George M. Christensen

CRYSTAL LAKE – George M. Christensen passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at age 81.

He was born Sept. 12, 1938, in Chicago, the son of the late Charles and Dagmar (nee Gustafson) Christensen.

George worked for 50 years at the Daily Herald in Arlington Heights. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army as a tank commander and chaplain's assistant.

George is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn; his sons, Kevin (Lolita), and Kenneth Christensen; granddaughters, Autumn and Breanna Christensen; his sister, Joyce Jackson; nephew, David (Lynn) Jackson; niece, Julie (Gerard) Mooney; greatnieces, Brooke and Taylor Mooney and Ava Jackson; and dear friend, Ralph Wineman. 

For online condolences, visit www.davenportfamily.com.

 

Michael William Farrell

MORRIS – Michael William Farrell, 69, of Morris, died March 14, 2020, at Loyola-Maywood Medical Center, just 10 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, eventually determined to be an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Mike was born in Winona, Minnesota, on Sept. 27, 1950, the son of Mary Ellen Wilson Farrell and Francis M. Farrell. He was educated in Winona's public schools and received his bachelor's degree in history in 1972 from Ripon College in Wisconsin. After two years of master's degree studies in journalism at the University of South Carolina, Mike joined the staff of the Morris Daily Herald, where he worked for the next 36 years as a reporter and editor until his retirement in 2010. Mike's diligent and accurate reporting on local politics and government kept the citizens of the area well-informed for decades and won him several awards for his reporting and writing. In 1982, he married Charlotte M. Bohner, an educator and IT specialist, and together they formed an indissoluble partnership that flourished for 37 years, until her death in 2019. Active contributors to many facets of the Morris community, both before and after retirement, Mike and Charlotte also traveled widely both in the United States and the world, including Russia, China, Europe, Central and South America, and a photographic safari in Africa. Avid students of history, Mike and Charlotte included every extant presidential library in their travels within the U.S. Mike's hobbies included sports, especially following the Twins, Vikings and Ripon College teams, as well as gardening and reading history.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Martin Farrell, of Ripon.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook, upload photographs, or share Michael's memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com.

 

Laura A. Fraembs

IOWA CITY – Laura A. Fraembs, 60, of Lynn Center, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.  

Laura was born May 6, 1959, in Champaign, a daughter of Frank A. and Janet (Railsback) Fraembs.

She graduated from Charleston High School and Eastern Illinois University, Class of 1981. She began her newspaper career in May 1981 with the Moline Dispatch. In her career, she saw mergers and changes that she accepted with grace. Laura earned the respect of many over the years. She was always there to lend a hand to others and offer her input. Her attitude, intelligence and strong work ethic led her to become an associate managing editor of the Dispatch/Argus and the Quad City Times. Laura loved her work and she enjoyed challenging herself and others. Outside of her full-time job, she owned a farm in rural Henry County, where she cared for her horses and dogs. She was vice president of the Quad-City Dog Obedience Club and she loved to ride horses.

Left to cherish her memory are her significant other, Kurt Allemeier; parents, Frank and Janet Fraembs, Charleston; sisters, Lisa Fraembs, Marshall. and Linda (Mike Matulis) Fraembs, Pleasant Plains; aunt Dorothy Fraembs, Cincinnati, Ohio; cousins, Darah Fraembs, Cincinnati; Steve Railsback, Eric Railsback and Kathy Sabatke, all of Colorado.  Laura is also survived by many dear friends whom she cared for greatly.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

 

Mark Hinojosa

CHICAGO – Mark Hinojosa headed the Tribune's photo staff in the 1990s and then was the paper's associate managing editor of multimedia, serving as a liaison between the Tribune's print, broadcast and online newsgathering efforts.

Hinojosa later was a journalism professor at the University of Missouri.

"He was always years ahead of everyone else in storytelling technique, from the film­ to ­digital (photography) revolution to video to data visualization," said former Tribune Associate Managing Editor for Photography Robin Daughtridge. "He expected the best (from) everyone around him, driving us to new heights in photojournalism."

Hinojosa, 63, died Feb. 20 of complications from multiple myeloma at his home in Columbia, Missouri, said his wife of more than 31 years, Katherine Foran. Hinojosa had been diagnosed with the disease in 2012.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hinojosa received a bachelor's degree in 1978 from Pepperdine University. He worked in a camera store in Santa Monica, California, before being hired as an intern at the Wilkes­-Barre Times Leader newspaper.

Hinojosa's first full-time newspaper job was at The Kansas City Star, where he worked from 1979 until 1987, first as a staff photographer and then as a photo editor.

He was part of a team that was awarded the 1982 Pulitzer Prize for covering the 1981 Hyatt Regency Kansas City hotel walkway collapse that killed 114 people.

He worked at New York Newsday before joining the Tribune in 1991 as an assistant photo editor, managing the photography process for the paper's features, sports and metro news sections. Hinojosa became associate managing editor of photography in 1993, overseeing a staff of 65 photographers, photo editors and photo lab staff. He became associate managing editor for multimedia in 1999.

"He was the best boss I ever had at the Chicago Tribune," said Tribune columnist Ellen Warren. "And when I'd walk into his office, he had nothing but time to talk about politics, office gossip and, of course, photography."

Daughtridge called Hinojosa "brazen, brilliant and endlessly curious," and noted his passion for diversity – both in the newsroom and among the subjects he covered.

"He pulled diverse talent from around the country and the world, and grew an already great staff to a collective of independent storytellers," she said. "He produced documentaries, anticipating the move to online docs years ahead of the competition."

Hinojosa hired Pancho Bernasconi, now a Getty Images executive, as a sports photo editor in 1995. Bernasconi, who later served with Hinojosa on a Pulitzer Prize jury, said Hinojosa taught him how to be an effective journalist and photo editor.

"He taught me a lot about how to be with my staff and how to have a bunch of different voices come together each day, creating a cohesive and diverse staff," Bernasconi said.

One Tribune project that Hinojosa was especially proud of, his wife said, was the 2005 "Crossing Borders" series, which explored the risks that female immigrants have taken to traverse cultures and time zones in search of new lives.

Hinojosa expanded the project to include audio and video components, which were featured on the Tribune's website and the now-defunct CLTV cable channel. Hinojosa also orchestrated the Tribune's involvement in the 2008 documentary film "At the Death House Door," about a death house chaplain at a Texas prison who questioned whether Texas had executed an innocent man in 1989.

"He loved working with reporters and photojournalists who understood that digital offered new and ever more compelling ways to share the news and tell stories that mattered and changed lives," Foran said.

Hinojosa helped edit a 2000 book, "Americanos: Latino Life in the United States," which chronicled U.S. Hispanics' contributions to the United States and cultures. The book was a companion to a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit nationwide.

After leaving the Tribune in 2008, Hinojosa oversaw interactive media at the Detroit News from 2008 until 2015, when he joined the University of Missouri School of Journalism as an associate professor of convergence journalism.

“He worked with students on weekly deadlines ­coaching their multimedia storytelling. He was meticulous at times and demanded pristine audio. (And) he fought to ensure students had access to the best quality equipment," said Lynda Kraxberger, Missouri's associate dean for undergraduate journalism studies.

Kathy Kiely, a journalism professor at Missouri, called Hinojosa "one of those rare people in the business who was both good at the craft but also a great manager and teacher."

"The students here would say that Mark was a tough taskmaster but they loved him because he treated them as an equal and he didn't ask any more of anybody else than he asked of himself," Kiely said.

Hinojosa taught his final class Feb. 5. Recent projects included working with Kiely on a video for a Stars and Stripes Museum fundraiser, creating a video for a local arts organization's annual fundraiser, and recently completing a podcast with a former student, Madi Lawson.

"He was thrilled to help inspire and prepare the next generation of journalists," Foran said. "I think he surprised himself to discover how much he loved this final chapter of his professional life."

Hinojosa also is survived by a son, John Luke; two daughters, Maria and Isabella; and three sisters, Sybil Coyner, Linda Brener and Patricia.

 

Mike Jones

CENTRALIA – William Michael "Mike" Jones, 71, of Centralia went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia.

Mike was born June 3, 1948, in Centralia, the beloved son of Jeanne Jones and the late Edward "Sonny" F. Jones Jr.

He married the love of his life, Sheree Rose Springer, on Oct. 2, 1982, thus celebrating 37 years of life together.

Mike was baptized at the First United Methodist Church in Centralia as a child, confirmed into the church as a teenager, and remained a faithful member by serving on various committees including Pastor Parish, Board of Trustees, and Finance. He was a Sunday School teacher for many years and his beautiful tenor voice graced the choir for more than 56 years. He graduated from Centralia High School in 1966, Kaskaskia College in 1968, and the University of Illinois in 1970 with a degree in communications. He always enjoyed writing and was active in journalism early on as a reporter for the CHS newspaper, Sphinx, and as editor of the Kaskaskia College Scroll. Mike returned to Centralia to begin his first and only career with the Centralia Sentinel, where over the span of more than 37 years he held many positions including part-time sports reporter, area editor, city editor, managing editor, and senior news editor. Michael had a solid passion for giving back to the community he had loved as a child by serving on many local boards including the Salvation Army, Centralia History Museum, and the Board of Trustees at St. Mary's Hospital. It was Mike who spearheaded an effort to return Centralia's rich tradition of this community's historic promise for the future through the erection of the sign "Centralia, Your Opportunity" at the corner of Broadway and Oak. He was considered to be a trusted messenger of the news with his unbiased and integrous reporting. Through the keystrokes of his two-fingered typing skills, Mike served as a host to many stories that impacted the lives of our community. He was considered a fixture at the Centralia Police Station and the eyes and ears of a generation of loyal readers. It was his gifted intellect and talented writing that would showcase the stories he reported, including an annual grocery price check each January, coverage of local events, and interviews with recognizable figures including Jesse Jackson, Sen. Barack Obama, Tiny Tim, Paul W. Tibbits IV, Sir Peter Imbert, the head of Scotland Yard and Sam Walton. He sat in on and reported on so many meetings and gatherings, he was often considered an honorary member of many organizations in the Centralia area. Mike also possessed a very witty sense which led to many famous April Fool's stories including Centralia being located on a major international highway, the Concord landing at the Centralia airport, an alligator being loose in Centralia sewers (he even received a phone call from Australia about this story), and the towns of Centralia, Wamac, and Central City merging to become CenWamaCity. Mike's first love was meteorology, though he chose journalism as his longtime career because "things happen and you never know what's coming next." He wasn't the biggest fan of math and knew that was important for a career in meteorology. Those who knew Mike best are thankful that math wasn't his strong suit because he became a staple in the pages of the Centralia Sentinel publications and one of the most trusted journalists who was truly appreciated and respected by the community. Mike's passions were reading history books, listening to classical music, traveling the world, watching the St. Louis Cardinals play ball, cuddling with his girlfriends (his cats) and, unsurprisingly, tuning in to the Weather Channel throughout the day. 

He is survived by his wife, Sheree; his only son, Jeff (Laura); mother Jeanne; beloved little sister, Jan Jones Heischmidt (Ed) and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Edward "Sonny" Jones Jr, grandparents, Edward F. Sr. and Gertrude Jones, and grandparents Fred and Louise Hellmeyer.

Visit www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and to submit Online Condolences for the family.

 

Ruth Irene Klingel

SPRINGFIELD – Ruth Irene Klingel, 84, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020, at Regency Care. Irene was born September 22, 1935, in Polo, the daughter of Charley R. and Ruth C. Cox. She married John W. Klingel, Jr., on Sept. 22, 1957, at the Polo Methodist Church. They lived in Mt. Morris until 1967 when they moved to Springfield. John preceded her in death April 20, 2001. Irene was a member of First United Methodist Church in Springfield. Her employment history spanned a period of 52 years, beginning in 1953 in Mt. Morris and ending in 2005 when she retired from The State Journal-Register after 27 years. Irene's family and many friends were her greatest source of pride and joy.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, Stanley Cox, Richard Adams and his wife Madeline, Donald Cox and his wife Joyce, one sister, Shirley Hughes and her husband Galen, a niece, Diana Erhart, and a nephew, James Prather.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews: David (Renee) Adams, Cheryl Prather, Josalinde (Mark) Blevins, Penny (Scott) Reining, Heidi Lester, Jim (Sherry) Cox, Tim Cox, Kim (Tim) Kasper, Donald Klingel, Linda Figge and Vickie (Bob) Bentzinger.

 

Daniel F. Manoyan

WAUKEGAN – Daniel Franklin Manoyan passed away late on the evening of April 20, 2020, at

the age of 69 years old.

Born in Waukegan on Sept. 30,1950, to an immigrant father from Armenia, Mr. Edward Manoian, and Elaine Manoian (nee Fox), Daniel went on to graduate from Waukegan High School in 1968.

After high school he was admitted to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with a BA in Journalism in 1972. Soon after graduating from Illinois, Dan began his

professional career as a sports writer with the Kenosha News, spending the next five years covering local sports in the Kenosha area. Never quite forgetting his Waukegan roots, however, Dan decided to join the sports staff at the Waukegan News-Sun in 1977. As a columnist for his hometown newspaper in Waukegan, he fulfilled his lifelong dream to become a leading voice within this community that had provided his father with the opportunity to create a new life for both himself and his children here in America. In 1988, Dan left the Waukegan News-Sun to take a position at the Dallas Morning News, which at that time was one of the leading sports sections in the country. In 1992, Dan used his four years of experience working at the Dallas Morning News to land himself a job with another major newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. From 1992 to his retirement in 2009, Dan covered many sports teams hailing from the State of Wisconsin, including the Green Bay Packers, UW football and basketball, and UWM basketball. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel also asked Dan to cover several PGA Tour events during his career. As a golf enthusiast himself, he particularly enjoyed covering these events, and in later years considered himself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see (and play) some of the very greatest golf courses in the world. In 2007, Dan published his first book, titled “Men of Granite.” As an Armenian-American, Dan took great pride in telling the story of a group of small­-town, first- and second-generation immigrants who came together to achieve greatness in their new country. Dan was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame for his work on “Men of Granite” in 2013. Retirement did not stop Dan from writing. In fact, in 2012, Dan published “Alan Ameche: The Story of "The Horse", his second book. Above all else, however, Daniel considered his sons, Edward Charles Manoyan (33) and Randall Thomas Manoyan (30), as his crowning achievements. Both Edward and Randall will miss their father tremendously.

Daniel is also survived by his loving sisters, Barbara Burke (Lone Rock, Wisconsin) and Judith Dembinsky (Wadsworth, Illinois), as well as his nephew, Richard Dembinsky, and his nieces, Elaina Burke-Solie and Laura Burke-Jarrell.

Daniel was a first-class father, a loving sibling and uncle, and a devoted friend to a great many. 'Minnow' will be deeply missed by all those fortunate to have known him, The Manoyan family asks that all tokens of condolence be addressed to The Manoyan Family, 131 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140.

 

John Allen 'Jack' Mehaffey

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – John Allen "Jack" Mehaffey, age 83, The Villages, Florida, died Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at his home.

He was born in Brainerd, Minnesota, the son of the late Scott and Belva Mehaffey.

Mr, Mehaffey spent his entire career in the newspaper and print media business beginning as a

newsboy. One of his companies pioneered the distribution of pre-printed advertising material through newspaper networks. Additionally, he was associated with the folks at The Advertiser of Antioch for nearly four decades. He was a benefactor to developmentally disabled people and victims of mental illnesses. The family stated, "Service to others was his passion." He is published in Who's Who In America, The World, Media and Communications, Advertising, Industry and Finance and "Outstanding People of the 20th Century." He was an inaugural inductee to Brainerd High School's Outstanding Achievement Hall of Fame in 1999. He was a recipient of the Naples (Florida) GEM award for his community service. He received various awards from Press Associations and others over decades including an Editorial Award for campaigns to improve conservation and flood control in Illinois and Indiana in the 1960s. The American Newspaper Publishers' Association, and Missouri and New York Press Association honored him for community service. Both The National American Legion and National Veterans of Foreign Wars honored him with Special American Patriotism awards. Among his many awards are; The Naples Gem Award, Iwo Jima Award, U.S. Constitution Award, Special Patriotic Award by U.S. Marine Corps. "Dare to Dream It; Work to Achieve It." It's the American Way. He participated in special Bicentennial ceremonies at the Liberty Bell, Independence Park, Philadelphia, in 1976 to observe, dedicate and preserve the United States Constitution's First Amendment, assuring freedom of speech and a free press. He was selected by American Heritage Research for inclusion in the Library of Human Resources "In recognition of professional and civic attainments within the community of America, recognized by the citizenry of the Nation accorded to outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the American Republic" (Bi­Centennial, 1976). He was a member of many local, state, national and industry organizations including: Charter member St. Joseph's Medical Center Foundation, Lions International, National Alliance for the Mentally III, National Press Club, Washington D.C., International Press Club of Chicago, Chicago Headline Club, Naples Press Club, Motion Picture and Television Assn., FoundingOneThousand, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Performing Arts, Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, Naples Southwest Florida Conservancy, National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Optimist International, Life Member Paul Bunyan Nature Center, Rotary International, Sigma Delta Chi Society of Professional Journalists, Verified Audit of Circulations Board of Governors and Circulation Verification Council Advisory Board. Lifetime honorary member of the Marine Corps League of America, Other memberships included the Elks, Moose Lodge, Port Royal and Pelican Island Yacht Clubs, Naples, Florida. He was raised in the Park Methodist Church, Brainerd.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Jean; sons, Scott and Chris; parents; and sister, Patricia Cain.

He is survived by one son, Mark (Beth) of Antioch; three grandsons. Lance, Justin, Ryan; four great-grandsons, Jackson, Camden, Austin, Kaedyn; and his devoted companion, Leontine Hollingsworth.

Memorials may be made to the Association for Individual Development, 309 New Indian Trail Court, Aurora, IL 60506.

 

Donald E. Phillips

HEYWORTH – On Friday, March 20, 2020, Donald E. Phillips, 85, died of natural causes at home near Heyworth. By his side were family members including Peggy, his wife of more than 63 years.

Born Aug. 8, 1934, in Kansas City, Kansas, Donald Ernst Phillips, the son of Russell Augustus and Theresa Irene (Ernst) Phillips, he grew up in Du Quoin.

Phillips graduated from Du Quoin High School in the class of 1952. He attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where he earned his bachelor's degree in journalism in 1956. He was a reporter, photojournalist, and editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, the Egyptian.

After college, Phillips worked as a news writer with the Marion Daily Republican in Marion. In 1960, he accepted a position as a writer with the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA), where he worked for the balance of his career. On June 10, 1974, Phillips launched Farm Week, a weekly newspaper he created and developed for IAA which focused on farming and the Illinois agricultural industry. He served as FarmWeek's first editor. 

Don is survived by Peggy; their sons, G. Michael Phillips (Marlene) of Pasadena, California, Steven Phillips (Sue) of Greenview, and David Phillips (Kelley) of Heyworth. In addition, Don is survived by several grandchildren and great ­grandchildren.

His parents preceded him in death. 

To read more about Phillips, visit www.calvertbelangeebruce.com.

 

Nick Poulos

CHICAGO – Nick Poulos, age 94, went to eternal life on April 12, 2020.

During WWII, Nick joined the U.S. Navy, and served in the Pacific Theater. Following his military service, he attended the University of Illinois, and graduated with a degree in journalism. He started his career with the Chicago City Bureau, and from there he went to the Chicago Tribune, where he became financial editor. During this period, he also served as president of the Chicago Press Club. From the Tribune, he went to the First National Bank of Chicago, as vice president in charge of Domestic and International Press Relations. From the bank, he went back to his roots as business editor of the Atlanta Constitution, where he worked until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Georgia, his loving parents, Thomas and Martha Gianacopoulos, and his brothers, Gus Gianas and Jim Gianas.

He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Andrea Gianas, Francine Gianas and Katherine Pazoles, and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Nick's caretakers, Maria and Sally, for their devoted care.

Memorial tributes may be made in Nick's name to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1017 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, IL 60610.

 

Tommie Lou Scalzitti

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Tommie Lou Scalzitti died Thursday, March 19, 2020, while

in the care of JourneyCare Hospice at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Tommie Lou was born Feb. 21, 1929, in Sylacauga, Alabama, to Thomas Newton and Mary Laurena (nee Pruitt) Williams.

She was a genuine "Southern belle" and raised in rural Alabama. Tommie met the love of her life, the late Guy Scalzitti of Chicago, on a blind date while Guy, a decorated World War II veteran, was enrolled in Officers' Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, during the Korean War. Married in 1951, the newlyweds moved to the Chicago area eventually settling in Arlington Heights. A graduate of Birmingham Business College, Tommie enjoyed a long career with the Daily Herald suburban newspaper, where she held a variety of positions from selling subscriptions over the phone to office manager and eventually displaying her writing skills authoring the daily obituaries. Her Daily Herald colleagues also relied on Tommie to organize and administer a wide variety of office sports pools. Tommie Lou also supported Guy in his home-based income tax preparation firm helping expand the business to serve more than 600 clients. An avid volunteer in the Arlington Heights community, Tommie Lou was active in the Disabled American Veterans, the Ladies Auxiliary and St. James Catholic School, where her children were enrolled.

Tommie Lou was a fantastic cook "famous" for her preparation of Southern delicacies and family style Italian feasts. Attended by loving care­givers, Tommie was able to reside in her own home until her passing. Tommie is survived by her children Larry (Judy) Scalzitti, Gary (Sofia) Scalzitti, and Mary (Jim) Barrett; her grandchildren, Patrick (Heather) Scalzitti, Thomas (Katie) Scalzitti, Daniella Scalzitti and Christina (John) Sanecki, Rachel (Conor) Kennedy, Jimmy Barrett; her great-grandchildren, Abbey, Maeve and John, Jr.; and her brother, Donald (Mary) Williams. She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy J. Scalzitti; her parents; and her brothers, John Robert and Larry Gene Williams.

In consideration of the health concerns and gathering restrictions due to COVID­19, the funeral service was private.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

 

Jean D. Scott

LEE SUMMIT, Mo. – Jean Dianne (Wessel) Scott, 80, formerly of Princeton, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at the Wilshire Lakewood Care Center in Lee Summit, Missouri.

Jean was born July 7, 1939, to the late Irving and Dorothy (Tolene) Wessel in Princeton.

She was a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Class of 1961, and received her Master of Education, Class of 1964, from the University of Illinois. She married James W. Scott on Feb. 23, 1963, and they had one child, Brian. She and James divorced in 1981. She was a reading teacher in the Riverview Gardens and Ladue School Districts in St. Louis, Missouri; a reading teacher in the Proviso School District in Hillsdale, Illinois; English teacher at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon; and freelance writer for the Bureau County Republican newspaper. She was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Princeton and the Bureau County Home Economist Organization. Jean enjoyed traveling, having been to Europe nearly a dozen times including Greece, Italy, Germany, England, Ireland, Norway and Sweden. She also traveled throughout the United States including New England, Michigan and Hawaii. She enjoyed reading books and loved seeing movies. Jean was an active member of her church and enjoyed studying contemporary Christian theology. She loved times with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Brian (Amy) Scott of Lee Summit, Missouri; one granddaughter, Hillary Scott; two brothers, Norman (Mary) Wessel of Princeton and Verle (Linda) Wessel of Birmingham, Alabama; three nephews, David Wessel and family of DeKalb, Keith Wessel and family of Homewood, Alabama, and Jeffery Rocke and family of Burns, Tennessee; two nieces, Julie Grunke and family of Yorkville, and Jennifer Waldrop and family of Murray, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Dorothy Wessel; one sister, Carol Rocke; her stepmother, Alice Wessel; and one sister-in-law, Kay Wessel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.norbergfh.com.

 

Billy Tucker

KANKAKEE – Billy E. Tucker, 58, of Kankakee, passed away Friday, April 3, 2020, at his home. 

Tucker was born Oct. 31, 1961, in Kankakee, the son of L.A. and Curlie Wilson Tucker.

He was baptized at Zion Gate Missionary Baptist Church in 1993 by the Rev. Kenneth McEastland. He graduated from Eastridge High School in 1980 and served our country in the U.S. Marines. Billy was employed by The Daily Journal in Kankakee for 15 years, and by Baker and Taylor in Momence. He coached the Eastside Bulldogs for 15 years. His other sports interests were track and field, football and baseball. Billy had a loving and caring heart and enjoyed being the life of everyone's party.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Bryson Tucker, of Kankakee; two children who he helped raise, Dennarius Fisher and Carlesha Springer, both of Kankakee; a goddaughter, Tajai Martin, of Kankakee; four sisters and one brother-in-law, Ella and Franklin Richardson, of Columbus, Mississippi, Nena Yarborough, Pernola Tucker and Dorothy Rutledge, all of Kankakee; two brothers, Carl Tucker, of Kankakee, and Wayne Henry, of Minnesota; two aunts, Ida Burney, of Bunker Hill, Indiana, and LeAnna Wilson, of Kankakee; uncles, Pearlie Wilson, Frank Tucker and Walter Sykes, all of Kankakee, and Johnnie Wilson, of Kokomo, Indiana; nieces, Terrica Lee, of Columbus, Ohio, Catrice and Tim Jones, of Chicago, Debbie and Tom Ivy, Shainia and Shaitia Wells, Sharon Surell and Dorian Jennings, all of Kankakee, Tyesha and Michael Jordan, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Pernola and Ernie Barnes, of Mesa, Arizona; nephews, Eddie Louis Tucker Jr., of Wisconsin, Maurice Tucker, Scotty Willis and Naigee Bailey, all of Kankakee, Wayne Wells, of Atlanta, Georgia, Franklin Jr. (Shell) Richardson, Michael (Shondalyn) Richardson and Christopher (Clarisse) Richardson, all of Columbus, Mississippi; special friends, Vincent Martin, Gail Lawrence and Mario Thomas, all of Kankakee; cousin, Jeffrey Sykes, of Bloomington; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; maternal grandparents, Roosevelt and Annette Wilson; paternal grandparents, Louis and Emma Tucker; three brothers, Eddie L. Tucker, Leon Tucker and Andrew Harris; a nephew, Eddie Tavares Willis­ Tucker; aunts, Lula Sykes, Iris Wilson, Annie Tucker and Louise Tucker; uncles, Neil Niles and WC. Tucker; and special cousin, Mona L. McKnight.

Please go to laxmortuary.com to send condolences.