96, 280 E. Losey St., Galesburg, died at 11:45 PM Friday, February 29, 2008 in Heartland Health Care Center.
She was born December 18, 1911 in Hamilton County, IN, the daughter of Leslie Ray and Maude Nance Parker.
Velma is survived by 2 sons, David Hoppes, Avon, IL and John Hoppes, Lancaster, PA, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
She was a homemaker and had worked at Anderson Loan Association in Anderson, IN. She graduated from high school in Walnut Grove, IN and from Ft. Wayne Business College. Velma was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Anderson, IN and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Cremation will be accorded. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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82, of 1880 Cornelia Rd., Galesburg, IL died at 2:45 AM Sunday, February 24, 2008 in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
She was born October 19, 1925 in Burlington, CO to Richard F. and Emma M. Brinkhoff Lidke. She married James E. Meyer on June 12, 1949 in Denver, CO. He survives.
Also surviving are 4 daughters, Laura (husband Michael) Davis of Mt. Vernon, IL, Julie (husband Robert) White of Savage, MN, Paula (husband Larry) Cusick of Westminster, CO and Carol (husband Steven) Cramer of Dahinda, IL, 11 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Betty was a homemaker, who attended First Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Soangetaha Country Club and the Knox 50 Year Club. Betty also was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed traveling the world.
Funeral will be 10:30 AM Thursday in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev. Michael Davis will officiate. Visitation will be 10 to 10:30 AM Thursday at the chapel. Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Rescue Mission, the American Lung Association, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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age 47 of 721 W. South St., Galesburg, IL died at 4:35 AM Tuesday February 26, 2008 at her home.
She was born March 11, 1960 in St. Louis, MO the daughter of Arthur M. and Dorothy L. Collins Lewis. She married Louis H. Meminger on August 12, 1989 in Galesburg.
She is survived by her husband, one son, LeeRoy Baker of Galesburg, two daughters, Linda (and Don) Patrick of Greensburg, IN and Amanda (and Geoff) Kennedy of Willis, TX, one step daughter, Jennifer (and Tim) Lair of Rio, IL, one brother, Larry Lewis of Mt. Pleasant, IA, three sisters, Lillian Ringer of Canton, IL, Nancy Braun of AZ, and Melba Lewis of TN, nine grandchildren, and her mother-in-law, Evelyn Hogue of Aledo, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Louis and Leonard Lewis.
She graduated from Canton High School and Carl Sandburg College. She worked in the mail room and print shop at OSF St. Mary Medical Center for seven years.
Cremation will be accorded with memorial services at a later date. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the family. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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76, of 1413 W. Main St., Galesburg died at 8:10 AM Friday February 22, 2008 in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
She was born May 13, 1931 in Brookfield, MO the daughter of Evie and Lottie Lee Hunter Mordecai. She married Jerome Shupe on May 6, 1951 in Brookfield. He survives.
Also surviving is one son, Stephen J. (and Geneva) Shupe of Poplar Bluff, MO; two daughters, Kathey Walker of Galesburg and Becky (and Rick) Wigington of Clemmons, NC; one brother, Gene (and Carol) Mordecai of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; one sister, Carol (and Rondal) Murrain of Purdin, MO; her mother-in-law, Mary M. Shupe of Galesburg; an aunt, Virginia Scheidell of Galesburg; a sister-in-law, Jane Mordecai of Salem, IL; a granddaughter, in which she and Jerome raised, Stacey (and Mathew) Peavy of Vienna, GA; thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Evie Mordecai.
She was a homemaker. She has lived in Galesburg since 1973. She graduated from high school in Brookfield, MO in 1950. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was an avid bridge player. She was a member of the Crazy Eights, Post Scripts, New Comers Alums and served as Vice President in 2007 and President in 2008. She played in various bridge groups. She was called on a lot as a sub because of her abilities and personality and love for the game. She played in women’s marathons. She was a lady who will be remembered by all, for her many talents in china oil painting with Beverly Miller of Cameron, IL. Her goal was perfection in everything she did. She was a member of the Galesburg Women’s Club. She was a past member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother (Nana) and great grandmother. Grandbabies were her true passion.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday at Hinchliff-Pearson–West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev. David Parker will officiate. Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 PM Sunday at the chapel. A service is scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday at the Rhodes Funeral Home in Brookfield, with burial to follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Brookfield. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made to www.h-p-w.com

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85, Galesburg, died at 10:10 AM Wednesday, February 20, 2008 in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
She was born November 2, 1922 in Kewanee, IL, the daughter of Wilbur and Verda Culver Whitcomb and was raised by her mother Verda and her step father, George Goff. Shirley married Jasper Lewis Jones on May 11, 1946 in Knoxville, IL. Jasper preceded her in death on October 20, 2007.
Surviving are 4 daughters, Kathleen Shaw, Galesburg, Yvette (and Dan) Boone, Morristown, TN, Beverly (and William) Nugent, Las Vegas, NV, and Deborah Smith Jones, Galesburg, a son, Richard (and Bonnie) Jones, Galesburg, 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and a sister, Lucille Sonnenberg, Davenport, IA. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers and a sister.
Shirley was a secretary at the former Galesburg State Research Hospital for 27 years, retiring in 1985.
She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1940 and from Brown’s Business College. She was a member of First Christian Church, VFW Post 2257 Auxiliary, and a former member of Professional Secretaries International. She had lived in this area her entire life.
Funeral will be 11 AM Saturday in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev. MJ Fitch and Rev. Greg Fitch will officiate. Visitation will be 10 to 11 AM Saturday at the chapel. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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73, of 1756 Robertson Ave., Galesburg died at 11:20 PM Monday February 18, 2008 at her home.
She was born June 2, 1934 in St. Louis, MO, to Lewis and Dorothy Urma Coop McMann. She married Howard Keith Miller. She later married Henry Nunn April 5, 1958 in Chillicothe, IL. He preceded her in death June 1998.
She is survived by one daughter, Charlotte LaRose of Galesburg, four grandchildren, Eric (and Renee) Nelson, James (and Jennifer) Nelson, Malisa (and Scott) Reed, and Ernie Drowns, Jr. and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Christopher Nunn and one daughter, Blenda Drowns.
She was a driver for the OSF Lab Department in Peoria. She was a driver for Sam Lehmans Dealership in Peoria. She later worked in Sales for K Mart in Galesburg, retiring in 2003. She lived in Peoria for several years and Galesburg for the last 5 years. She attended Hope Wesleyan Church. She enjoyed knitting and crochet.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Friday at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rev. Brian Sexton will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 AM Friday at the chapel. Cremation will be accorded following the service. Scattering of the cremated remains will be in East Linwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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88, formerly of 1339 Knox Hwy 25 Galesburg died at 12:15 AM Thursday February 21, 2008 in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

She was born April 29, 1919 in Galesburg the daughter of Carl A. and June Roush Emstrom. She married Jack N. Watt in Galesburg on November 24, 1951. He died August 25, 2007.

She is survived by two cousins Dwight (Katy) Emstrom of Galesburg and Bette (Gene) Nelson of Henderson, IL. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two sisters Pearl Emstrom and Ruth Emstrom.

She worked as a teacher for 10 years, retiring in 1950. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1937. She graduated from Monmouth College in 1941. She was a member of the Alpha XI Delta Sorority. She was an active member of the Monmouth College Orchestra. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She and her husband made communion bread for several years for the church. She was also very active with Sunday school. She and her husband enjoyed making candies for all their friends and family. She and her husband were caregivers for Henry Inness for 6 years.

She has donated her body to the Anatomical Gift Association in Chicago. Cremation to follow. A graveside service will be held in East Linwood Cemetery at a later date. No Visitation is planned. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Milk Fund c/o Shirley Taylor, Treasurer, Moon Towers 255 W. Tompkins St. Galesburg IL. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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93, of Monmouth Nursing Home formerly of Cameron IL and Mentor OH departed his earthly home to his Heavenly home on February 15, 2008.

Born September 6, 1914 in Buffalo. MO he was the son of Joseph Reece and Margaret Owens Gott. He married Mildred Towsend Mellin in 1950 in Davenport IA. She died in 2000.

Ernie worked as a production worker at John Deer Harvester in Moline IL, then at the Fischer Auto Body Plant in Cleveland OH where he retired from in 1980 after 30 years. He attended the White Palace School in Dallas County MO. Ernie was of Baptist Faith. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter and loved his hunting dogs and special cat Suzzie.

He served in the US Army during WWII. Ernie Gott’s name was drawn from a pool of eligible men from Warren County IL by Franklin Roosevelt’s own hand. Ernie’s enlistment covered stops in California, Australia, New Caledonia and finally Virginia where he was discharged in 1946. In 1945 near the end of the war while he was stationed at a base in Virginia, President Roosevelt died. Ernie was called on as a member of the military police and Honor Guard Unit he served in to perform the duty of pallbearer for Roosevelt, carrying the casket to the Hyde Park, New York burial plot. At the end of the memorial service Ernie had the distinction of handing the folded flag to Eleanor Roosevelt.

Survivors include nephews Wayne Gott of Idaho Falls Idaho, Roger Gott of Sullivan, IL; nieces Beverly Earp of Monmouth IL, Pauline Miller of Decatur, IL, Karen Lowery and Sharen Curtis both of Cameron, IL; one step daughter Virginia Chom of Painsville OH. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Vernon L. and Raymond R. Gott.

Cremation was accorded with internment and full military rites to be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Faith Baptist Church in Galesburg. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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81 of Oquawka and formerly of Abingdon, died at 5:20 pm Saturday, February 16, 2008 at his home in Oquawka.
He was born on February 11, 1927 in Abingdon to Merle and Irma Kilpatrick Simpson. He married Viola Morse on October 5, 1947 in Abingdon. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2008.
Gene is survived by his children, Barbara (and Irvin) Benge of Bushnell, Randy Simpson of Oquawka, Danny (and Patricia) Simpson of Dahinda, IL, Richard (and Sandra) Simpson of Kirkwood and Donald (Vili) Simpson of Port Orchard, WA; his brothers, Terry (and Janice) Simpson of Abingdon, Ed (and Marsha) Simpson of Abingdon, Billy Simpson of Vancouver, WA; his sisters, Carmen Thrasher, Carol (and Bunk) Lewis, Cleta Boydstun and Joyce Fishel all of Abingdon; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Randal Simpson, one sister Waneta Quinn and two brothers Roger Simpson and Gerald Simpson.
He had lived in Oquawka since 1979 and prior to that lived in Abingdon. He worked at the Abingdon Pottery.
He served in the Navy during WW II. He was a member of Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 in Abingdon.
He loved to hunt and fish growing up. He later enjoyed woodworking.
Graveside service will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the Abingdon Cemetery. Rev. Danny E. Hunt will officiate. Military rites will be provided by Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381. There will be no visitation. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements for the family.
Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice.

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Kenneth Louis Klaas, 75, of Galesburg, IL, passed away on Feb. 14, at St Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Born June 1, 1932 in Louisburg, WI, to Raymond and Loretta (Kuhle) Klaas, the eighth of eleven children, he was married to Shirley Ley on July 24, 1951 in Dubuque, IA, and to this union were born five daughters. On Sep. 4, 1982 Ken was married to Judith (Voinoff) Ross in Dubuque. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Chicago LDS Temple. Ken became the step-father to Judie’s three children. In his early years, Ken worked as a bricklayer and carpenter in his family’s construction company. He then worked for Prudential Insurance for 25 years as an agent, underwriter, and manager, retiring in 1987. Ken and Judie founded a center for grieving children in Aurora, IL which was named after Ken’s brother Herbie. Ken was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving the Lord, holding various callings in his local congregation. Ken was a passionate and driven person who cared deeply about and worked hard to provide for his family. He loved to play hard as well, and enjoyed many outdoor activities and sports throughout his life, including tennis, golf, fishing, boating, and water skiing. He especially enjoyed sharing these passions with Judie, his children, and his grandchildren. His love of life was contagious; the twinkle in his eye, his stories, and his “Ken-isms” will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Urban, Herbert, John, Merlin and sister Mary. He is survived by his wife Judie; daughters Susan (Bill) Wells and Sheila (Terry) Jenkins, Dubuque, IA; Shelley (Sylvi Summers) Klaas, Davenport, IA; Shari (Fred) Daack, Kevil, KY; Sara (Kris Johnson) Klaas, Elmhurst, IL; Heather (Alan Wambold) Ross, Plymouth, WI; sons Kevin (Lindsey) Ross, Naperville, IL; Eric (Lisa) Ross, Dallas, TX; 20 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, siblings Eileen (”Dot”) Schaefer, Monsignor Raymond Klaas, Bob (Jeanette) Klaas, Loretta (”Sis”) Duggan, Jeanette (Jim) Flogal, Diane (Michael) Pitzen and his step-mother Genevieve Klaas.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 AM Monday February 18, 2008 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bishop Michael Wynkoop will officiate. A Viewing will be held 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday February 17, 2008 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Family to establish a memorial fund at a later date

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