Leona J. Grossman

Leona J. Grossman age 84 formally of Dixon, IL died Sunday November 19, 2017 in Princeton, IL while under the care of Hospice Compassus of LaSalle, IL. Her son Keith A. Grossman and son-in-law, Mike Strauch were at her side. Leona was born on June 5, 1933 in Rock Falls, IL to Byron and Marie Gerringer .  She married the love of her life, Vernon E. Grossman on June 5^th, 1959 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Dixon. He preceded her in death on September 26, 2000.

Visitation will be Monday November 27, 2017 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dixon. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon. Pastor David Shweppe will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon.

Memorials may be made to a scholarship fund to be established for nursing students.  Calvert & Johnson Memorial Homes, Henry, by Mike Strauch is in charge of arrangements.

Leona is survived by her children; Keith A. (Michael D. Strauch), Grossman, of Henry, IL, Mark E. (Veronica Hayes) Grossman, of Amboy and their children – Melissa (Wes), Michelle, Mandy, Mark and Marilynn, Byron E. (Brenda Contreras) Grossman, of Stewartstown, PA and their children – Brandon and Ben, and Kevin D. (Katherine Woessner) Grossman, of Dixon, and their children Katie (Vince), Kyler and Keaton. She also has six great-grandchildren.

Leona graduated from Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital’s nursing school and earned her Masters of Nursing Degree from Northern Illinois University of DeKalb, Illinois in 1985. She was Coordinator of the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Sauk Valley Community College for nearly 30 years prior to her retirement. Leona was a faithful and active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Dixon. Following her retirement, Leona was a pioneer in initiating the Ecumenical Parish Nursing Program that remains active today in several congregations in the Dixon and Sterling communities.  Leona and her husband Vernon enjoyed hunting for antiques in their travels, and operating More Than a Memory Antiques. Leona especially enjoyed time helping others through her nursing talents and Faith in God. She encouraged the best from her students, frequently saying – “We have to teach them to be the best because they’ll be the ones taking care of us when we are old!

Calvert & Johnson Memorial Homes, Henry, by Mike Strauch is in charge of arrangements.

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Vera Lorraine Robison

Vera Lorraine Robison, 85, of Heartland Health Care Center, Henry, formerly of Putnam, passed away Saturday November 4, 2017, 11:43 pm at Heartland Health Care.

Vera was born to Dewey S. and Hazel I. (Daniels) Hodge in the home of her grandparents, William and Minnie Daniels on November 27, 1931, in Putnam, IL.

Vera married the love of her life, Oliver Clark Robison on November 24, 1950. He preceded her in death on May 2, 2014. During the union of their marriage they had three children, Gary (Leah) Robison, of Spring Valley, Vickie (Gary) Gomez, of Anna, Texas and Kevin (Tammy) Robison, of Putnam. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, one sister Eleanor King, of Iowa.

Her parents, one brother, Wilbert Dean Hodge, two grandchildren, Shannon Marie Aber and Daniel Isaiah Robison, preceded her in death.

Vera worked at Smith’s Flower Shop, Henry for Gladys Smith and later. Joan McKitrick. She also worked for Orchid Annie’s, Lacon.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Henry, the Henry United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary, of Putnam County.

Vera served on the Red Stocking Committee for 1976 to 2008.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family graveside service will be held at Putnam Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Red Stocking Fund.

Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is assisting the family with arrangements.

Harley Henkins

September 09, 1938 – October 22, 2017

Funeral Date: Thursday, October 26, 2017

Harley E. Henkins Jr., 79 of Henry died at 1:00 AM Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Heartland Health Care Center in Henry, IL.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, October 26, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, Henry with Pastor Dr. James Friedmeyer, Pastor Terry Brody and Fr. Tom Mizeur officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in Henry City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday at the church with Masonic rites at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.

Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is assisting the family with arrangements.

Harley was born September 9, 1938 in Henry, a son of Harley E. Sr. and Mabel Crook Henkins. He married Patricia A. Onyun on August 22, 1965 in Henry. She survives.

Also, surviving are three children, Doug (Joann) Henkins of Roanoke, Angie (Brad) Earles of Henry and Missy Henkins of Silverthorne, CO; five grandchildren, Lane, Kacey and Kiley Henkins and Payton and Maddie Earles; a sister, Myrtle Jurries of Henry; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Robert, Merle, Raymond, Willard, Francis and Kenneth “Ike”; and two sisters, Betty Shoemake and Gertrude Rutherford.

Harley was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Henry where he was an Elder and a Deacon.

He had worked over 30 years at CILCO Lacon office and was co-owner of Henry Developers.

Harley was very active in the Henry community. He was a member of the Henry Masonic Lodge #119, the Mohammed Shrine in Peoria and the Arab Patrol at the Shrine. He was a member of the Henry Rotary and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He served for many years as Township Supervisor, served on the Summer Rec Board for many years, served on the Cemetery board and was a past president, served over 16 years on the school board and was involved in the consolidation, served on the Regional Board of Education.

Harley and his wife sponsored several foreign exchange students. He enjoyed being a St. Jude Rider for Princeton to Memphis run. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed bowling and playing in the ABC Tournaments and was a member and loved playing golf at the Lacon Country club.

William Buser

February 05, 1953 – October 21, 2017

Funeral Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2017

William Buser, Sr, 64, of Henry, passed away Saturday October 21, 2017, 6:45 pm in Princeton, Illinois.
Visitation will be Wednesday October 25, 2017 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, 513 Carroll St. Henry. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon. The Deacon Bob Murphy will officiate. Cremation rites will follow the services. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Bill was born February 5, 1953 in Peoria, IL to Harry and Alta (Becker) Buser. He married Leona Hofer on May 22, 2010 in Jamaica. Also surviving are his children, Bill (Kim) Buser, of Varna, Beth (Steve) Foley, of Westminster, MD, stepson, Luke Miller, of Henry, his grandchildren, Makayla Nielson, Jessie Foley, Camryn Foley, Calista Foley, Mason Buser and Emilie Buser, two sisters, Norma (Bill) Williams, of Henry and Mary (Bob) Haun, Tiskilwa and one brother, Roger Buser, of Kewanee.
Bill was of the Catholic faith. He had retired from Mexicehm, Henry as a supervisor.
His great joys in life were golf, hunting, boating, vacations, being on the beach and most of all his grandchildren.

 

Timothy Phelps

May 09, 1958 – October 21, 2017

Funeral Date: Sunday, October 22, 2017

Timothy Dale Phelps, 59, of Henry, passed away Saturday October 21, 2017, 6:45 pm in Princeton.
Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will announce a Celebration of Life Service at a later date. Memorials may be made to the ARK, Lacon.
Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tim was born May 9, 1958 in Canton, IL to Dale Eugene and Dorothy Alberta (Van Etten) Phelps.
Surviving are his father, Dale of Covington, IN., his longtime soul mate, Janet Spellious, of Henry, two sisters, Tracy (Ray Heck) Sondag, of Lake Wildwood, Lila Green, of Toluca, two brothers, Michael Phelps, of Covington, IN and Paul (Diane) Myers, of Seminole, FL, nephew, Wade Newhaflen, of LaSalle and his dog, Sugar.
His mother preceded him in death.
Tim had served in the Army reserves. He was a retired sheet metal worker and the “E bay King”.
He loved to spend time playing golf with his best buddies.

Francis Snell

November 26, 1943 – October 15, 2017

Funeral Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017

Francis “Fran” Louis Snell of Cantrall, IL formerly of Henry passed away on October 15, 2017 in Springfield surrounded by his family.

Fran was born November 26, 1943 in Streator, IL to Stanley Joseph and Nora Mae (Brown) Snell and grew up in the Ottawa area. Fran married Roberta Lou Van Ostrand on March 14, 1970 in Henry, IL where they lived before moving to a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA.

Fran Proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War and spent over twelve months in Pleiku, Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Sharpshooters Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army Commendation Medal. Fran was a life member of the VFW.

Fran is survived by his wife, Roberta; Daughter, Theresa Snell and her husband, Chris Warus of Chicago, IL; his son, Christopher Snell and his wife, Cathy of Durham, NC; and his granddaughters, Sophie and Lillian Snell. Fran is also survived by one brother, Dennis and his wife Lisa of Utica, IL.

Besides his parents, Fran was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, and his brothers, Stanley, Gregory and Kenneth.

Fran will be laid to rest on October 21, 2017 in the Henry City Cemetery, Henry, IL in a private ceremony with military rites. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, as Fran’s mother and granddaughter, as well as several extended family members, have been impacted by the disease.

John Myers

December 20, 1934 – October 14, 2017

Funeral Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2017

John Ray Myers, 82, of Morton, formerly of Henry, passed away Saturday October 14, 2017, 2:35 am at Morton Terrace HealthCare Centre, Morton.
Visitation will be Tuesday October 24, 2017, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Henry United Methodist Church, Henry. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 pm. The Rev. Will Meachum will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Private family inurnment will be held at Lacon Cemetery at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Henry United Methodist Church.
Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is in charge of the arrangements.
John was born December 20, 1934 in Danville, IL to the Rev. Selden and Esther (Thompson) Myers. He married Patricia Lynne Hack on December 15, 1959. He later married Dorothy Van Etten Phelps on May 11, 1972. He then married Bronita Remizova on November 11, 2004.
Surviving are his son, Paul (Diane) Myers, of Seminole, FL, grandchildren, Selden Myers, II, Anastasia Myers, and step grandson, Preston Cassell, one brother, Dr. Robert (Alta) Myers, MD, of Peoria, nieces and nephews, Dr. Clifford (Cecilia) Myers, MD, of Peoria, Dr. Kathleen (Dr. Leslie) Johnson, MD, of Brimfield, and Herbert (Audrey) Myers, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, nine grand-nieces and nephews and six great grand-nieces and nephews.
His parents and a grand-nephew, David W. Myers, preceded him in death.
John was Boy Scout in Tremont, Troop 84. He attended Tremont Grade School, and graduated from Hartsburg-Emden High School, class of 1952, graduated from Bradley University in 1956 with a B.A. and from Illinois State University with a Master’s Degree.
He had served his country in the United States Army.
He was an accountant for Illinois Power Company, Decatur, IL, and then taught business Education for 21 years at Tremont, Peoria Limestone and Kewanee Wethersfield. He also was an outside agent for Peoria Ambassador Travel Service for 20 years.
John was a world traveler and prolific travel author. He wrote Around Australia in a Campervan, Spain and Portugal in a Bus and Bradley Basketball Review. He also wrote approximately 500 articles for the Henry News Republican in his column, Traveling with John Myers.
He was a member of the Henry United Methodist Church, where he was a pianist and Summer Music Co-coordinator. He also was a pianist at the Varna Methodist Church, where his grandfather and father had been members in past years.
John loved traveling, photography and his beloved Lake Wildwood. He participated in theater and was active socially while living in Henry.
The family would like to thank the staff of Morton Terrace Health Care Center and Harbor Lights Hospice for all of their care shown to John.

Harold Schlosser

March 03, 1929 – October 11, 2017

Funeral Date: Saturday, October 14, 2017

Harold John Schlosser, 88, of Lacon, IL passed away at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at St. Joseph Nursing Home, Lacon
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Schaab officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Henry. Visitation will be 9 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to Vitas Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
He was born March 3, 1929 on the Schlosser family farm in rural Lacon to Roy and Emma Stang Schlosser.
Surviving is a nephew Bob (Linda) Anderson and niece Linda Watson both of Lacon; three other nieces Debbie Westbrook, Lori Miller, and Lynn Rush all of Oregon; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews whom he loved spending time with and was affectionately known as “Unkie”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Agatha Anderson and Marjorie Hageman, and two brothers Leonard and LeRoy Schlosser; two nieces Kathy McCune and Arnetta Meisenbach, and one nephew David Schlosser.
Harold lived and farmed on the family farm his entire life. He worked at Caterpillar in management for 38 years. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed watching them win the World Series several times during his lifetime. He was a Deputy Grand Knight with the Knight of Columbus, a trustee and later supervisor for Hopewell Township, and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St John XXIII Parish where he took up the collections every Saturday evening up until a few years ago.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Nursing Home and Vitas Hospice for their compassionate care over the past several months.

Rita Smith

July 26, 1953 – October 10, 2017

Funeral Date: Saturday, October 14, 2017

Rita M. Smith, 64, of Henry, passed away Tuesday Oct. 10, 2017, 2:34 am at her home in Henry.
Memorial services will be held Saturday October 14, 2017, 10:00 am at the Henry United Methodist Church. The Rev. Will Meachum will officiate. Private family inurnment in the Henry Cemetery will follow at a later date.
A celebration of Life will be held at Shandy’s (The former bowling alley), Henry following the services. All are invited to attend. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is assisting the family with arrangements.
Rita was born July 26, 1953 in Kewanee, IL to William F. and Marlene (Carlson) Olson. She married Robert Smith on June 17, 1989 in Las Vegas, NV. He survives.
Also surviving are her mother Marlene (Gene) Froland, of Henry, her father, William (Yvonne) Olson, of Mesa, AZ, her children, Erin (Mike) Smith-Wood, of Huntly, Brad (Sibyl) Schrock, of Henry, Eric (Mlinda) Smith, of Ottawa, and Brian (Melissa) Schrock, of Henry, her grandchildren, Hunter, Braden & Harper Schrock, Brian T. Schrock , Angelina Hedrick , Addy & Gavin Wood, Bailey Smith, Alexis Trammel, Caden Smith, Cade Trammel and Connor Andres, her sister, Kristi (Steve) Smith, of Henry, nieces and nephews, Allison Eckberg, Karlie and Kody Olson. Two brothers, Steven and Keith Olson, preceded her in death.
Rita was a member of the Henry United Methodist Church.
She was a hairdresser for over 45 years, owning and operating her own beauty shop.
She was deeply devoted to all of her family.

Rita Swanson

May 22, 1939 – September 28, 2017

Funeral Date: Friday, September 29, 2017

Rita M. Swanson, 78, of Peoria, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017, 10:05 am at Heartland Health Care Center, Henry.

Rita had requested that cremation rites be accorded and no services to held. Memorials may be made to the Lewy Bodies Dementia Association.

Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rita was born May 22, 1939 in Peoria, Illinois to Bernard and Veronica (Cullen) Kemmer. She married Ralph E. Swanson on July 2, 1960 St. Mary’s Cathedral, Peoria, IL. He survives in Peoria.

Also surviving are her children, Timothy (Teresa) Swanson, of Chillicothe, Tammy (Thomas) Meyers, of Peoria and Anthony (Amy) Swanson, of Sparland, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, one brother, William
R. (Norma) Kemmer, of Mossville, two sisters, Roberta Elder, and Elizabeth Kemmer, both of Peoria.

Her parents, one grandchild, four sisters, Mary Buehler, Josephine Rock, Patricia Waibel, and Mildred Kidd, preceded her in death.

Rita graduated from Woodruff High School. She had retired from Lacon Seals Co. She enjoyed being outdoors and fishing.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Heartland Health Care for their care shown to Rita and her family.