Thursday, February 28, 2019

February 28 Update



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Obit of Ronald Lee Green

Ronald L. Green, 71, of Galesburg, IL, passed away at 1:01 pm. on Monday, February 25, 2019 at his home. He was born on May 11, 1947 in Burlington, IA, the son of George G. and Bernice (McDavid) Green. Ron was raised and educated in Chatsworth, IL and graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1965. Ron served in the Vietnam War with the United States Air Force earning the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 1986. Ron married LaDonna Haar in Galesburg, IL on March 24, 2006, she survives. After serving for 20 years in the United States Air Force, Ron was a vocational electronics instructor for Carl Sandburg College at Henry C. Hill Correctional Center, Galesburg, retiring in 2004. Ron was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He loved planes, especially building and detailing models. Ron enjoyed reading military history, working in his yard and spending time with his family and friends. Surviving Ron is his wife, LaDonna Green of Galesburg, IL; one daughter, Heather (Chad) Lager of Cedar Rapids, IA; three step daughters, Jennie (Rod) Hatch of Edwards, IL, Kate (Emily) Ruskin of Bloomington, IL, Laura (Chuck Murphy) Smith of Eldridge, IA; grandchildren, Dylan Bielser, Race Parson, Aizik Hatch, Sydnie Hatch, Whitney Banks, Asher Horrie, Noah Hubbard, Elijah Hubbard, Hannah Hubbard, Asher Hubbard, Taylor Murphy, Riya Murphy, and Damon Fetes; one sister, Nancy Tennant of Oquawka, IL; his brother, Greg (Erin) Green of Florida; 2 step sisters, Cindi (Charles) Carroll of Virginia and Terri Bowden of California; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, and one sister, Patsy Reinagle. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Hospice Compassus. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements.

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Obit of Donald Leroy Gerdes


Donald Leroy Gerdes, 75, of Longview Washington passed away peacefully early Friday, February 15, 2019 at home. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, February 22 at Grace Lutheran Church, 2725 Dover Street, Longview with Rev. Gary Hagen officiating. His earthly remains have been cremated. Mr. Gerdes was born on July 8, 1943 in Fairbury, Illinois, the son of Donald C. Gerdes and Luvern Martin Gerdes. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 31 years, of the family home. Also surviving are his three sons, Ed Gerdes (Linda) of Kansas City, Kansas, and twins John and David Gerdes of Milwaukie, Oregon; sisters Joy Ready of Sequin, Texas and Zoe (Glenn) Pearson  of Lafayette, Indiana; and stepsons Derek (Andrea) Doles of Billings, Montana and David (Kristin) Doles of Arvada, Colorado. He had 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He attended Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, Illinois before joining the United States Navy where he served honorably and was a proud veteran. He was a member of the American Legion in Longview, Washington. Until retirement in 2014 Mr. Gerdes was employed by Commercial Carriers Inc. in Anchorage, Alaska. Previously, he worked in the trucking industry for more than 40 years in various capacities. Don was active in his church, Grace Lutheran, where he served as an Elder and Trustee and also on the Board of Trustees. His other interests included camping, fishing, square dancing and working to beautify his outdoor surroundings. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association (www.heart.org/Oregon) or charity of choice.
Donnie Gerdes

Friday, February 15, 2019

Chatsworth American Legion Steak Supper


Obit of Robert "Bob" Shell

Son of Alvin and Elsie (Lang) Shell
Robert “Bob” Shell, 77, of Clifton, passed away Tuesday (Feb. 12, 2019) at his home. He was born Nov. 25, 1941, in Piper City, the son of Alvin and Elsie (Lang) Shell. Bob married Victoria Dohman, in Watseka, on March 6, 1971. Bob worked for many years as a mechanic as the manager of Hobson Motors and later owned and operated Shell Auto Repair. His skills as a mechanic carried over into his leisure activities. He was an avid NASCAR fan who also enjoyed racing himself. Bob raced from 1962 to 1982 at many local tracks. He was a track champion twice at Kankakee Motor Speedway, twice at Fairbury American Legion Speedway and once at Mazon Speedway, where he also isin the Hall of Fame. Bob also dedicated his time to helping others as a firefighter on the Clifton Fire Department for many years. Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Vicky Shell, of Clifton; his children, Gina Shell-Lamore, of Kankakee, Scott (Kristin) Shell, of Elmhurst, and Jason (Joella) Shell, of Bloomington; and four grandchildren, Will Lamore, Nathan Shell, Hannah Shell and Harrison Shell. His parents preceded him in death. Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, with the Rev. Dan Shipton officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Victory Junction Gang, Joes Garage in Towanda or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please sign his online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Obit of Theresa "Terry" Eileen Watson

Theresa Eileen Watson  - Theresa Eileen Watson passed away peacefully at her home in Visalia, California on February 1, 2019 with her family by her side. Theresa was born in Fairbury, Illinois on January 22, 1952 to Burnell and Ruth McEvoy Watson of Chatsworth, Illinois. She graduated from Chatsworth High School, Class of 1970, and attended Eastern Illinois University. She moved to Visalia, California in 1972. Theresa worked in Visalia with Tulare County Title Company, Safeco Title, and most recently with W.M. Lyles Company as Office Manager. She retired in 2013. Theresa also spent time working in Hawaii and American Samoa. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Pat) Haskins of Keosauqua, Iowa, Ruth Bazzell of Norfolk, Virginia, brother, Cletus Watson of Linn Creek, Missouri, sister-in-law, Marilyn Watson of Visalia, California, and her step children Tanya, Travis, Tara and Tami Giles. She is also survived by nieces and nephews: Mike Haskins, Doug Haskins, Rich Haskins, Rose (Haskins) Howell, Becky (Haskins) Kobelt, Greg Kyburz, Jeff Kyburz, Kim (Watson) Hensley, Kevin Watson, Deborah (Watson) Rumsey, Tiffani(Watson) Tipton and Tara (Watson) Hammon and numerous great nieces and nephews. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Burnell Watson and her brother, Richard (Dick) Watson. Theresa is known for her love of family (no matter how distant), fun times with friends, and the sparkle in her eye. Theresa had a love of traveling, gardening and spending special times with her friends to whom she was known as "Terry". The family wishes to give special thanks to her caregivers, Isabella and Leticia, and to Optimal Hospice Care, especially Leanne and Vanessa. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the donor's favorite charity. Remembrances and condolences can be made at www.sterlingsmithfd.com Published in Tulare Advance-Register & Visalia Times-Delta from Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 2019.
Theresa Eileen Watson Obituary

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Obit of Grant Sterling Conibear

Grant Sterling Conibear, 84, of North Port, Florida, formerly of Gibson, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. “Our loving husband, father and grandfather, loved living life to the fullest. We are saddened at his leaving us, but grief is the price you pay for loving.” Grant was born to the late Joseph S. and Leona M. Conibear, in September of 1934, in Normal, Illinois. He attended the University of Florida before joining the U.S. Air Force, serving with honor from early 1957 until 1963. While stationed in Germany, he met and married the love of his life, Marianne. Returning with Marianne to the States in 1960, Grant completed his tour of duty and continued his education, graduating from the University of Wyoming with a Pharmaceutical degree. He began his long career in the Pharmaceutical business with his father, eventually taking over the family Pharmacy, and expanding it over time with additional locations throughout central Illinois. Grant was very involved with his family and in his community. He served for nearly 30 years on the Board of Gibson City Community Hospital for which his dedicated service was recognized and honored in 2016. He was also a member of many civic and service organizations, including the Lions Club, and Rotary Club of which he was a Past President. He and his wife Marianne, raised three children, a son and two daughters during this time, and saw their family grow over the years with the addition of five grandchildren. Grant and Marianne purchased a home in Southwest Florida in 2002 and enjoyed wintering under the Florida Sun where Grant loved spending time Golfing with his buddies, fishing, and shopping; especially for cars which he had a liking for. Grant and Marianne moved permanently to Florida in 2013 following his retirement, settling in North Port. Grant loved life and lived the good life right up to his passing. Grant is survived by his beloved wife of over 58 years, Marianne G. Conibear, his children, Michelle Pauken, Grant Conibear, and Heidi Krug, and five grandchildren, as well as a sister, Julie Schultz, and numerous extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters. A Memorial service celebrating Grant’s life, will be held by the Conibear family. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.

From WGCY Radio Gibson City, IL.
Former Gibson City resident Grant Conibear, the long time owner of Grant's Pharmacy in downtown Gibson City, passed away last Sunday at the age of 84. 
A Chatsworth native, Conibear joined his families three generation drugstore business after his time in the Air Force. He opened Grant's Pharmacy in Gibson City in 1971, continuing to run it until 2001. Conibear served for 30 years on the Gibson Area Hospital board of directors as well as Lions Club and Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife Marianne, children, Michelle, Grant and Heidi and 5 grandchildren.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Obit of Geraldine M. (Hornickel) Kietzman

MELVIN — Geraldine M. “Gerry” Kietzman, 97, of Gibson City and Melvin died at 7:05 a.m. Friday (Feb. 1, 2019) at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton. Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at Rosenbaum Funeral Home, 925 N. Illinois 47, Gibson City, with Pastor Deb Domeier officiating. Burial will be in Melvin Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gibson Area Hospital Scholarship Foundation or to Moyer District Library. Gerry was born Dec. 22, 1921, in Piper City, the third child of nine to Robert P. and Anna Branz Hornickel. She married Robert O. Kietzman on Jan. 26, 1946, in Chatsworth. He died May 4, 1987. Surviving are two daughters, Virginia “Ginger” Kietzman of Paxton and Jayne (Kenneth) Sinn of Melvin; four grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Allen of Lenexa, Kan., Molly Sinn of Buckley, Jenny (Josh) Foley of Senoia, Ga., and Jeffrey (Jessi) Sinn of El Paso; eight great grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Vivian Hornickel of Gilman and Judy Hornickel of LaSalle; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters. Gerry graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1938. She then went on to Paris School of Nursing in Paris, Ill., and graduated in 1942. She was a registered nurse at area hospitals and nursing homes. She also helped her husband farm. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Melvin and The Roberts American Legion Auxiliary. She loved to crochet and read and was a great fan of the Chicago Cubs.

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Obit of Daniel Lee Andrist

Daniel (“Dan”, “Danny”) Lee Andrist, 71, of Chatsworth, IL died peacefully on January 29, 2019 surrounded by close friends and family. Dan spent his youth in Worth, IL as the son of Dorothy and Arthur Andrist. He worked for many years at Union Carbide Corp. (later Viskase) and more recently at Sears Logistics. He was skilled in many trades and held a special place in his heart for his dogs. Dan leaves behind his adult children, Timothy Meier, Danette (Anton), Jeff (Patricia), Brenda and JoAnne and eight grandchildren, Anna, Alaina, Allison, Carson, Grace, Nathan, Logan, and Evan. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers William and Arthur Jr., son, John Meier and his grandson, David Meier. Dan will be laid to rest at Brenton Township Cemetery in Piper City, IL on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Those who desire may make memorial donations in memory of Dan to the American Lung Association by visiting https://www.lung.org