Member News                                        

News from & about our members and other former C&NW employees.

Please feel free to contribute by e-mailing the webmaster.

 

06/02/08 – From Jim Hallgren:  I'm retiring on today, June 2, 2008, from Metra after 40 years of railroad service.  I can say without question that my years with the C&NW were the best of my career. The sports teams, the picnics, the Christmas parties,...all good memories.

Best of luck to all of you and if your not already retired, I hope you join me soon.  (Forwarded by: Laurie Cosentino)  

 

05/31/08Wisconsin Division Conductor John Deutsch was killed last January in a tragic switching accident at Waukegan.  Just recently, Metra published this tribute to John, written by Janet Deutsch, his wife. 

On behalf of my daughter Jackie, my son. Jay and myself, I would like to thank the Metra passengers for all their kindness, support, generosity and prayers on the loss of our beloved Conductor John Deutsch.

Many of you have called us or sent us a note with a memory of John and those memories have helped our family through this difficult time.

I met John on the train over 30 years ago.  Like many of you, I worked in Chicago and was a passenger on the Waukegan to Chicago run everyday.  With the cold weather upon us, it reminds me of a train memory of John before we were married.  As you know, the train cars become colder as the doors open and close to allow passengers to get on and off the train.  One day I asked Conductor John if he would turn up the heat and he replied, "This isn't the Hilton. We have an on switch and an off switch."

Recently, when I rode the train, 30 years after my initial commute, a passenger asked the same question.  John gave the same reply.  It was deja vu to me.

Many of you were not just passengers to John.  He also considered you his friends.  He loved crossword puzzles and enjoyed sharing thoughts and answers with his passengers.  He enjoyed model railroading and was able to share that hobby with many passengers.

He was an avid NASCAR fan, and even if Tony Stewart wasn't your driver, he enjoyed talking with the passengers about the races and the drivers.

One time, a group of regular riders had a Christmas in July party and I baked Christmas cookies in July for John to share with them.  There was also a little boy who loved trains and John always enjoyed sharing train memorabilia with him.  Passengers have always played a large role in John's life through the years and our family would like to thank all of you for the kindness you have shown to our Conductor Deutsch and for the many everlasting memories we will always have.

Sincerely,

Janet M. Deutsch

 

05/05/08 – Retired Agent Roland L. Neumaier, 85, a longtime resident of the Woodstock area, died Sunday, April 20, 2008, of heart failure in Centegra Memorial Medical Center in Woodstock  Survivors include his wife Jeanette; his daughter, Lynn Kuranz, three sons, James, Thomas and Timothy; a brother, Edward; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.  Mass was said at 11:00 am Thursday in St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock.

A longtime township official in McHenry County serving as Hartland Township Supervisor (1979 – 2004) and Greenwood Township Supervisor (1968 – 1977), he played a key role in the 1990s in replacing a collapsed bridge on a rural road between Woodstock and Harvard.  He helped win agreement on a plan to replace a steel-truss bridge that had collapsed onto railroad tracks in 1994, forcing long detours by school buses and other traffic using Deep Cut Road.  Hartland Township recognized Mr. Neumaier's efforts in 2004 and renamed the new bridge in his honor. A plaque now identifies the concrete structure as the Rollie Neumaier Bridge.

Mr. Neumaier grew up in Prairie du Sac, WI, and graduated in the early 1940s from high school there.  He joined the Navy during World War II and served as an aircraft machinist.  He was stationed in Oklahoma, where he married Jeanette Reible, who had lived in Sauk City, WI.. Mr. Neumaier left the Navy around 1945.  In 1953, he moved to Woodstock to take a job as an agent with what was then the Chicago & North Western Railway.  He sold tickets, took reservations and coordinated freight operations. He retired from the railroad in 1984.

 

05/02/08 – Retired Agent-Telegrapher Raymond J. Berg, 92, of Watertown, WI passed away on April 30, 2008, at the Golden Living Center in Watertown.  Raymond spent many years at the Clyman Jct. Tower and later was Agent at Lake Mills until his retirement in 1982.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown with the Rev. Brian Wilk officiating. Burial will be at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery in Watertown.  Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Watertown VFW Post 3709.  Relatives and friends may call the church on Saturday to pay their respects from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. Mass.  The Hafemeister Funeral Home, 611 E. Main St. Watertown, is in charge of the arrangements.  (Forwarded by Gale Roberts.)

 

04/15/08 - Howard R. Hansen, 85, of Wayne, formerly of West Chicago, beloved husband of the late Jean; loving father of Glenn (Carolyn) and Scott (Pam) Hansen; dear grandfather of Erik (Peggy), Christopher, Jeffrey, and Jessica.  Howard worked for the Chicago & North Western Railway and later Northwest Industries as Executive Assistant to Ben W. Heinemann for over 50 years.  Graveside Service Wednesday 11:00 am at Oak Hill Cemetery, Geneva.  Arrangements by Williams-Woodward Funeral Home, West Chicago,  information, 630-231-1300 or www.williams-woodward.com.  

 

04/08/08 – Retired Chicago Terminal Conductor Walter J. Kappel, age 93 of Friendship, WI, passed away on April 4, 2008.  For many years, Walter was Conductor on Job 79, the 10:00 pm transfer job out of Wood St.  Visitation will be held at Roseberry's Funeral Home, 512 Main St., Friendship, WI on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and also on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral, which will be held at the funeral home, 608-339-3551.  Their web site is www.roseberrys.com.  (Forwarded by Kay Sturtevant.)

 

03/24/08 – Retired Conductor Ralph H. Marquardt of Baraboo passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at St. Clare Meadows at age 75.  Ralph was born August 11, 1932 to Howard and Celia (Burckhardt) Marquardt in Baraboo, and was united in marriage to Helen Johnson of Pleasantville, N.J. on March 6, 1954.  He was employed by Chicago and North Western Railroad in a career that spanned over 43 years.  He held the positions of track section man, clerk, locomotive fireman, brakeman and conductor on the Madison division, working out of the Baraboo, Madison and Adams terminals. Ralph was a member of the United Transportation Union, C&NW Veterans Association, C&NW Historical Society, Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club and the National Rifle Association.  He enjoyed spending time at Mid-Content Railway Museum in North Freedom and Sandley's Little Railway in Wisconsin Dells.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Baraboo at 11:00 am with Pastor Thomas Fricke officiating.  Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the Redlin Funeral Home and on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of services at the church.  (Forwarded by Jim Yanke.)

 

02/25/08Shirley Arlia, retired Head Cashier, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2008.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 26 from 10:00 am until time of service at the G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, IL, 847-699-9003.

 

02/04/08 - Tom E. Dalton a Janesville, WI. Switchman/ RCO has been on disability since August 2007.  Tom had surgery on his shoulder and he is not able to return to work; however, he is doing well and enjoys relaxation and visiting friends and family.  (Submitted by Ruthann Hawley)

 

01/31/08 – Retired Engineer Russell H. Sullivan, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital.  He was born on Feb. 3, 1924, in Madison, the son of Russell H. and Laura M. (Bremer) Sullivan Sr.  Russell graduated from Central High School and attended UW-Madison until he was drafted into the U.S. Navy.  He served as a naval aviator with the Fighting Squadron Unit 95 in the Pacific during World War II.  In 1946, Russell began his career as an engineer with Chicago North Western Railway and was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers until his retirement in 1985.  He was united in marriage to Dorothy (Wheeler) Pilsner on June 2, 1972, in Madison.  Russell is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Waunakee; three children, Carolyn Bryant, Marilyn (Jeff) Starr and John (Becky) Sullivan; two step-sons, Richard (Sally) Pilsner and David Pilsner; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11:00 am on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008.  Entombment was at Roselawn Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

 

01/28/08 – Retired Chief Clerk Marc Deneen, age 82, of Verona, WI passed away on Monday, January 28, 2008 at the Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg, WI.  He began his career with the Chicago & North Western Railway on September 1, 1943 before he went into the USA Army during World War II, serving with the Fifth Armored Division.  He was wounded in action on April 11, 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart.  After the war, he returned to the C&NW until his retirement in 1986.  He married Helen Shea on November 27, 1948.  Marc served as President of the Veterans’ Association during 1977 & 1978 and currently was a director and Past President Emeritus.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 1, 2008 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton, WI.  Burial with full military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Horeb.  Friends may call from 4:00 pm to7:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at the Ellestad Funeral Home, 500 N. 8th Street, Mt. Horeb, WI where a rosary service will be held at 7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Bernard's Catholic Church or Hospice Care, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway., Fitchburg, WI 53711.  www.ellestadfuneralhome.com, 608-437-5077.

 

01/10/08 – Retired Conductor David H. Tope, 66, of Crystal Lake, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, at Arlington Rehabilitation & Living Center.  He was born June 6, 1941, in Chicago, to Robert and Alice (Lofe) Tope and married Fay A. Zahner on May 25, 1996, in Huntley, IL.  Dave worked as a conductor for the Chicago & North Western and Union Pacific Railroads for 31 years.  Friends and relatives may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.  Memorials may be made to the family in care of Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033.  For information, call the funeral home at 815-943-5400.  (Submitted by Captain Wally Lindemann)

 

01/09/08 – We have just learned that Conductor John J. Deutsch was killed in a tragic switching accident at Waukegan yesterday evening.  We will remember John as a diligent and dedicated co-worker.  He wore a different color flower on his lapel every day, greeting regular riders along Metra/Union Pacific's Kenosha-Chicago route with a cheery smile or joke.  The 34-year veteran expected to retire in April, with plans to dedicate a room in his family's Waukegan home to his model railroading hobby.  We extend our heartfelt sympathies to John’s family.  Visitation will be Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 2::00 to 6:00 pm and  Monday, January 14, 2008 from 9:30 to 10:30 am.  Services will be on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 10:30 am at Gurnee & Salata Funeral Home, 4190 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL  60031, phone 847-244-1155.  (Submitted by Dave Hawley & Kay Sturtevant)

 

11/11/07 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Al Ashworth passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2007.  The visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Michaels Funeral Home, 800 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL.  Interment will be at 10:30 am, Tuesday, Nov. 13, in Windridge Cemetery in Cary.  For information, call 847-891-2900.  (From Captain Wally Lindemann)

 

11/07/07 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Al Ashworth is very ill with lung cancer and has been battling it all summer; he is now in hospice care here at home.  Just wanted to let you know and pass it along.  He is really struggling.  (From June Ashworth, forwarded by Joe Vettese.)

 

11/06/07Walter Herrli, retired Wisconsin Division engineer, passed away Monday evening, November 5, 2007 at Spooner, Wisconsin.  No other details are available at this time.  (From Al & June Ashworth, forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

 

09/27/07 – At our C&NW Green Bay Chapter luncheon on Saturday, September 22nd, it was reported that Bob Bengry was quite ill.  He died on Tuesday, the 25th - 3 days after our dinner.  He was 70, born in Stambaugh, Michigan, which at that time was a railroad center during the iron ore days on the C&NW.  Bob graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1955 and came to Green Bay to seek his fortune and married here.  After business college and two other jobs in Green Bay, he hired on the C&NW in March of 1959 where he later became a chief clerk.  After the national railroad decline of the 1980's, he moved around the C&NW - Ames, Iowa, Milwaukee and later Chicago.  He retired from the Union Pacific in 1997.  He currently lived at Fox River Grove, Illinois.  There will be a visitation in Crystal Lake, IL on Friday the 28th and burial with visitation at Nicolet Memorial Gardens in Green Bay on Monday, Oct 1st.  (Forwarded by Truman Koehn.) 

 

09/15/07 – Greetings from Dan Hanna.  I have wonderful news. Yesterday I underwent 12 hours of surgery to be transplanted with a new pancreas -- I am a type I diabetic no longer -- I am now cured of diabetes!  .My new pancreas was flown in from New Jersey on September 13, 2007.

I am currently in the ICU at NHS Nebraska Medical Center, but will be transferred to a regular room on the 5th floor of Clarkson Tower sometime within the next 24 hours. My expected hospital stay is seven days.  I am feeling good, and my recent blood sugars have been 78, 94, 98 and 77! Life is good!  D.A. Hanna, 5662 Fillmore Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68152-1700.  (402) 573-0672 – home, (402) 650-6101 – cell.  E-Mail: DAHanna@Cox.Net.  (Forwarded by: Laurie Cosentino)

 

08/09/07 – Word has been received that retired Conductor Gordon Johnson passed away June 22, 2007 at his home in Arlington Heights, IL.  A memorial service was held on June 26, 2007.  (Forwarded by Joe Vettese.)

 

05/21/07 – We just learned that retired Yard Clerk Kenneth Loritz of Manitowoc passed away on 08/15/2005.  Ken had no family left and a friend wrote to us with this news.

 

05/05/07 - Retired Trainmaster Jerry Drager, 73, Rapid City, SD passed away on Friday, May 4, 2007, at Rapid City Regional Hospital after suffering a severe heart attack and stroke on the preceding Monday.  Jerry hired out on the C&NW as a fireman in 1951 and was promoted to Trainmaster/ Traveling Engineer in 1965, serving at Boone, IA, Chadron, NE, So. Morril, NE and other locations.  He retired in 1994.  Following his retirement, he went to work as an engineer on the Nebkota Railroad at Chadron and on the Black Hills Central Railroad at Hill City, SD.  He was also a substitute teacher in the Rapid City Schools.  Jerry enjoyed traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sheryl, daughter Amy, Stokes, Edgemont; one son, Jay Drager, Alliance, Neb.; and six grandchildren.  Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements and the memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at the Faith Lutheran Church, 17 Indiana St., Rapid City, SD 57701.   

 

05/03/07 - Retired Assistant Director of Commuter Service Rollins W. Coakley, 85, of Provo, Utah, formerly of Venice, Florida and Berkeley, Illinois passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 2, 2007.  Rollins was born on May 21, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to James R. Coakley and Mabel H. Bothe.  He retired as an officer from the Chicago & North Western Railway Co. in 1981 with 34 years of service.

 

Rollins was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard; Plank owner USS SAVAGE (DE-386) and USS GENERAL J. C. BRECKINRIDGE (AP-176).  He was also a life member of the American Legion Post No. 159, Venice, Florida; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8118, Venice, Florida; Disabled American Veterans Post No. 1, Provo, Utah; Tin Can Sailors Squadron, Venice, Florida; Westchester Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 995, Westchester, Illinois; Charter member Venice (Florida) Area Historical Society; member Sun coast Chapter, National Railroad Historical Society, Sarasota, Florida; member of the Veterans’ Association of the Chicago & North Western Railway; USS SAVAGE (DE-DER 386); Association; Member of the Springville (Utah) Community Presbyterian Church and an affiliate member of the Venice Presbyterian Church, Venice, Florida.  He is the beloved husband of June, nee Decker; dear father of Nancy Coakley, Beverly (William) Cowan, William (Denise) Coakley, Beth (Richard) Gozdecki, James (Gayle) Coakley, Patricia (Chris) Allinger; loving grandfather of Merrie Boyer, John (Tanya) Boyer, Brian Cowan, Britt (Ari) Cowan Galen, Rachel & Joel Coakley, Joshua, Nathaniel, Luke & Matthew Allinger; great grandfather of seven; step grandfather of three, fond brother of Olive Meyers of Boca Raton, Florida and Caryl (Gene) Fox of Wheaton, Illinois.

Interment will be at Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois.  Memorial donations may be made to Biblical Ministries Worldwide (Allinger account), 1595 Herrington Road, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043 or Venice (Florida) Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 995, Venice, FL 34284.  Online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.serenicare.com.  (Forwarded by: Laurie Cosentino)

 

03/01/07 – Retired ATC Supervisor Edward W. “Ed” Thompson passed away February 24, 2007, at St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, IL.  Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 6 at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville and from 9:00 am until the time of services on Wednesday, at the church.  Services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 7, at the Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Ave., Naperville, IL.  Interment will be in Naperville Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at the church.

Ed was 83 years old, was a pilot in the Navy during World War II and had 43 years of service with the Chicago & North Western Railway, retiring in 1985.  Ed is survived by his wife, Opal (nee Gage) Buzan of Naperville, whom he married December 8, 1984; a son, Patrick L. Thompson of Littleton, CO; a stepdaughter, Terri (Kevin) Buzan Kemp of Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces, nephews and friends.  Memorials to Grace United Methodist Church appreciated.  (Forwarded by John Leahy.)

 

02/08/07 – Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor David G. Gray passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at his home in Crystal Lake, Illinois.  Dave was 63 years old and had 42 years of service with the Chicago & North Western Railway and the Union Pacific, and was active in United Transportation Union, Local 528.   He was born May 5, 1943, in LeMars, Iowa to Donald E. and Della H. (Juhl) Gray.  He married Detra Mavros on July 12, 1963, in Elgin, Illinois.  First and foremost, he loved his family.  He also loved making sawdust in his workshop.  Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Detra Gray; three sons, David (Amy), John (Linda) and Steven (Merry); six grandchildren; his mother, Della Gray; three brothers, Donald (JoAnn), Dennis (Kay) and Darrell; and many other relatives.  He was preceded in death by his father.  Visitation will be Friday, February 9, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 am until the service at 11:00 am Saturday, February 10, at the funeral home.  His nephew Matthew Becker will officiate.  Interment will be private.  Memorials may be made in his name to the American Lung Association, 1440 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.  For information, call the funeral home at (815) 459-1760.  Sign the guest book at www.NWHerald.com/obits.   (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

Frank & Linda Cadell have sponsored the 'Guest Book' for one year with legacy.com (Northwest Herald newspaper).  To view the Guest Book click on below.  You may have to copy the link and paste it in your browser.

http://www.legacy.com/nwng/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?personID=86364157

To sign the Guest Book, leave an audio entry or submit a photo, please click on below.  You may have to copy the link and paste it in your browser.

 

01/29/07 - Richard Garcia, husband of retired Payroll Supervisor Charlene Garcia, passed away at home Saturday, January 27th from prostate and bone cancer.  He will be waked Tuesday January 30th, 6:00 to 8:00 PM at:  Dunlap Funeral Home, 604 South Main St., Ft. Atkinson, WI 53538, 920-563-2575.  The funeral will begin at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 301 S. High St., Ft. Atkinson, WI 53538 at 12:30 pm, Wednesday, January 31, 2007.  Church services will follow at 1:30 pm.  Charlene’s address is N1714 Highway K, Ft. Atkinson WI 53538.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

 

01/25/07 – Retired Train Dispatcher Richard L. "Rick" Graham passed away January 21, 2007 at the age of 81 years, peacefully at his home with family.  Loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and great-grand-father.  Survived by his wife of 60 years, Bea, sons; Mike (Liz), Chuck (Joelle), Ken (Chris), and daughter; Janice (Steve) Marcus, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and other family members.  Proceeded in death by his son, Don and 5 siblings.  Rick spent 39 years as a dedicated employee of the Chicago North Western Railway.  Member of "The Greatest Generation of World War II."  Served in the Navy and participated in the D-Day invasion and other battles throughout Europe.  Visitation Saturday, January 27 from 4:00 pm until time of Memorial Service at 5:30 pm at Milwaukee Central Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2229 N. Terrace Ave., Milwaukee.  If desired, memorials to the Salvation Army.  Schramka-Densow Funeral Home Thiensville 262-242-3120

 

01/18/07 – Retired Wisconsin Division engineer Charles H. Meroff passed away on January 15, 2007 at the age of 65 years.  Beloved husband of Vicki; cherished son of Kathleen Bohmann and the late orchestra leader Benny Meroff; loving father of Bryan (Laura), Bruce, Lori Jo (Steve) Kaczmarek and Charlie (Debbie); proud grandfather of Jessica Lentz, Matthew Anderson, James and Summer Dunaway; dear cousin of Sandra, Caroline and Austin Priebe; further survived by other relatives and friends.  Funeral service Friday, January 19, 2007 at 1:00 at the Harder Funeral Home, 18700 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI.  Visitation Friday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the funeral home.  Interment Highland Memorial Park.  Charlie had 40 years of service with the Chicago & North Western and Union Pacific.  Memorials to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice if so desired.  Arrangements by Max A. Sass & Sons, 414-282-4050.  Online Guestbook at www.maxsass.com

 

12/31/06 - Retired conductor Carl L. Kimps of Allouez, WI passed away on Saturday December 23, 2006.  Carl was born December 12, 1929, served in the U.S. Navy from 1947-1953 and had 39 years of service with the Chicago & North Western Railway, retiring in 1991.  He was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Allouez and a member of the Moose Lodge in Ashwaubenon.  Funeral services were held on December 28 at the Resurrection Church.

 

12/26/06Noreen B. Franks, retired Freight Accounting Clerk, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2006.  Noreen had 42 years of C&NW service and retired 1n 1990.  Visitation will be Wednesday, December 27 at St. Ita Church, Broadway and Catalpa Streets, Chicago from 12:00 noon until the time of service at 1:00 pm.  Interment at All Saints Cemetery.  Arrangements are being handled by the John E. Maloney Funeral Home, 773-764-1617.

 

12/15/06 – Retired engineer J.A. (Jerry) Regner passed away on Tuesday December 12, 2006 surrounded by his Family.  His wake will be at Altstadt-Tyborski-Ermenc-Mcleod Funeral Home, S. 84th and W. Forest Home, Milwaukee, on Friday December 15, 2006 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  The funeral will be at Jackson Park Lutheran Church, 4535 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI on Saturday, December 16, 2006.  Jerry was born on December 28, 1927 and had 38 years of North Western service, retiring in 1987.

 

11/12/06 - David Gray is not doing great right now.  He is in a wheel chair.  He cannot stand or walk on his own.  The doctor thinks it’s either from the cancer or from the chemo.  He is going for a MRI for the brain and cervice spine on Saturday, November 10.  The nerve specialist was worried that he had a tumor that was pressing on a nerve.  He is still in good spirits but, I don’t know how long it will last.  I have been able to take care of him by my self so far, thank goodness.

Dave will appreciate any telephone calls, cards or letters – David G. Gray, 106 Union St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014-7229, (815) 459-1293.  Stop by to cheer him up if you are in the area.  (From Detra Gray, forwarded by Jim Hansen.)

 

10/13/06 - Robert J. "Bob" Dix, 76, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, October. 11, 2006 at Hospice House.  Born on August 15, 1930, in Hutsonville, IL, he was the son of the late Osa and Geneva (Kennedy) Dix.  On March 26, 1949 at the First Christian Church in Hutsonville, IL, Bob married the love of his life, Virginia Lee Hampsten.  She preceded him in death earlier this year.  Bob began his railroad career in the days of the steam engines with the Illinois Central Railroad.  In 1957, he and his family moved to North Chicago, IL, where he began a new phase of his railroad career working in commuter rail with the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad.  After the North Shore Line closed in 1963, Bob accepted a mechanics position with the Chicago and North Western Railway.  Committed to his career with the railroad, Bob and his family moved to Kenosha in 1967 where he retired as the Mechanic-in-Charge of the Kenosha Terminal.  He was an active member of the Veteran's Association of the Chicago North Western Railway.

Bob leaves many behind to fondly remember him, his three children, Diana (Keith) Miller, of Fall Creek, Wis., Michael (Lynda) Dix, and Geneva (Jim) Whitmire, both of Kenosha; and his five grandchildren, Lucas, Kaylee and Anna Dix, and Danielle and Nathan Whitmire. Along with his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Cameron, and Errol "Pooch"; and a sister, Meyrle Lindley.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. at the Baptist Tabernacle, 7951 - 36th Avenue, Kenosha. Entombment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.  A visitation for Bob will be held on Friday, October 13, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider memorials to Hospice Alliance or the American Cancer Society.  Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 9th Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53144, 262-658-4101.  Online condolences at www.piasecki-althaus.com 

 

08/13/06Rod and I stopped in Riley, Wisconsin to visit with retired C&NW Clerk at Madison, WI - Marc Deneen.  Marc is 81 years old and still going strong.  He sends his regards to all of his "old" friends that are still out there.   Click here for a picture of Rod and Marc.  (Contributed by Linda Hustad.)

 

08/03/06 – Retired Conductor Milton M. Lemke, age 81, died on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006 at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center, Madison, WI.  He was born on June 10, 1925, in Madison, to Charles and Flossie (Ellis) Lemke. Milton graduated from Madison Central High School and served in the U. S. Naval Air Force during World War II.  Milton married Lucille "Lu" DeRuyter on Aug. 28, 1947 in Sheboygan.  He retired in 1983 from the Chicago & North Western Railroad with 38 years of service.  Milton was a charter member of Lakeview Moravian Community Church, a member of V.F.W. Post No. 7591 and the Moose Club.  Milton is survived by two sons, Mark Lemke and Michael (Rose) Lemke, both of Madison; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a sister, and four brothers.  He was preceded in death by his wife.  Memorial services will be held at Lakeview Moravian Community Church, 3565 Tulane Ave., Madison, at 11:00 am on Friday, Aug. 4, 2006.  Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service on Friday.  Memorials may be made to Lakeview Moravian Community Church.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI - (608) 221-5420, www.gundersonfh.com.  (Forwarded by: Laurie Cosentino)

 

07/30/06 – Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor William J. Brock III, 64, of Winthrop Harbor, IL passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2006.  Bill was born February 11, 1942 in Waukegan and married Ethel Blackwood on February 3, 1969 in Winthrop Harbor.  He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad (formerly Chicago & North Western Railway) where he worked as a conductor and had more than 30 years of service.  Bill was a veteran of the United States Army having been stationed in Germany. He was an avid gardener and he loved to travel.

Survivors include his wife Ethel; son, William Brock of Winthrop Harbor, IL; three brothers, James (Karen) Brock of Arizona, Daniel Brock of Idaho, and Louis (Julie) Brock also of Idaho.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother, William Jr. and Margaret Ruth Hardy Brock.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 3, 2006, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 4, at 10:30 am at the Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Memorial donations to Winthrop Harbor Fire and Rescue Dept. 830 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096 have been suggested.

 

06/19/06 – From Linda Hustad:  I will be retiring at the end of July, but my last day in the office will be Wednesday, July 12th, 2006 because I am using the rest of my vacation prior to retiring.  I do not know what kind of internet access I will have available to me, because we are in a remote area and do not even have cable, so I am looking for a volunteer to continue distribution of the C&NW NEWS to everyone.  If no one volunteers, I think postings may be made on the C&NW Veterans' Association web site at http://www.cnwvets.org.

It has been my pleasure to serve as the conduit that allowed all of us to stay in touch since 1995.  Perhaps Rod and I will see some of you at the C&NW Veteran's Association Dinners now that we will have the time to attend these functions.

 

06/12/06James E. "Jim" Haseltine joined his loving wife Saturday, June 10, 2006, age 71.  Beloved husband of the late Sharon (nee Berger).  Dear father of Sandy Lovato, Sheri (Darrell) Gore and Edward Haseltine.  Loving grandpa of Joseph, Joshua, Jeffrey and Danielle.  Brother of Ann Ulrich, Alice Messner, Bill Haseltine and the late Skip Haseltine and the late Tom Haseltine.  Further survived by other relatives and friends.  Visitation at the funeral home Wednesday, June 14, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Funeral service at 8:15 pm.  Burial at Pinelawn Cemetery.  Memorials appreciated to St. John's Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, WI.  Jim was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, retired from Chicago and North Western Railway and proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War.

"Took his last ride home"

Condolences to: www.krausefuneralhome.com.  Krause Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9000 W. Capitol Dr. 414-464-4640.

 

06/02/06 – From Dan Hanna:  To All my C&NW Friends: 

It seems like often time the only time we communicate is to share bad news.  Well, I have some mixed news to share. The less-than-desirable-news is that I have to have surgery.  The good news is that I didn't have a heart attack! 

This will give you a quick update on my upcoming surgery.  

I go into NHS Clarkson Hospital Sunday morning, June 4, 2006.  On Monday, I will be having triple by-pass heart surgery to clean-out three blocked arteries.  I feel very blessed that the blockages were discovered during a physical exam on May 4th rather than during a heart attack -- one artery is completely blocked, one artery is 90% blocked, and the other is 80% blocked.  And amazingly, I have had no symptoms whatsoever -- in fact, Gail and I had a wonderful two week vacation to Northern California, and I have been playing golf every Wednesday afternoon, and have been feeling better than I have in a long time.  Go figure. My heart surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am on Monday, June 5th, and will probably take about six hours.  Dr. Mohammed A. Quader is the Cardiothoracic Surgeon who will be performing the surgery.  I will then spend the next two days in the ICU, and if everything goes well, I might be able to return home as early as June 8th.  Because of my need for rest, I request that there be no visits of phone calls the week of June 5th.  But of course, cards and letters and e-mails and prayers are always welcome! 

I hope this finds each and every one of you well -- I think of all of you often!     Dan

 

05/31/06 – Retired Roadmaster Sam Hanges passed away today.  Services will be as follows:  Visitation; Friday June 2, 2006, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Williams Kampp Funeral Home, 430 East Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL, 630-668-0016.  Visitation Saturday, June 3, 2006 9:30 am until time of service at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Orthodox Church, 412 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL with burial following at Wheaton Cemetery.  (Forwarded by Ted Niemeyer.)

 

05/01/06 – Retired Roadmaster Sam Hanges has been hospitalized.  He is in intensive care at Room 806, Rush Presbyterian Hospital, 1653 W. Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL  60612-3833 where screws have been inserted in his skull to alleviate the pressure from the cranium pressing down on his spine.  In addition, he is in traction.  This information is from Sam’s daughter and will be updated as more details become available.  Send cards and letters to the above address; flowers are not allowed in his room at this time.  Please keep Sam in your thoughts and prayers.  (Forwarded by Dewayne Stiefvater.) 

 

04/22/06 - Virginia H. Dix, 78, of Kenosha, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at Washington Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Born in Oblong, IL on Sept. 15, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ollie (Mills) Hampsten.  On March 26, 1949, she married Robert J. Dix in First Christian Church, Hutsonville, IL.  They came to Kenosha from North Chicago in 1967.  Virginia was employed as chief clerk with the Chicago & North Western Railway for 20 years and was a member of the Baptist Tabernacle and the Veterans’ Association of the Chicago & North Western Railway.  She and her husband were avid supporters of the Kenosha Twins, volunteering numerous hours at the ballpark and housing many players. They were honored for their work with the Twins with box seats and royal treatment for the 1991 World Series.  She had a passion for organizing picnics and events of all kinds; especially Chicago & North Western Company picnics, retirement parties as well as potlucks and holiday dinners with their snowbird friends in Tucson, AZ.  Virginia will also be remembered for her love of her grandchildren and her generosity.  She is survived by her husband, retired MIC Robert J. Dix; three children, Diana (Keith) Miller of Fall Creek, Wis., Michael (Lynda) Dix and Geneva (Jim) Whitmire both of Kenosha; her grandchildren, Lucas, Kaylee, and Anna Dix, and Danielle and Nathan Whitmire; a brother, Kenneth (Anita) Hampsten of Florence, Ore., and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and John Hampsten; and two sisters, Mildred Cramer and Mabel Linder.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 24th, at 9:30 a.m. at the Baptist Tabernacle, 7951 36th Ave., Kenosha.  Entombment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 23rd, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1130, Fairfax, Va. 22038 or to the Shalom Center, 1713 62nd Street, Kenosha would be appreciated by the family.  Arrangements are being handled by Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3720 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53144, 262-658-4101. Online condolences at www.piasecki-althaus.com.  (Forwarded by Dan Sylvester.)

 

03/27/06 - James E. "Jim" Gavin found peace on Saturday, March 25, 2006, at the age of 71 years.  Best friend and dear husband of Donnette (nee Potter).  Loving father of Thomas (Christina), James (Suzanne), Patrick (Claudia) and Robert (Denise).  Also survived by his brother John (Delores) Gavin, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.  Jim retired from Chicago and North Western Ry. after 44 years of service.

The funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 29 at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home only on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and on Thursday from 10:00 am until time of procession to the cemetery at 10:30 AM.  SCHRAMKA-NERO Funeral Home, 3701 E. Layton Ave., Cudahy, WI.  (414) 744-6730.  (Forwarded by Linda Hustad.)

 

03/09/06 Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor William H. Barkwill passed away Sunday March 5, 2005 from cancer.  Bill will be waked on Friday, March 10, 2006 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Snyder-Luecht-Mervin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098.  The funeral will be Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 11:00 am at the Free Methodist Church, 934 North Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. 

 

02/25/06Harry R. Spencer, 84, of Woodside Oaks Retirement Center, Green Bay, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at St. Vincent Hospital.   He was born May 25, 1921 in Marshfield, WI to the late Robert and Clara Spencer.  He was a graduate of Proviso Township High School in Maywood, IL.  He served in WW II in the Pacific Theater as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps.  

Harry was employed by the C&NW Ry. for 43 years and was Master Mechanic for the Lakeshore Division at North Green Bay for many of those years.   He worked at many locations in the mechanical department and his last position was assistant Division Manager-Mechanical, at St. Paul, MN.  Harry retired from the C&NW in 1982 to Green Bay and spent his winters in Texas.  He is survived by his 2nd wife, Delores, and sons Steve (Green Bay), Larry (Waukesha), and a step son John Krol (Green Bay), as well as a daughter Terri (St. Louis Park, MN).  He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. 

Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral home, 1630 East Mason, Green Bay on Sunday, Feb 26 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.   Visitation will continue Monday  (27th)  from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2270 S. Oneida,  Green Bay  (Ashwaubenon) with Burial Mass at 11:00 am.   Online condolences may be expressed at  www.prokowall.com    (Submitted by Truman Koehn)

 

02/01/06 – Medical Update from Dan Hanna:  “This is just a quick note to let you know that I will be having surgery tomorrow morning (02/02/06) at 9:30 am to amputate the 4th & 5th toes on my left foot.  The outpatient procedure will be performed at Bergan Mercy Medical Center by Dr. Scott T. McMullen, M.D.  I anticipate that the surgery will go well, and that I will be home before noon.

The only downside to the surgery is that higher math for me is now entirely out of the question.  If I have to count higher than 10, I am in big trouble . . .

I haven't gotten around to answering all of the cards and letter and e-mails from my previous surgery, but each and every one was treasured.  And I especially want to thank everybody for all of the prayers – I have been very blessed!

D.A. Hanna, 5662 Fillmore Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68152-1700; (402) 573-0672 – home, (402) 650-6101 – cell, (402) 573-0573 – FAX, DAHanna@Cox.Net – e-mail.”  (Forwarded by Linda Hustad.)

 

01/17/06 – Retired Mason City Trainmaster John R. “Jack” Shannon passed away Monday, January 16, 2006.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 19, 2006 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, Mason City, Iowa.  (Forwarded by Linda Hustad.)

 

01/03/06 – A note from Dan Hanna - This is just a quick note to let you know that I will be having surgery this afternoon (12/23/05) at 2:30 pm to amputate the 3rd and 4th toes on my left foot. The procedure will be performed at Bergan Mercy Medical Center by Dr. Scott T. McMullen, M.D.  I anticipate that the surgery will go well, and that I will be home soon.

Please accept my very best wishes to each of you and your families for a very Merry Christmas!

D.A. Hanna, 5662 Fillmore St., Omaha, NE 68152-1700 (402) 573-0672 – home, (402) 650-6101 – cell, (402) 573-0573 – FAX, e-mail -- DAHanna@Cox.Net   (Forwarded by Linda Hustad.)

 

12/14/05 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Dale "Peaches" Meier passed away on December 7, 2005.  The services and funeral were on December 10.  Dale had been suffering from cancer for some time.  Please keep Delores and the family in your thoughts and prayers.  Delores will appreciate hearing from you at 3053 Holiday Acres, Danbury, WI or e-mail pdmeier@centurytel.net.

 

11/28/05Charles L. Cook - I received a call this morning from Wilma Cook (Wife) advising that Charlie passed away this morning, 11/28/05, around 4:15 am.  Charlie was retired Terminal Manager, Madison, IL.  He had been in the hospital for quite a long time.  Arrangements are pending.

 

11/28/05 – An update from Dan Hanna……. I just got out of the hospital after two stays during the past three weeks.  I am feeling much better after a "triple-play" medical condition I hadn’t anticipated:  (1.) First of all, I had the big-toe on my left foot amputated; (2.) Second, apparently my pancreas from my kidney-pancreas transplant of 1993 has now died, and I am a type-I diabetic again.  And, (3.) I also have a staph. infection in my blood stream again.

But I am glad they found-out why I was feeling poorly, and I am happy to report that I am feeling well again.  The staph. infection is being controlled by antibiotics (which I will probably have to take orally for the next eight weeks.)  And what a blessing to have had the pancreas (and being completely non-diabetic) for the past 13 years!  We have truly had some Divine intervention in this regard!  At the time of the transplant, we were told that the maximum life for each organ would be 5 years, so to get 13 years is truly a blessing.  And my kidney is still doing fine, and I hope to get many more years from it. Yesterday, I phoned the NHS Med-Center, and inquired about getting another pancreas transplant -- they indicated that I would probably qualify, and that the average waiting-time for a cadaver pancreas is about 3-4 months.  So I may be a short-term diabetic and then become a non-diabetic again, in the next few months! God is good!

The only real frustration is my foot surgery -- I can't bear any weight on it for six weeks, so I am back to using a wheel-chair and/or crutches again for the interim.  This means with snow and ice already on the ground, I probably won’t be venturing too far from home until after the 1st of the year.

Please thank everybody for all of the flowers, phone calls, cards, letters, e-mails, etc.  And special thanks for all of the prayers -- it is wonderful to be part of the C&NW/UPRR family!

Dan Hanna, 5662 Fillmore Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68152-1700

(402) 573-0672,  DAHanna@Cox.Net

 

11/18/05Dan Hanna brings us-up-to date…… I just got out of the hospital after two stays during the past three weeks. I am feeling much better after a "triple-play" medical condition I hadn’t anticipated:

        1. First of all, I had the big-toe on my left foot amputated.
        2. Second, apparently my pancreas from my kidney-pancreas transplant of 1993 has now
            died, and I am a type-I diabetic again.  And,
        3. I also have a staph. infection in my blood stream again.

But I am glad they found-out why I was feeling poorly, and I am happy to report that I am feeling well again. The staph. infection is being controlled by antibiotics (which I will probably have to take orally for the next eight weeks.) And what a blessing to have had the pancreas (and being completely non-diabetic) for the past 13 years! We have truly had some Divine intervention in this regard! At the time of the transplant, we were told that the maximum life for each organ would be 5 years, so to get 13 years is truly a blessing. And my kidney is still doing fine, and I hope to get many more years from it. Yesterday, I phoned the NHS Med-Center, and inquired about getting another pancreas transplant -- they indicated that I would probably qualify, and that the average waiting-time for a cadaver pancreas is about 3-4 months. So I may be a short-term diabetic and then become a non-diabetic again, in the next few months! God is good!


The only real frustration is my foot surgery -- I can't bear any weight on it for six weeks, so I am back to using a wheel-chair and/or crutches again for the interim. This means with snow and ice already on the ground, I probably won’t be venturing too far from home until after the 1st of the year.

Anyway, I thought I would send you and update. You may share this with anybody you care to, as I know some other people have been left out-of-the-loop as well.

 

Please thank everybody for all of the flowers, phone calls, cards, letters, e-mails, etc. And special thanks for all of the prayers -- it is wonderful to be part of the C&NW/UPRR family!

I hope this finds you well! Have a great week!  (Forwarded by Dan Hanna)

 

11/17/05 – Word was received today that retired Wisconsin Division Conductor John Phelan passed away on September 10, 2005 at Lewistown, Montana.  No other details are available.

 

11/12/05 – I had a call from Windy Blomstrand last night informing me of retired Wisconsin Division Conductor Grover “George” Walker’s death yesterday (November 11).  He was at lunch with friends in Mississippi and died at the restaurant, apparently of a sudden heart attack.  George previously lived in Mississippi.  You will remember him as the Trainmaster at 40th St. and Crystal Lake.  More details will be posted as they become available.  (Forwarded by Captain Wally Lindemann)

 

11/11/05 – I received a call this afternoon from Dan Hanna advising that he is back in the hospital again.  They had to amputate one of his toes and have discovered that his pancreas is not functioning.  Dan is in Creighton University Hospital, Room 5120, (402) 345-7100.  Please keep Dan and his family in your prayers.  (Forwarded by Linda Hustad.)

 

11/11/05Dolores Gorlewski, wife of retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Walter Gorlewski, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2005, after many months of trying to battle a stroke that happened on August 18, 2005.  She has been in and out of ICU's and rehabs without much luck.  Last night, she suffered a brain hemorrhage.  Funeral Mass on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 11:00 am at St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church, 3160 S. 63rd Street.  Entombment at Forest Home Cemetery.  Visitation Monday, November 14, 2005, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Funeral Home with a 7:00 pm Parish Vigil, and thereafter Tuesday from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the church.  Max A. Sass & Sons, Greenridge Chapel, 4747 S. 60th Street, Milwaukee; 414-282-4050.  Any messages for Walter can be sent to Russ and Karen Gorlewski at rak229@sbcglobal.net where they will be passed on to Walter.

 

10/18/05 - Retired Head Payroll Supervisor Frank Squillacioti passed away Monday, October 17, 2005.  For many years, Frank was Vice-President of the Chicago Chapter.  Visitation will be Thursday, October 20 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd., Park Ridge, IL, telephone 847-823-5122.  The funeral will be at 9:15 am, Friday, October 21 from the funeral home to Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church, 920 Granville Ave., Park Ridge, IL.  Mass at 10:00.  Entombment - All Saints Cemetery Mausoleum, Des Plaines, IL.

 

10/10/05 - The Reinke family called me last night and said Shirley, wife of the late Illinois Division Conductor Gene Reinke, passed away Sunday evening (October 9) after a long battle with cancer.  Arrangements are being handled by the Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main St., Lombard, IL, 630-629-0094.  Visitation will be Wednesday, October 12 from 3:00 to 9:00 pm.  Services will be at the same location at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 13, 2005.  (Forwarded by Mark Llanuza)  

 

10/05/05 - The family of the late Illinois Division Conductor Gene Reinke wanted all his friends to know that his wife, Shirley, is gravely ill.  Shirley has been fighting cancer for the last 4 or 5 years and has taken a turn for the worse.  Friends can obtain up-to-date information from either of Gene & Shirley’s daughters – Kathy (630-293-1734) or Karla (630-670-4073).  More information will be posted as it becomes available.  Please keep Shirley in your thoughts and prayers.  (Forwarded by Mark Llanuza)  

 

09/18/05 - Got some bad news.  Jim Ousley, who was a Coal Line Engineer out of Bill, WY was killed on September 15, 2005 while he was working on his car.  He hired out of the CNW about 1989 and worked in Kansas City before going to the Coal Line in 1991.  (Submitted by Dave Hawley)

 

08/30/05 – From Mary Flynn:  Two and one-half years ago, my husband casually mentioned to his doctor to check his PSA count in a routine blood test. A man wants to have a PSA count of 0 or 1 or 2 or 3. His was 94. He took the test the next week and it was 154.

We were eventually told by the Northwestern Hospital (downtown Chicago) Cancer Specialist that he had an aggressive prostate cancer which had already spread to his lymph nodes. He told us that Rick had two years to live, it was too late to do anything, and go home to find a doctor in McHenry. Of course we left there devastated. We went home and my husband called his 3 children to tell them the news. It was Easter Weekend.

Luckily we had a friend who had gone through this and told us to go to a prostate cancer support group in Palatine called "US TOO".  Visit "ustoo.org". Support groups are all over the country.

This was the last thing we felt like doing. But we dragged ourselves there anyway. We met men of all kinds, doctors, blue-collar workers, scientists, office workers, some men in their 40's and 70's, and all surviving prostate cancer. Some have been fighting it for 10 years. They have a good life and are happy to share how they did it. There are alternative types of therapy to the traditional surgery, chemo and radiation.

They laughed at the doctor's death sentence and told us what to do. We did it.  He had NO chemotherapy, NO radiation, and NO surgery. Today Rick still has a zero PSA count for the last year. He runs his business, plays golf, travels, and works in the yard. He even eats steak and pizza once in a while. And he has met another grandchild that he would not have.

Will Rick's cancer come back? Maybe. Will he get another form of cancer? Maybe. But that is the same answer for all of us. And we have tools now to reduce the risks and to improve his odds. And we have people who have experience to offer their guidance. And we have direct contact with the best prostate cancer doctors in the country.

These guys picked us up and put us back into the fight against prostate cancer. It is uncomfortable to talk about. But it will eventually affect most men. And  these men at US TOO have a lot of information on helping to stop prostate cancer in our younger men. There is even an immunization in the near future which may help protect our young men.

US TOO now have corporate sponsors such as Motorola , Northwest Community Healthcare, Whole Foods, Nicolet Water, Motor Werks and Barrington Lions Club. US TOO is an international grass roots organization to provide information and options that many doctors never bother to give or don’t know about. On their board are the Professor and Chief of Urology from University of Chicago Hospitals, retired Sr VP Motorola, retired Exe. Dir of Barrington United Way, retired VP of Abbott Labs, Sales Director of TAPS, Inc., and  a doctor from the Kellogg Cancer Center in Evanston. (He is my husband's doctor).

On Sunday, September 18th, 2005, US TOO is holding the "Greater Chicago Prostate Cancer Run, Walk'nRoll Event."

If you want to participate in the Walk/Run in Rolling Meadows, send me a note and I will forward details. Or you can visit www.signmeup.com/52019.

If you would like to support our run/ walk (we are walking) with a donation to US TOO, you can forward a check to us made out to "Greater Chicago Prostate Cancer Walk". Your donation is tax deductible. No amount is too small. Each donation helps. This money will be used to finance education and research into prostate cancer.

Our address is: Rick and Mary Flynn, 1912 Settlers Court, McHenry IL 60050.

Also, if you have any issues with any cancer for yourself or others, please visit or write to the WELLNESS CENTER at 1619 W Colonial Parkway, Palatine IL 60067. This is a Cancer Resource Center with guidance for all types of cancer. These folks provide free information and guidance. Their website is www.wellnessplace.org.

No men should be dying of prostate cancer anymore! And Rick is going to visit the Northwestern doctor and give him an update!

 

07/23/05 – We have a message from Captain Wally Lindemann!  He’s been discharged from the rehab center and is back home where some additional home-based rehabilitation will take place.  We’re glad to hear this Wally and wish you the best for a real fast recovery.

 

07/12/05 – Retired Chicago Terminal engineer and World War II Coast Guard veteran Charles E. Scott passed away on July 4, 2005.  Services were held on Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Itasca, Illinois with interment in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Charlie’s family.  

 

07/10/05  – Retired Wisconsin Division conductor Captain Wally Lindemann suffered a heart attack on July 8, 2005.  He is out of intensive care and recovering at the Heartland Health Care Center - Washington Manor Home, Room 305, 3100 Washington Road, Kenosha Wisconsin 53144, 262-658-4622 where he will be undergoing rehab.  Wally expects to remain at Washington Manor for at least another ten days and wants all his former buddies at Butler, at Metra in Chicago, and most especially at Bain, Kenosha and Waukegan to know that he's on the road to recovery and will back on his feet soon.  Your cards and letters to Wally at 1940 27th Ave #303, Kenosha, WI  53140-6303 will be appreciated.  (Updated by Norm Siler, 07/13/05.)

 

 

 

Revised:  06/02/08

 

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