower for Fran and her excitement about her love--Art. It was dark and Fran and I were standing outside near a big evergreen. Everyone was talking and she was so sappy in love. I do remember Lynne saying, “She found a winner in Art Scovel.”  The next year when Tina K. was visiting we went to see her and her new baby, Malinda!  I do treasure those happy memories. She had her health struggles in recent years, but the laugh and smile stayed.”

PRISCILLA remembers: One clear memory is when she and Art lived on W. Front St., near us.  I was still single and she was married to such a nice guy (with such a wonderful speaking voice!). She had a tiny baby and I went to her home to visit Fran, Art and her little baby girl. I remember the high school slumber parties, making those pyramids, and the food!...French fries, everyone would bring a potato and the popcorn followed by brownies. Slumber parties--that’s an oxymoron, right? No one slept and Fran’s parents probably didn’t either!  She was such fun. I can clearly see her smile and hear her laugh.

Nancy S.:  I  had  no idea she was having problems until hearing the news of Fran’s death.  I am sad, very sad.  Francine was one to be so positive and always having fun. Her smile I will never forget as she used it often.

Nancy L recalls: For our 50th reunion (2007) Fran and Jim picked me up at O’Hare airport and we got motel rooms in Dixon. When time came to leave for the Pines she was to call my room to let me know she was ready and to meet her at the car. She called 911 instead of my room.  The police, the Dixon fire dept and the ambulance showed up at the motel!  I tried to tell this story to those attending the reunion but was laughing too hard and every time Fran and I looked at each other we laughed until we cried. I think it was the next day or so that we finally were able to tell the rest of our classmates. That was Fran. She could laugh her way out of just about anything. I remember the time we all hiked to the White Pines park. On the way she and I decided we would pretend to have been hit by a car. With the first aid kit we had, we painted each other with iodine and bandaged each other up.  Priscilla and Lynne were to stand by the road and pretend to be crying and wave down passers-by. Fran and I would jump up to show we were not hurt. We thought it funny-those that stopped to help us did not think it as funny.  We continued on our hike and that day we walked from Mt. Morris to the Pines and then on to Oregon. We were too worn out to walk home from Oregon and called Fran’s mother for a ride. I wonder to this day how Fran explained the iodine stains on her clothing. I could recall so much more--the evening talks on the Flemings’ picnic table-charting all our hopes and dreams. And watching the Northern Lights for the first time.  Over the years we four never lost touch. Oh, we had gaps--all friendships do--but when you truly love someone, time and distance closes when you finally are together. Fran is waiting for the rest of us--and probably waiting for me to plan our next adventure. What an adventure that will be.

Jon M said: I can hear her laughing as I write. She was the FUN in life. She got all she could out of every moment of it. Our Frannie. You go girl!

Sylvia comments: None like her. She will be missed!

Lynne concludes: A number of underclassmen from our school days said some nice things, too.  But am limiting this to “Us” and it is so-- “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends.”- W.B.Yeats

Warren Burstrom died December 3

http://www.walkermortuary.com/book-of-memories/2783845/Burstrom-Warren/obituary.php

A favorite teacher of many in our class, Warren Burstrom, died on December 3, 2016. I can still see him giving the guys in the science classes a hard time. And he coached many in sports. His main career was in Freeport at the college, but we'll always remember him at MMHS. He attended some of our class reunions, most recently in 2014, or sent a humorous message. Re-reading the class blog I see he and his wife attended the town cantata in December 2009.
 
"Warren F. Burstrom, age 92 of Freeport, IL, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. He was born April 11, 1924 in Chicago, IL; son of the late Frank and Hattie (Schumann) Burstrom. He graduated from Portage Park and Schurz High Schools in Chicago, and attended Luther College until his call to serve his country. Warren served in the United States Navy during WWII, stationed at the end of the war at Treasure Island, CA. He holds the highest recorded score in navigation. While in the Navy he played on the Treasure Island baseball team. He completed his B.A. at Luther College after discharge. He pursued graduate education at the University of Minnesota in Philosophy, completed a Masters in Mathematics at Western Illinois University and continued post-graduate studies at Case Western and New Mexico State University.

Warren married Rosella Opsand on August 9, 1952 in Gunder, IA; she passed on April 30, 1981. He married Deloris (Smedstad) Womeldorf on June 19, 1983.

Teaching was Warren’s passion and he began his teaching career in Mt. Morris, IL where he also coached football, golf, and baseball. He then went on to teach at Highland Community College in Freeport beginning in 1963 and retiring in 1988. He served as chairman of the Mathematics and Science Department of Highland. He was also instrumental in the foundation of Highland’s School of Nursing. Warren was also a former president of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and of Golden “K” Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society, the Jane Addamsland Park Foundation that supports the bike path, the Highland Community College Chorale, and served on the Board of Directors for the FACC. He also volunteered and supported the Salvation Army active with the Highland College Foundation. Warren was a member of First Lutheran Church of Freeport where he served on the church council. He loved playing tennis, baseball, and bicycling as well as woodworking. Warren was known as a “storyteller par excellence.”

He is survived by his wife, Deloris Burstrom of Freeport; daughters, Kathryn (Frank) Hall of Corvallis, OR and Ruth (Niels Chapman) Burstrom of Albuquerque, NM; son, Frank Burstrom of Tucson, AZ; step children; Vicki (Mark) Brunsvold of Edina, MN, Mark (Holly) Womeldorf of Plymouth, MN, Marti (Dan) Guetzlaff of Faribault, MN, Dale (Cathy) Womeldorf of Shakopee, MN, and Erik (Shala Cunningham) Womeldorf of Roanoke, VA; grandchildren, Eric Hall and Anika Hall of Portland, OR; step grandchildren: Amanda & Sydney Brunsvold of Edina, MN; Pieper (Ben) Lundell of Dubuque, IA; Aaron (Alexis) Guetzlaff of Lenexa, KS; Elliott Guetzlaff of Denver, CO; Abby Guetzlaff of Chicago, IL; Evan Guetzlaff of Lenexa, KS; Andrew, Jacob, Zachary & Samantha Womeldorf, Hannah & Tyler Birkholz of Minneapolis, MN; and Wynn & Noah Womeldorf of Roanoke, VA; step great grandchildren, Kylan & Brielle Guetzlaff, and Yeardley & Walker Lundell; nephew Greg Giles (Tracey Barrett) cousins, Barbara (Cornelius) Van Diggelen; Kim (Kathee) Stanke, and Kirk (Sue) Stanke; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Rosella; brother, George (Eva) Giles; and cousin, Beth Stanke.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Walker Mortuary in Freeport. The funeral service will be Wednesday, December 7th at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in Freeport with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established in his name with donations going to his favorite local charities listed above.

Raymond Appler, former Mt. Morris teacher, dies at 96

Raymond G. Appler, 96, of Oregon, died peacefully at Heritage Square, Dixon on Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born on March 7, 1920 in Steward, Illinois, the son of Ray and Ruth (Byrd) Appler. On June 18, 1950 he was married to Esther J. Semmler in Ashton, IL. As a young man Ray attended Byrd School and graduated from Steward High School in 1938. He played baseball at the high school level, as a pitcher for Northern Illinois University and was a professional baseball prospect before the war.

When WWII broke out, Ray chose to enlist in the Marine Corps. After completing basic training at Camp Lejeune, he was sent to the Pacific front, where he fought on Guadalcanal and Okinawa. On Okinawa, Ray risked his life to save those of his fellow marines when he used hand grenades and his baseball pitching skills to defeat an enemy gun emplacement. For his heroism he was awarded the Bronze Star.

After the war Ray returned to Steward High School as a science and physical education teacher. He continued his teaching career at Mt. Morris Junior High and then Jefferson School in Oregon. Ray was promoted into administration first as Principal of Pleasant Hill School in Oregon and then as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. In DeKalb County Ray gained more experience as Assistant Superintendent before finally becoming Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. After his retirement in 1982, Ray earned his real estate license and enjoyed working for Century 21 in Oregon well into his 70's.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Esther (deceased): four children, Mary (Mark) Kiepura of Arlington Heights, Illinois, John (Diane) Appler of Kihei, Hawaii, Joe (Colleen) Appler of Littleton, Colorado and Marcia (Ned) Birkey of Ida, Michigan; and 10 grandchildren, Whitney and Madeleine Kiepura, Justin and Richard Appler, Nicholas Snoey, Kirstie and Jordan Appler and Leah, Lauren and Ben Birkey.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 4-8 PM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Oregon on Saturday, May 21st at 1:00 PM; burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Dixon, IL following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. (https://semperfifund.org/).  His wife died last year.

I know many in our class have fond memories of Mr. Appler.  The photo is from our 50th reunion.

Raymond G. Appler 1920—2016
Raymond G. Appler, 96, of Oregon, died peacefully at Heritage Square, Dixon on Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born on March 7, 1920 in Steward, IL., the son of Ray and Ruth (Byrd) Appler. On June 18, 1950 he was married to Esther J. Semmler in Ashton, IL. As a young man Ray attended Byrd School and graduated from Steward High School in 1938. He played baseball at the high school level, as a pitcher for Northern Illinois University and was a professional baseball prospect before the war. When WWII broke out, Ray chose to enlist in the Marine Corps. After completing basic training at Camp Lejeune, he was sent to the Pacific front, where he fought on Guadalcanal and Okinawa. On Okinawa, Ray risked his life to save those of his fellow marines when he used hand grenades and his baseball pitching skills to defeat an enemy gun emplacement. For his heroism he was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war Ray returned to Steward High School as a science and physical education teacher. He continued his teaching career at Mt. Morris Junior High and then Jefferson School in Oregon. Ray was promoted into administration first as Principal of Pleasant Hill School in Oregon and then as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. In DeKalb County Ray gained more experience as Assistant Superintendent before finally becoming Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. After his retirement in 1982, Ray earned his real estate license and enjoyed working for Century 21 in Oregon well into his 70's. Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Esther (deceased): 4 children, Mary (Mark) Kiepura of Arlington Heights, IL, John (Diane) Appler of Kihei, Hawaii, Joe (Colleen) Appler of Littleton, CO., and Marcia (Ned) Birkey of Ida, MI.; and 10 grandchildren, Whitney and Madeleine Kiepura, Justin and Richard Appler, Nicholas Snoey, Kirstie and Jordan Appler and Leah, Lauren and Ben Birkey.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Oregon on Saturday, May 21st at 1 p.m.; burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Dixon, IL following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. (https://semperfifund.org/). www.farrellhollandgale.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=Raymond-G-Appler&pid=180023498#sthash.jU2LkAuV.dpuf

Raymond G. Appler 1920—2016
Raymond G. Appler, 96, of Oregon, died peacefully at Heritage Square, Dixon on Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born on March 7, 1920 in Steward, IL., the son of Ray and Ruth (Byrd) Appler. On June 18, 1950 he was married to Esther J. Semmler in Ashton, IL. As a young man Ray attended Byrd School and graduated from Steward High School in 1938. He played baseball at the high school level, as a pitcher for Northern Illinois University and was a professional baseball prospect before the war. When WWII broke out, Ray chose to enlist in the Marine Corps. After completing basic training at Camp Lejeune, he was sent to the Pacific front, where he fought on Guadalcanal and Okinawa. On Okinawa, Ray risked his life to save those of his fellow marines when he used hand grenades and his baseball pitching skills to defeat an enemy gun emplacement. For his heroism he was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war Ray returned to Steward High School as a science and physical education teacher. He continued his teaching career at Mt. Morris Junior High and then Jefferson School in Oregon. Ray was promoted into administration first as Principal of Pleasant Hill School in Oregon and then as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. In DeKalb County Ray gained more experience as Assistant Superintendent before finally becoming Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. After his retirement in 1982, Ray earned his real estate license and enjoyed working for Century 21 in Oregon well into his 70's. Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Esther (deceased): 4 children, Mary (Mark) Kiepura of Arlington Heights, IL, John (Diane) Appler of Kihei, Hawaii, Joe (Colleen) Appler of Littleton, CO., and Marcia (Ned) Birkey of Ida, MI.; and 10 grandchildren, Whitney and Madeleine Kiepura, Justin and Richard Appler, Nicholas Snoey, Kirstie and Jordan Appler and Leah, Lauren and Ben Birkey.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Oregon on Saturday, May 21st at 1 p.m.; burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Dixon, IL following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. (https://semperfifund.org/). www.farrellhollandgale.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=Raymond-G-Appler&pid=180023498#sthash.jU2LkAuV.dpuf

Raymond G. Appler 1920—2016
Raymond G. Appler, 96, of Oregon, died peacefully at Heritage Square, Dixon on Thursday, May 12, 2016. He was born on March 7, 1920 in Steward, IL., the son of Ray and Ruth (Byrd) Appler. On June 18, 1950 he was married to Esther J. Semmler in Ashton, IL. As a young man Ray attended Byrd School and graduated from Steward High School in 1938. He played baseball at the high school level, as a pitcher for Northern Illinois University and was a professional baseball prospect before the war. When WWII broke out, Ray chose to enlist in the Marine Corps. After completing basic training at Camp Lejeune, he was sent to the Pacific front, where he fought on Guadalcanal and Okinawa. On Okinawa, Ray risked his life to save those of his fellow marines when he used hand grenades and his baseball pitching skills to defeat an enemy gun emplacement. For his heroism he was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war Ray returned to Steward High School as a science and physical education teacher. He continued his teaching career at Mt. Morris Junior High and then Jefferson School in Oregon. Ray was promoted into administration first as Principal of Pleasant Hill School in Oregon and then as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. In DeKalb County Ray gained more experience as Assistant Superintendent before finally becoming Superintendent of Schools for Ogle County. After his retirement in 1982, Ray earned his real estate license and enjoyed working for Century 21 in Oregon well into his 70's. Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Esther (deceased): 4 children, Mary (Mark) Kiepura of Arlington Heights, IL, John (Diane) Appler of Kihei, Hawaii, Joe (Colleen) Appler of Littleton, CO., and Marcia (Ned) Birkey of Ida, MI.; and 10 grandchildren, Whitney and Madeleine Kiepura, Justin and Richard Appler, Nicholas Snoey, Kirstie and Jordan Appler and Leah, Lauren and Ben Birkey.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Oregon on Saturday, May 21st at 1 p.m.; burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Dixon, IL following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. (https://semperfifund.org/). www.farrellhollandgale.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=Raymond-G-Appler&pid=180023498#sthash.jU2LkAuV.dpuf

Diane Bechtold Thompson, 1939-2015

Diane M. Thompson - 76 7/28/1939 - 10/5/2015 Mt. Morris, Illinois Mt. Morris – Diane M. Thompson, age 76, died Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 at Pinecrest Manor in Mt. Morris. She was born July 28, 1939 in Sublette, IL the daughter of Jay and Mary Alice (Price) Bechtold. Diane graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1957. She attended Secretarial School in Dayton, Ohio and was a Secretary for the Air Force Base. She married Jimmy Utley on July 18, 1958. He preceded her on Aug. 28, 1965. She than married Charles Thompson on July 8, 1966. He preceded her on Oct. 21, 1993. Diane worked for Country Companies Insurance as a Secretary, she also worked in the zoning dept. at the court house, retired from the Ogle County Sheriff’s Dept., and was owner and operator of Al’s Place from 1978 – 1993. Diane was a Lioness of the Dixon Lion’s Club, member of the Dixon Elk’s Club, and Rochelle Moose Lodge. She was predeceased by her parents, her 2 husbands, and an infant daughter Debbie. She is survived by her 3 children; Jill (Timm) Carlson of Mt. Morris, Jim (Jessica) Utley of Dixon, and Susan (Dale) Price of Dixon, Brother David (Jan) Bechtold of Norcross, Georgia, 6 grandchildren; Tyler (Liz) Carlson, Trace Carlson, Erica Utley, Rachel (Zack) Jones, Kevin Utley, and Alex Price, 2 Great Grandsons Carter Jones and Emmett Carlson, and adopted son Chris (Becky) Cox. Funeral service will be 7:00 pm, Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street, Oregon, IL 61061. Visitation will be prior to the service Friday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Private burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Oregon. A memorial fund is established for the Mt. Morris Ambulance Service or the Pinecrest Manor Good Samaritan Fund.

Jerry Blake

Gerald E. “Jerry” Blake, 74, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. He was born on May 22, 1938, in Rockford, the son of Walter and Kathryn (McKee) Blake. Jerry attended Mount Morris High School. He worked as a material handler for Kable Printing Co., and he also was a diesel mechanic for Binkley Enterprises. Jerry loved his “old time” country music, Blue Collar comedy, golfing, bowling, swimming, riding motorcycles, and snowmobiling. Jerry is survived by his past wife Joan Moore of Salton City, Calif.; and their children Cheryl (Joseph) Ciuffreda, of San Diego, Calif.; Becky Bailey, of Durand; Kathy Rude, of Sycamore; Esther Martin, of Marengo; and Cliff (Jill) Blake, of Polo; and past wife Connie Blake and their daughter, Cassie Blake, both of Oregon; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; stepmom Bertha Blake; brothers Darrell and Lloyd Blake; and sister Janice Johnson. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., in Mount Morris. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Doc Newcomb officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Morris.

Services for classmate Carolyn Manis Reynolds

From the Daily Herald: Carolyn A. Reynolds of Round Lake Beach; Carolyn A. Reynolds, 71, passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Private services are being held at the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, Libertyville. Carolyn was born Oct. 13, 1939, in Freeport, Ill., and was raised and went to school in Mount Morris, Ill. She was a former Libertyville resident and had lived in Round Lake Beach for the past five years. Surviving are her husband, Herbert J. Reynolds; sons, Chris (Patrice) Reynolds of Wauconda and Michael Reynolds of Round Lake Beach; grandson, Tyler Reynolds; and brother, Lynn Manis. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Lee Manis.

The most recent photo I have of Carolyn was taken at our 1987 class reunion, and mine is a very poor scan, so I'm posting this one of a girl scout outing. If you have something more recent, please forward. You'll remember that Carolyn was struck down with polio shortly before the vaccine became available, and returned to class, I think in 6th grade, on crutches. She gamely kept up--I remember hiking with her to Camp Emmaus and that she was active in CBYF! Few today younger than us remember this terrible scourge--our little community was hit hard.

And thanks to Jon M. who noticed this item in the Daily Herald and alerted Lynne.

Update from Nancy's archives: 1987 reunion photo of Carolyn

Funeral for Classmate Marvin Miller on October 9

From the Ogle County Life:

"COLUMBIA, MO — Marvin R. Miller, 71 passed away Aug. 29, 2010, in Columbia. Born August 21, 1939 in Freeport.
He served in the United States Army Reserve and was stationed in Germany during the Korean war.  He grew up in Mt. Morris  where he  resided and worked at Kable Printing Company  until moving to Columbia,  MO in 1974.
He is survived by sons Charlie (Lisa) Miller of Menomonie, WI; Andrew Miller Webster of Eau Claire, WI; and Frank Miller of High Bridge, WI.  Grandchildren are Ash and Tyler Miller of Menomonie, WI and Lilly Miller of High Bridge, WI.  Sister, Dianna (Wayne) Kretsinger of Leaf River, IL and several nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by parents Edna Cullen and Kenneth Miller and brother John Miller. 
Military Honors will be held at the graveside in Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Morris on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 3 p.m."
Note: I think the author of the obituary made an error on the era in which Marv served in the military--the Korean War ended in July 1953, the year we graduated from grade school. Sylvia Hageman of our 1957 class was his step-sister. His brother John (d. 2008) was a freshman when we were seniors and I think Dianna was a few years younger.

Our archivist Nancy S. found this great photo of the class walking in the 1992 July 4 parade and Marv is out front.

Thad Wessels

Thad Wessels, son of classmate Salley, died on August 16, 2010, after suffering a stroke three months ago. Our deepest love, support and sympathy go out to his parents, Salley and Phil, and to Thad's wife and daughters, Michelle, Lauren and Lexie. According to Lynne, there will be a memorial service in Minnesota with family and friends, and later a memorial at Trinty Lutheran in Mt. Morris for local friends and family. If you need addresses to send condolences, please contact Lynne at lflemingwilburn@yahoo.com. More information will follow.

Update: There will be a full obituary in the Star Tribune paper and Rockford Star on 8/22, and there is a legacy page here.

Update: From the Rockford Star, August 22: "Thaddeus Olsen Wessels, 40 PRIOR LAKE, Minn. - Thaddeus Olsen Wessels, 40, died Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, in Regency Hospital in Golden Valley. Thad was born Jan. 12, 1970, in Rockford to Philip and Salley (Olsen) Wessels. He graduated from Mount Morris High School, Class of 1988. He received a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Bradley University in 1994. He married Michelle Gensler on June 17, 1995, in Kickapoo. He was employed as a corporate industrial engineer for Cenveo in Minneapolis. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling and golfing. Thad is survived by his parents; wife, Michelle of Prior Lake; daughters, Lauren MacKenna and Lexie Marie Wessels, both of Prior Lake; and brother, Seth Wessels of Midland, Mich. He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents; paternal grandparents; and stepbrother, James Wessels. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Morris, with visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29; the Rev. Steven Erickson will officiate. Memorials will be established in Mount Morris in Thad's name and to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . Arrangements by Finch Funeral Home, Mount Morris.

From the Star Tribune, August 22: "Wessels, Thaddeus "Thad" Age 40, of Prior Lake MN, passed away on Monday, Aug. 16th at Regency Hospital of Minneapolis. He is survived by parents, Philip & Salley Wessels; brother, Seth Wessels; loving wife, Michelle (Gensler) Wessels and Daddy's girls, Lauren and Lexie Wessels. Preceded in death by one brother, Jim Wessels. He graduated from Bradley University and has worked as an engineer in the Printing industry for many years. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling. He loved life, his family, and his friends who lived in states from Maryland to Oregon. Cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 10 AM Monday, Aug. 23rd at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave S. Edina, MN 55435 (952-924-4100). Visitation 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital."

Neal Johnston, class member, dies May 24

The following appeared in the New York Times today, June 11, 2010.

"JOHNSTON--Neal W. With great sadness, we mourn the loss of our father who died on May 24, 2010. Born in Illinois, December 30th, 1939, he graduated from the University of Chicago - where he edited the Chicago Maroon and appeared in US English-language premiere of Spring Awakening - and Harvard Law School. A practicing attorney until the end, he never put gaining a fee ahead of arguing a good case, and was known throughout the legal community for the literary quality of his letters and briefs. An associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison before starting his own practice, he was also Deputy Chief of Litigation for the New York State Attorney General; Chief of Staff to the President of the New York City Council; a fellow of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and the founder and first Executive Secretary of the Council of New York Law Associates (NKA the Lawyers Alliance for New York). A Midwesterner by birth but a New Yorker by soul, he celebrated and lived the life of the mind - and the arts. We will miss his wit, wisdom and great generosity of spirit. His wife Eden Ross Lipson predeceased him. He is survived by his four children, two brothers Warner and Scott and ex-wife Judy Johnston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lawyers Alliance for New York. Lawyers Alliance will host a memorial service on October 1st at the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. Delari, Tara, Margo and Garth."

Neal's wife, Eden Lipson, died in May 2009, and was a children's editor at the New York Times, and also a children's book author. Condolences have been sent to Neal's children from the class of 1957.

Classmates Neal and Salley chat at the 40th (1997) class reunion.

Patrick Wilburn, 1976-2010

It's with great sadness we report the sudden death on April 8, 2010, of Lynne's son, Patrick Arnold Timothy Wilburn. He is survived by his mother, our classmate Lynne, and his two devoted aunts, Genie and Rosemary. Born on February 24, 1976 to Ed and Lynne, welcomed by grandparents Arnold and Rose Fleming and Henry and Marguerite Wilburn, he lived a life of love and happiness, bringing joy and a special zest for life in all his activities to his parents, extended family, neighbors, friends and staff of Kreider Services.



A memorial in his honor has been established at Kreider Services, Attn: Autism Program, 500 Anchor Road, Dixon, IL 61021. A celebration of Patrick's life and scattering of ashes will be held later this Spring at Franklin Park, near Franklin Grove, one of his favorite places for walks with wildlife, birds and fish. Patrick, who lived in Ashton Terrace, a Kreider group home for adults, regularly attended nature camp in the early Spring and late Fall, and even as a toddler was an outdoor kind of guy. "If the sun was out, so was Patrick." He also loved soccer, and Lynne was the uber-soccer mom always cheering him on. Lynne says he was not the most aggressive player (he was too kind for that), but he was the most determined. Patrick was also a good dancer (Aunt Rosemary saw to that), and was quite sought after at the various social events he attended, enjoying also the company of his special friend, Jenny, his companion at the workshop and on hamburger dates.

Lynne not only supported the special needs of her son, but other parents struggling to understand and cope. She counseled them saying, "It may not be a 'normal' life, but it can be a good life." Many advances have been made since he was diagnosed at age 3, but there is no cure, only help.

Patrick's extended family pitched in to teach all the little niceties and small things that helped make him such a pleasant young man--things the rest might take for granted (or never learn!). Removing the hat when entering the home; turning off lights when leaving a room; using less water to conserve; good table manners; politeness and respect. His natural sensitivity to people's feelings and emotions, however, didn't need to be taught. Lynne says it was hard to be unhappy around Patrick. He got every bit he could out of life, and he wanted you to also!

Holidays were special in the Fleming household because Patrick came home--the above photograph of Thanksgiving with Aunt Genie and Mom Lynne is an example. Preparations were being made for Easter when they got the sad news of a seizure and heart attack and all rushed to the hospital to spend his final days by his side. Patrick's last good deed in this life was to be an organ donor, and four grateful families are sharing in his life now with their loved ones. Lynne says, "I know not age, nor weariness, nor defeat. He was worth every bit of it."

Minnie Burke, mother of Donna

When I was a little girl living on Hitt Street across from the Burke 66 station, I adored Mrs. Burke. Always smiling, always teasing, and always an encouraging word. A role model for all working women and business women.

MINNIE E. BURKE, 89 MOUNT MORRIS - Minnie E. Burke, 89, of Mount Morris died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mount Morris. Born Oct. 28, 1919, in Mount Morris Township, daughter of John H. Diehl and Elizabeth (Rambough) Diehl. Graduate of Mount Morris High School, class of 1937. Married Vernon E. Burke on Aug. 20, 1938, in Clayton County, Iowa; he died Dec. 1, 1975. Along with her husband, she managed and operated Burke's 66 Service. After her husband's death, she worked as a returns clerk at Kable News Co. in Mount Morris. Life member of the Women of the Moose, Mount Morris Moose VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include daughters, Donna (Richard) Satterfield of Fort Collins, Colo., Denise (William) Walsh of Durand; sons, Steve (Barb) Burke and Stan (Angie) Burke of Mount Morris; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grand-children; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois Mongan of Mount Morris, Rose Egland of California, Betty Martinson of Malta, Marcia Hill of Rochelle; sister-in-law, Ada Diehl of Mount Morris; and special friend, Phyllis Brown of Mount Morris. Predeceased by husband; brother, Don Diehl; and granddaughter, Sherri Lynne. Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mount Morris. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Morris. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, in the funeral home. Memorials to Pinecrest Manor of Ogle County Hospice.

Our sympathy to the Coddington family

The step-mother of our classmate Bob, Elvira Marcella Coddington, 91, of Mount Morris died Thursday, June 4, 2009, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, Rockford. Born Sept. 17, 1917, in Benedict, N.D., the daughter of William and Martha (Umbach) Krebsbach. Graduated from Belvidere High School, Class of 1936. Married Bert Coddington on Aug. 28, 1948, in Belvidere; he died Feb. 6, 1995. Lived in Mount Morris since 1948, coming from Belvidere. She was employed as an accounting clerk in the accounts receivable department at McGregor Magazine Agency for 38 years, retiring in May 1987. Attended Trinity Lutheran Church. Member of Women of the Moose Chapter 485 and Mount Morris Senior Center. Survivors include stepson, Robert Coddington of Mount Morris; stepdaughters, Shirley Hackbarth of Jacksonville, Fla., and Donna (Tim) Sassaman of Hot Springs, Ark.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ardell Krebsbach of Belvidere. Predeceased also by parents; and brothers, Arvine, Arbay, Arley and Arzell Krebsbach. Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., with Frank Lay officiating. Burial in Plainview Cemetery. Visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, in the funeral home, with Women of the Moose Service at 8:30 p.m. Memorials to Moose charities.

Mark Rowe, son of Glenn and Donna

We were all so sorry to learn of the death of Mark Rowe of Lanark, son of classmate Glenn and his wife Donna. The following is from the Freeport paper.

Mark L. Rowe, 50, of Lanark died Monday, June 1, 2009, at his home. He was born April 3, 1959, in Dixon, a son of Glenn and Donna (Bearden) Rowe. Mark married Kim Hazlip on Jan. 27, 1983, in Mount Morris. Mr. Rowe was employed at Quebecor World in Mount Morris. Survivors include his wife, Kim of Lanark; one daughter, April Miller of Tennessee; one son, Mark R. Rowe of Lanark; parents, Glenn and Donna Rowe of North Carolina; one sister, Margo Smietana of New York; two brothers, Marty Rowe of Polo and Matt Rowe of Lanark; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ottis and Josephine Bearden and Mike and Eleja Rowe. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Polo Family Funeral Home, Polo, with the Rev. Jeremy Heller, officating. Burial will be at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Dr. Albert Sherwood Baker, 1916-2009

Another fine member of the "greatest generation" that many of us knew is gone. Many years ago, your family doctor may have been Dr. Baker, who after WWII returned to Mt. Morris and was originally in practice with Dr. Murray Dumont (who delivered me and probably others in our class of 57). From the Columbia Daily Tribune obituary:

"Albert Sherwood Baker, M.D., 92, of Mount Morris, Ill., formerly of Columbia, died Friday, May 8, 2009. Memorial services and visitation were Wednesday, May 13, at Disciples United Methodist Church in Mount Morris. The cremated remains will be buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery rural Mount Morris, located on a corner of the Baker family farm.

Dr. Baker was born Dec. 1, 1916. He attended primary and secondary school in Mount Morris, graduated with an AB degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 1939 and the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Chicago in 1942. He completed a 12-month rotation internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago before serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces at Jefferson Barracks and Scott Field, Ill., from 1943 to 1946.
After World War II, Dr. Baker returned to his home town of Mount Morris to work as a general practitioner from 1946 to 1963. During this time, he was a member of the medical staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital. In 1963, he joined the faculty at the University of Missouri, where he helped develop their rural preceptorship program for medical students and served as chief, Section of Medical Practice.

In 1967, he traveled to Thailand to study the public health training needs of Peace Corps volunteers. That same year, he spent three months helping to train Peace Corps volunteers in Hilo, Hawaii. He received a Master of Science in public health degree from MU in 1968.
Dr. Baker initiated the campaign to establish a family medicine residency in Columbia in 1969, shortly after the American Board of Family Practice was created, and served as MU’s first family medicine residency director from 1970 to 1974. From 1972 to 1975, he served as chairman of the Department of Community Health and Medical Practice at MU. Dr. Baker was a charter member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and one of the early Residency Assistance Program consultants. He retired from MU in 1982 and was named professor emeritus.
Dr. Baker is considered by many to be “the father of family medicine” at MU. He was known and admired for his common-sense approach to primary care, his sage advice and his incredible breadth and depth of knowledge that extended well beyond medicine. He claimed this was the benefit of having a photographic memory that served him exceedingly well until the end of his long life.

One on his great joys was publishing a book titled “Dear Gang,” in which he recounted the story of 12 of his AKK medical school fraternity brothers who corresponded with one another by letters during World War II. It chronicles their experience of military medicine in the 1940s, whether stateside, in the Pacific or European theatres, as well as the importance of deep and lasting friendship.

Dr. Baker served as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America in Mount Morris and was honored to receive the Silver Beaver award for meritorious service. He was a member of Kiwanis and Community United Methodist Church in Columbia from 1963 to 2004. Because of failing health, he moved to Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris in 2004 and joined Disciples United Methodist Church. There, he was affectionately known as “Doc.”

Survivors include a brother, Harlan (Marion); daughters Edith Baker Lauerman (Bruce), Martha Baker Thomas (Mike) and Nancy Baker (Dan); grandchildren Randy Fawcett (Stephanie), Grant Fawcett (Marne), Sara Crow, and Karl and Anna Olson; and great-grandchildren Sadie Fawcett, Driscoll Fawcett, Hattie Fawcett, and Braxton Lauerman. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Myrtle Miriam Schafmayer Baker; brother Edward Francis Baker; father Harry Hammer Baker; and mother Bertha Alberta Tholen Baker.


HT Murray Trout