Mrs. Donna L. White, Galesburg Chapel

77, of 365 S. Whitesboro St., Galesburg, IL died at 12:30 PM Monday, November 19, 2007 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.
She was born on July 13, 1930 in Burlington, IA, the daughter of Glade and Ester Brewer Kelly. She was raised by her mother and step father, Ester and Earl Johnson. She married William W. White in Galesburg on March 25, 1951. He preceded her in death on October 9, 1995.
She is survived by a son, William M. White of Galesburg, a daughter, Kathleen A. Kennedy of Galesburg; a special friend who was like a daughter, Laura Ruhl of Galesburg; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Williamson on January 29, 2000 and her parents.
She worked at the Teflon factory in Elgin; was a hostess and waitress at Floyds Restaurant in Chicago for many years, and was site manager at the Community Center in Galesburg for 18 years. She retired in 1999. She was a 1948 graduate of Galesburg High School. She was a member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church where she was involved with cooking for dinners, as well as serving on the planning and cleaning committees. She had lived in California, the Rockford area and returned to Galesburg in 1972.
Graveside services will be 3:00 PM Friday, November 30, 207 at Memorial Park Cemetery with Joe Patterson officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Hinchliff - Pearson – West Galesburg Chapel. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Mrs. Gloria J. Johnson, Galesburg Chapel

gloriajohnson.jpg62, 480 Edwards Ave., Galesburg, died at 10:20 PM Sunday, November 25, 2007 at home.
She was born June 16, 1945 in Pelican Rapids, MN, the daughter of Albert and Myrtle Anderson Seidel. She married Dennis D. Johnson on July 6, 1963 in Pelican Rapids. He survives.
Also surviving is a son, Darrell (and Heidi) Johnson, Minneapolis, MN and 4 brothers, Merle Seidel, Detroit Lakes, MN, Ernest Seidel, Pelican Rapids, Gordon Seidel, Pelican Rapids, and Harvey Seidel, Fargo, ND.
She worked at the Galesburg Clinic for many years and then worked for Dr. Irene Caruso. She co-owned Johnson Wall Coverings in Galesburg, along with her husband, for the past 26 years and worked full time there for the last 10 years.
She was a member of First Church of God in Galesburg. She was a long time member and currently the chairperson of the After 5 Christian Women’s Group. Prior to joining the First Church of God, she was a Sunday school teacher at the Wataga Congregational Church for many years.
She graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1963.
Funeral will be 11 AM Friday at First Church of God. The Rev. Paul Bickel will officiate. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Thursday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral. Memorials may be made to First Church of God or Community Hospices of America. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Mr. LaVergne D. DeForest, Galesburg Chapel

j0399574.jpgdeforest.jpg89, 973 N. Farnham St., Galesburg, died at 9:58 PM Tuesday, November 6, 2007 in Seminary Manor.
He was born March 15, 1918 in Galva, IL, the son of David DeWitt and Pearl Winona Lohman Murray DeForest. He married Dorothy Jane Daley on August 2, 1945 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on August 18, 1994. He then married Nelda F. Dikeman Goodwin on July 5, 1995 in Defiance, OH. She survives.
Also surviving are 5 sons, Michael D. (and Debbie) DeForest, Galesburg, Kevin DeForest, Knoxville, IL, Brian DeForest, Galesburg, Dennis (and Karen) DeForest, Hamilton, IN, and Shawn (and Amy) DeForest, Lexington, NC, a daughter, Terri (and Dennis) Hausvick, Roscoe, IL, a stepson, Tom (and Debra) Goodwin, Galesburg, a stepdaughter, Peggy Boyer, Holiday, FL, 15 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, and 5 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Patrick on September 26, 1974, a sister, Lorraine Parrish, and 2 stepsons.
He was a pilot who first soloed at the age of 15 while living in California. He operated the Feed and Seed Elevator in Knoxville and Galesburg with his father, operated the DeForest Feed and Seed Company in Galesburg, and was a supervisor for Crow Seed Company. He managed WVPC FM Radio in Monmouth and was affiliated with WGIL Radio in Galesburg. He was also a flight instructor, working at local airports and also for 22 years at Carl Sandburg College’s Aviation Program and at Illinois State University.
He served as a Captain in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII as a flight instructor.
He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1936 and lived most of his life here. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Toastmaster Club. He enjoyed flying, instructing, and building airplanes.
Cremation will be accorded. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Friday, November 30, 2007 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Father Ernest Pizzamiglio and Monsignor Dale Wellman will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or Prairieland Animal Welfare Center. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Margaret D. Chiafos, Galesburg Chapel

chiafos.jpg82, of 350 Belle View Ct., Galesburg, IL died at 3:10 AM Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at her home.
She was born August 27, 1925 in Knoxville, IL the daughter of Herbert and Marjorie McNew Zeltner. She married Earl J. Williams. She later married Michael Chiafos in April 12, 1979 in Little Rock, AR. He survives.
Also surviving is one son, David A. Williams of Bettendorf, IA; two daughters, Linda Sue Duenckel of Hemet, CA and Julie Elizabeth Moore of Marion, AR; one brother, Herbert Zeltner of Galesburg; eight grandchildren, Christopher Williams, Margaret Jean Harryman, Adrianna Duenckel, Jessica Moore, Curtis Moore, Brittney Harryman, Francesca Harryman, and Regina “Jeannie” Gerst. She was preceded in death by her parents, her Aunt Lillie who raised her, one sister, Jean McGahey, and one grandson, Jason Lee Moore.
She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1943. She also graduated from St. Francis Nursing School in Peoria in 1945, where she was valedictorian of her class. She was co-owner of the Earl Theater in Knoxville, owned a dress shop in Macomb, IL, worked as a dental receptionist in Burlington, IA, sold furniture at Pidgeon’s in Cedar Rapids, IA and later sold furniture for Montgomery Wards in Davenport, IA for five years. She retired in 1987. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church and a member of the Women’s Club within the church. She was a life master of playing bridge.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 AM Friday at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. Paul Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be 4-6 PM Thursday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Private family burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Mrs. Mary Virginia Lynn, Galesburg Chapel

91, 2345 N. Seminary St., Galesburg, died at 10:30 PM Tuesday, November 27, 2007 in Seminary Manor.
She was born June 12, 1916 in Galesburg, the daughter of Victor and Rachel Maude Ball Johnson. She married William Lynn on May 24, 1952 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on November 6, 1978.
Surviving are 2 nephews, Jerry (Karen) Johnson, Chicago and Ronald (Diane) Johnson, Brigham City, UT, 3 great nephews, and 5 great nieces. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Dale B. Johnson, Gale B. Johnson, and Guy Johnson and one sister, Mildred Thomas.
She worked for the former Mayo General Hospital during WWII, for the former Scott Air Force Base in Rantoul and then for the Social Security Administration, both in Galesburg and St. Louis.
She graduated from Galesburg High School, Brown’s Business College, and Knox College. She also attended Washington University in St. Louis.
She was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, the Knox-Lombard 50 year club, and Delta Zeta Sorority.
Funeral will be 1 PM Friday in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Scott Grulke will officiate. Visitation will be noon to 1 PM Friday at the chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Mrs. Kerry Sue Witherell, Galesburg Chapel

kerry-witherell.JPG48, 1259 Bridge Ave., Galesburg, died at 2:34 pm Saturday, November 24, 2007 at her home
She was born January 14, 1959 in Galesburg, IL the daughter of Dale and Margaret Schweigofer Lithander. She married Gregg S. Witherell on May 17, 1980. She is survived by her parents; her husband; two daughters, Kayla Witherell and Teale Witherell both of Galesburg; a son, Micah Witherell of Galesburg.
Also surviving are three brothers, Kim Lithander of Boise, ID, Kirk (and Paula) Lithander of Dayton, OH and Keith (and Julie) Lithander of Boise, ID; an aunt, Rita (and Clarence) Martell of Camarillo, CA; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Kerry graduated from Galesburg High School in 1977 and attended Carl Sandburg College.
In early years Kerry worked in the office at Gates Tire & Rubber, and was then employed for 24 years by Econo-Foods. She later worked as a retail merchandiser for Hallmark Cards.
Kerry was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church where she was part of a Small Group Bible Study, enjoyed activities with Prime Timers, and was a Sunday school helper. Kerry was known by all to be a hard worker and a great homemaker, and could always be counted on to volunteer for school and church projects. She enjoyed shopping and travel, and most important to her was the precious time she spent with her family and friends.
She was a loving wife and mother, passing on her Christian values to all who knew her. Kerry was loved by many, and will be remembered always.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, November 29, 2007 at the Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Lee Johnson and Rev. Kirk Kendall officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be at East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to an education fund for the Witherell children.

Mr. Dale E. McKee, Galesburg Chapel

mckee.jpg89, of Rio passed away at 4:45 pm Saturday, November 24, 2007 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
Dale was born November 19, 1918 in Edgeley, North Dakota. He was the son of James C. and Elizabeth Brown McKee. He married Ruth M. Gregg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence A. Gregg, on July 6, 1947 in Galesburg. They celebrated 60 years of love and devotion this year.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth. Also surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Donald Higgerson of Rio, and grandchildren, Alicia (and Scott) Burge of Mahomet, IL, Jared (and Lindsay) Higgerson of Rio, and Ashley Higgerson of Batavia, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, brother, and sister.
Dale graduated from Galesburg High School and attended Knox College. He continued his education at the University of Illinois where he received a B.S. degree in Animal Science. He and his wife lived on the family farm where they successfully raised and showed Duroc hogs and Angus cattle for many years. Later, he discontinued the purebred herds to concentrate on a commercial crossbred swine herd.
During his career, Dale served as a member of the National Livestock and Meat Board in Chicago where he was part of the executive board and president of the Pork Division. He was also president of the Illinois Pork Producers and ROVA School Board.
In addition, he served on boards at the former United Federal Bank and St. Mary’s Medical Center, was an Elder and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in the Noon Galesburg Rotary Club.
Throughout his life, Dale received numerous awards for his agriculture and lifetime accomplishments.
Dale often served as a cattle and swine judge at county, state, and national shows with special interest in youth projects. However, nothing could compare to the love he had for his grandchildren and the joy he felt watching them grow up. Dale was known for his smile, fairness, and generosity. Everyone that knew him will always remember his loyalty and love to his family and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg with Rev. David Parker officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at Hinchliff - Pearson – West Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg, or the Dale E. McKee Memorial Agriculture Scholarship at ROWVA High School.

Mrs. Evangelina M. Romano, Galesburg Chapel

78, 391 Justin Drive, Galesburg, IL, died at 2:57 PM, Sunday, November 25, 2007 in OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
She was born August 2, 1929 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, the daughter of Genaro and Dolores Sandoval Sanchez. She married Leo X. Romano on November 25, 1953 in Laredo, TX. He survives of Galesburg.
Also surviving is a son, Xavier E. (and Vicky) Romano of Galesburg, a granddaughter, Ali Romano of Galesburg, and 2 sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents and 5 brothers and sisters.
She was a homemaker. She had lived in Southern California for 53 years and in Galesburg since October 30, 2007.
She was a founding member of Damas Latinas, a charitable group responsible for building elementary schools in Mexico and offering university level scholarships to students in the United States and Mexico.
Cremation will be accorded. No service is planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Damas Latinas, c/o 4020 Troon Way, Bonita, CA 91902. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service of Galesburg is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

Mrs. Hazel U. Beadle, Galesburg Chapel

beadle.jpgHazel U. Beadle, 89, of 2026 Christine Dr. Galesburg, IL died 9:15 PM Thursday November 22, 2007 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
She was born September 5, 1918 in Henry County, near Geneseo, IL to R. Frank and June A. Blair Burgeson. She married Irvin F. Oberle January 6, 1940 in Geneseo, IL. She later married Joseph R. Beadle May 22, 1950 in Pittsfield, IL.
She is survived by her husband, a son John F. (wife Sydney) Oberle of Naples, FL; a daughter Sandra K. (husband John) Verplaetse of Cambridge, IL; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a son Patrick “Rick” Oberle October 23, 1990 and a sister.
She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1936 and St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Rock Island, IL in 1939. She worked as a Registered Nurse for Hammond-Henry District Hospital in Geneseo, IL for 23 years and later worked for Galesburg Cottage Hospital for 13 years. She retired in 1976. She was a 30 year member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Galesburg and Women’s Auxiliary of Galesburg Rescue Mission.
Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday November 26, 2007 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Bob Malone officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be made to the Calvary Assembly of God Church or the Rescue Mission.

Mr. Howard W. Wittmer, Galesburg Chapel

j0399574.jpgwittmer.jpg83, of 911 Sunset View Dr., Galesburg, IL died at 10:36 PM Wednesday, November 21, 2007 in OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
He was born on April 20, 1924 in Chicago, IL to Charles and Elizabeth Augusta Wittmer. He married Lorraine Elvira Slaboda on October 25, 1947 in Chicago. She preceded him in death on November 9, 1997.
He is survived by a daughter, Michelle (and Michael) Grabowski of Suwanee, GA; a brother, Ray (and Shirley) Wittmer of Lakewood, CO; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Pudwell of Chicago; his love and friend, Pat Strode of Galesburg; three grandchildren, Derek Grabowski, Keith Grabowski and Benjamin Grabowski, all of Suwanee, GA.
He was a wallpaper hanger and painter for Bobbe & Co in Chicago, retiring in 1989. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hot Springs Village, AR and Chicago Painters Union Local #184. He loved golf and was an avid sports enthusiast.
He served in the US Navy during World War II.
Memorial services will be 11:30 AM Monday, November 26, 2007 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating. There will be no visitation.  Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Hot Springs Village or to a charity of the donor’s choice.