Veterans’ Association

of the

Chicago & North Western Railway

 

Organized December 9, 1924

 

Member News

 

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

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01/23/12 – Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor Curtis Andre Judice, age 61 of Waukegan, IL died early Friday morning, 01/20/12, in Victory Hospital, Waukegan, IL.  Andre was born May 2, 1950 in Chicago, IL to the late Austin and the late LaVonne Thompson Judice.  Andre had been a resident of Waukegan for 15 years.  He served in the United States Army in Vietnam and following his military service he worked for Chicago & North Western Railway as a Conductor, retiring after 32 years of service in May 2010.  At the time of his retirement he had worked the North line to Kenosha for 10 years.  Andre is survived by his wife Luisa Jordan Judice, 6 children, 4 siblings and many nieces and nephews.  A celebration of Andre’s life will take place on January 28, 2012, Saturday at 2:00 pm. at Unity Church on the North Shore, 3434 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (www.unityns.org).  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Orphans of the Storm, 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015 (www.orphansofthestorm.org).

01/17/12 – Reports of recent illnesses have come in about Captain Wally Lindemann and Bob Leeman, both retired Wisconsin Division Conductors.  Bob was incapacitated while on a hunting trip in Upper Michigan and is now back home in Kenosha and doing well.  Wally was stricken in Kenosha and thanks to prompt medical attention is now on his way to complete recovery.  Both situations received medical attention without delay thereby reversing what might have been much more serious consequences. 

 

01/16/12 - Retired Accounting Department Clerk Dolores Thelaner, wife of David Thelaner retired AVP-Systems and Information Services, passed away in Hemet, California on Tuesday January 11, 2012 after an extended illness.  Dolores and David had just celebrated 32 years of marriage and she will be greatly missed.  Entombment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Chicago after plans are finalized.  Dolores was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Hemet, California.  (Submitted by David Thelaner.)

 

01/18/12 - Retired Wisconsin Division Locomotive Engineer Leonard P. Pochocki passed away Friday, January 6, 2012.  He was born July 19, 1937 to the late Mathilda and the late Peter Pochocki. and was a U.S. Army veteran.  Leonard retired in 1997 with 42 years of service with the Chicago & North Western and Union Pacific Railroads.  Visitation: 2:00 to 8:00 pm, January 8, 2012 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., 8999 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, IL, 708-839-8999.  Funeral Service: 8:15 am, January 9, 2012 at Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd  Mass of Christian Burial: 9:30 am, January 9, 2012 at St. Camillus Church, 55th St. & Lockwood Ave., Chicago, IL  Interment: 11:45 am, January 9, 2012 at St. Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL.  www.zarzyckimanorchapals.com.  (Forwarded by Dianne Koppelman.)

 

12/01/11 – Retired Switchman Robert F. Balfanz, 85, DePere, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at his home.  He was born on March 22, 1926, in Shawano, Wis., to the late Arthur and Martha (Schroeder) Balfanz.  He attended college at UW River Falls and served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps.  Robert married Betty Tomashek in Shawano on Feb. 18, 1950.  He was employed with Chicago North Western Railway as a Switchman retiring in 1988 with 33 years of service.  Robert enjoyed flying and golfing, but his true love was fishing on Lake Michigan.  He was an avid Packer fan.  Robert was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1731 St. Agnes Drive, Green Bay, WI from 4:00 pm until the funeral service at 7:00 pm with the Rev. Scott Malme officiating.  Military honors will follow.  Entombment will take place at Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School.  Arrangement are being handled by Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1350 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI, (920) 499-1223.  (Forwarded by Dianne Koppelman.)

 

11/02/11 – Retired Illinois Division Conductor Douglas L. Dall, passed away on October 31, 2011. Doug was born June 25, 1941, hired out on the Chicago & North Western Ry. in 1962 and retired in 2006 with 44 years of service.  He is survived by his children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Doug was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Jeanne Ann Dall.  He was a lifelong third generation railroader, US Army veteran and past commander of West Chicago American Legion Post 300. Visitation was Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from 3:00 pm until time of service; 7:00 pm at Williams-Woodward funeral home 820 Pine St. (Corner of Rt. 59 and Pine St.) West Chicago, IL.  Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to American Legion West Chicago P.O. Box 28 West Chicago, IL  60185, or Westbridge Assisted Living 500 Wyndemere Circle, Wheaton, IL 60187. Information - 630-231-1300 or www.williams-woodward.com.  (Forwarded by Jim Hansen.)

 

10/27/11 – Retired Billing Clerk Paul Keil passed away yesterday, October 26, 2011.  Paul retired in 1991 with 40 years of service.  There is no wake but instead a Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2011, at 9:30 am at the Divine Savior Catholic Church, 7740 W. Montrose Ave., Norridge, Illinois  60706, Phone: 708-456-9000.  Funeral will follow the mass at St. Joseph Cemetery - Belmont and Cumberland.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

 

10/17/11 – I am very sad to report the death of Edith Troia on October 11, 2011.  Edith was the wife of Augie Troia, former Train Dispatcher and Trainmaster with the C&NW.  Edith and Augie celebrated 63 years of marriage together on October 2, 2011.  Edith and Augie have been mainstays in the C&NW Railway Veterans Association for many years.  Funeral services will be held at Gunderson East Funeral Home, 5200 Monona Drive, Madison, WI, at noon on Monday, October 17, 2011.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 am. until the time of service on Monday.  We will miss her.  (Forwarded by Don & Joan Mundth.)

 

09/27/11 – Retired Assistant Division Manager - Transportation Roland P. "Mac" McDonough, passed away September 23, 2011 at age 81.  Loving husband of Barbara (nee Gallagher) for 55 years, father of 7, grandfather of 9 and great-grandfather of 5 with 2 more on the way.  Dear brother of Robert (the late Sandra) McDonough of Escanaba, MI and Cheryl (Clinton) Way.  “Mac” retired in 1985 with 33 years of Chicago & North Western service.  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, September 27, at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, N88 W17658 Christman Rd., Menomonee Falls, WI.  Visitation was Monday, September 26, at the Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until time of Vigil Service at 7:00 pm and again on Tuesday at the Church from 10:00 am until time of service.  Burial will be at Garden of Rest Cemetery in Escanaba, MI.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Horizon Hospice are appreciated.  Arrangements by Schmidt & Bartelt, 262-251-3630.  (Forwarded by Dewayne Stiefvater.)

 

09/14/11 – Retired Agent/Telegrapher Loren F. Mulvaney, age 81, of Merrillan, WI passed away Friday, September 9, 2011.  Loren was born on March 5, 1930 in Spring Valley, WI to Franklin and Eva (Schmidt) Mulvaney.  He was raised in the Spring Valley/Wilson area and graduated from Spring Valley High School.  He was employed as a telegrapher by the Chicago and North Western Railway for over 25 years.  Loren married Marlene M. “Molly” Schlafke in August of 1956 in Marshfield. They then moved to Merrillan where they owned and operated a snowmobile shop/pool hall.  They next bought the Motel Merrillan which they operated for 20 years. Molly Mulvaney died on January 2, 2008.  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Buswell Funeral Home.  Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.  (Forwarded by Louis Wilson.)

 

09/05/11 - Tom Berry's Daughter - Jeneene M. Hook, 45, of Algonquin, died Friday, Sept. 2, 2011, at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL.  She was born June 4, 1966.  She is survived by her husband, Patrick; her father, Thomas Berry; her brother, Stephen Berry; and many aunts and uncles.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Eileen (McDermott).  The visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Willow Funeral Home, 1415 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, IL.  Cremation will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the donor's local rescue animal shelter.  For information, call the funeral home at 847-458-1700.  (Forwarded by Jim Hansen)

 

08/31/11 – Effective today, General Secretary/Treasurer Dewayne Stiefvater has resigned.  Our new GST is Dianne Koppleman who takes over tomorrow, September 1, 2011.  Please direct all inquiries about dues, membership and similar questions to Dianne, whose address is:  Dianne Koppelman, 2866 S. 98th St., West Allis, WI  53227-3361, telephone 414-763-6746, e-mail dckoppelman@yahoo.com.

We thank Dewayne for his many years of service in this position.

 

08/13/11 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Robert L. Fisher, age 95, passed away this morning.  Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the Brust Funeral Home, 415 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream, IL, telephone (630) 510-0044.  The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011, also at the Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, IL. 

Bob grew up in Eagle Grove, Iowa where his father was a C&NW engineer on the Northern Iowa Division and Bob’s first railroad job was on the Eagle Grove Section Gang.  Later, on June 9, 1941, Bob hired out as a fireman on the Wisconsin Division.  During World War II, he was assigned to the Railroad Battalion and served in Alaska among other places.  He returned to the Wisconsin Division after the war, was set up to engineer on February 14, 1946 and retired off an Elk Grove job on February 27, 1981 with 43 years of C&NW Service.

 

08/12/11 - Myrtle L. Leahy, wife of former General President John Leahy, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, at Northwest Community Hospital.  Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 12, from 3:00 to 9:00 pm at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights. Prayers will be said on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 8:45 am at the funeral home, and will continue to Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 450 S. Mitchell St., Arlington Heights, for a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be private.  For information, 847-253-5423 or www.lauterburgoehler.com.

 

08/08/11 – Retired Engineer Richard G. Godfrey passed away July 30, 2011 at the age of 86. Beloved husband of Lorraine (nee Baumann) for 59 years and father of Nancy (Patrick) Kulinski and Richard S. Godfrey plus many grand children, great grand children nieces and nephews.  Visitation was Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at Church and Chapel Funeral Home, 15250 W. National Ave., with services following.  Private interment at Pinelawn Memorial.  Richard retired from the Chicago & North Western Ry. with 40 years of service and was a WW II Navy veteran serving in the South Pacific.  (Forwarded by Captain Wally Lindemann.)

 

07/27/11 – Visitation for Delores Schultz will be Monday, August 1, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial, Fort Myers FL,   (239) 936-0555.  Funeral services will be at 9:30 am, August 2, 2011 at the Church of the Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919-5115, (239) 481-7172.  Interment will be Thursday, August 4th at 9:30 a.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery. http://www.fortmyersmemorial.com/obituary/user/show/template?id=46652    (Forwarded by Jim Hansen.)  -    07/30/11

 

07/25/11 – Delores Schultz, wife of retired Galena Division Engineer Orville Schultz, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2011.  More details as they are made available.  (Forwarded by Jim Hansen.)

 

07/20/11 - Retired Billing Accountant Irene Licwinko, age 97, passed away peacefully July 16, 2011. She was born in Chicago on September 13, 1913 and was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Victory Parish.  Irene retired from the Chicago & North Western Railway in 1975 with 34 years of service.  Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 22, at 10:00 am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 4434 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago.  Interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, IL.  Arrangements are being handled by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, 630-355-0213 or www.friedrichjones.com

07/08/11 – Retired Proviso Superintendent Ralph Windisch passed away Wednesday morning, July 6, 2011 after a long bout with Alzheimer’s.  He is being waked at Salerno's Funeral Home in Bloomingdale tomorrow, Thursday, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, and at 8:30 am on Friday.  The funeral service will be at 9:30 am Friday at St Isidore's (on Army Trail in Bloomingdale) in the chapel which is the old church.  Forwarded by Chris Burger & Truman Koehn.)

05/18/11 - Retired C&NW / Green Bay District locomotive engineer Dick Piontek, 84, went to church on a recent Sunday, St Mary's of the Angles.  As he was leaving, he passed out and tipped over.  He woke up in the hospital with a new pace maker and one hell of a sore shoulder.  He remained in the hospital for 3 days.  He was at our monthly C&NW Veterans meeting today and was grinning from ear to ear.  Dick is our local chapter legislative representative  (Submitted by Truman Koehn.)

 

05/15/11 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Frank C. Cadell passed away in Tucson, AZ on May 8, 2011.  He was born in Chicago, IL on Sept. 4, 1938 and had been a resident of Green Valley, AZ for seven years.  Frank served honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Cogswell destroyer as a radioman from 1955-1959.  He worked for the Chicago & North Western/ Union Pacific railroads and retired in 2002 after 38 years of service.  He was involved in numerous organizations in Green Valley including the Amateur Radio Club, Railroad Club and Fleet Reserve Assoc., as well as the Destroyer Escort Sailors Assoc. of Southern Arizona.  He is survived by his wife Linda of Green Valley; sons Michael (Carolyn) of Rocklin, Calif. and David (Vivialyn) of Cicero, Ill.; grandsons Jerad and Jason Cadell, both of Rocklin; brother James (Maryann) of Medinah, Ill.; three nephews and a niece.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 21, at Green Valley Mortuary & Cemetery. 18751 S la Canada Dr., Sahuarita, AZ, telephone: (520) 625-7400.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Green Valley/Sahuarita Community Food Bank, 250 E. Continental Rd., Green Valley, AZ 85614.

 

05/11/11 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Frank Cadell passed away on May 8, 2011 in Arizona and we have this from his wife Linda:  “I want to let you know that Frank passed peacefully Sunday, May 8th in hospice.  He had a massive stroke on April 26th from which he did not recover.  When he got to the hospital, they gave him TPA, which is the powerful blood thinner.  He was communicating with us and moving his right arm and leg.  The doctor told us the risks were at 6%.  He wanted to give it a try and I agreed.  The treatment did not work and possibly made things worse.  After that, he was non-communicative and could not move at all.  It was devastating to see him like that.  He never woke up and after seeing the scans, we realized that there was no hope.  Love, Linda.” 

There will be a memorial service for Frank on May 21, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Green Valley Mortuary & Cemetery, 18751 S la Canada Dr., Sahuarita, AZ, telephone: (520) 625-7400   His obituary will be in the Green Valley News on Sunday, May 15th.  (Forwarded by Dan Barden & Joe Vetteese.)

 

05/09/11 – Retired Agent James R. "Jake" Kaiser died peacefully May 5, 2011 at the age of 74 years after a courageous battle with cancer.  Beloved husband of the late Barbara.  Dear father of Gregory and Gary.  Dear grandpa of J.J. and Alyse.  Brother of Robert (Carol) and the late Margaret, Dorothy, Shirley and Marion.  Further survived by other relatives and friends.  Jake was a retiree of Chicago & North Western Railway after 44 years of service.  Special thanks to Allay Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.  Visitation Monday, May 9, 2011 at the Funeral Home, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm followed by Funeral Services at 7:00 pm.  Private interment Arlington Park Cemetery.  Arrangements are being handled by Rozga-Schutte-Walloch Funeral Home, 4309 S. 20th St., Milwaukee, WI, 414-281-7145.  (Forwarded by Captain Wally Lindemann.)

 

04/28/11 – Hello All.  Just found out our next Florida Chapter CNW luncheon is on the 28th of January 2012, at the same place it's been for the last 2 years; Sam Seltzers Steak house in Fort Myers, FL.  Hope we can have as good a turnout as we had for the 2011 luncheon.  As time progresses, we will send out another e-mail reminding you of the luncheon.  If you have any questions please call me at 239-936-4633 and I'll try to answer them.  Until then, Dan Barden.

 

04/27/11 – Bob Baldwin is back home.  He was not doing to well, but, he has nurses visiting and is doing much better.  The doctor did not give him very good news.  He only has about a year to live.  For now, he's in good spirits and is starting to eat and walk around.  We started playing cards again.  (Forwarded by Dan Barden & Jim Hansen.)

 

04/18/11 – Retired Conductor Michael J. Kinney, age 76, passed away suddenly on April 14, 2011.  Mike retired in 1999 with 46 years of service and was Local Chairman for U.T.U. #528.  In retirement, Mike became affiliated with the law firm of Hoey & Farina as an investigator bringing his unique railroader’s perspective and years of railroading experience to the firm.

A wake will be held for Mike on Monday, April 25, 2011, from 2:00 pm until time of service at 7:00 pm at the Belvidere Funeral Home, 203 Logan Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008-3724 (815-544-2121). A private burial service will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011.  (Forwarded by Wally Lindemann.)

04/13/11 - I thought you would like to know how Bob Baldwin is doing.  For 16 years, he was being treated for bladder cancer and kept it under control. The last test he had showed another type of cancer behind the bladder and it is not known how far it has spread.  For the past 3 weeks he has had 15 - 5 minute radiation treatments and 2 - 5 hour chemotherapy treatments.  He is supposed to have a series of 30 radiation and 3 chemo treatments.  Bob has declined the remainder of the treatments.

Bob has lost 25 pounds, cannot eat and can not control his bladder.  Monday he became dehydrated and was admitted to the Brooksville Hospital.  He is being treated and will have a discussion with his doctor.  He may be coming home in 2 days.  I will let you know when we get more information.  (Forwarded by Jim Hansen.)

 

04/05/11 – Retired Payroll Department Manager Warren C. Hachmeister passed away April 3, 2011.  Warren retired in 1987 with 43 years of service and later served as President of the Chicago Chapter of the Veterans’ Association for many years and was General Vice President of the Association for the 1999-2000 term.  Warren was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Marion and is survived by his son Warren P., daughter Laurie Anne and many nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Thursday, April 7th at the funeral home with interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.

 

03/31/11 – Arthur E. Riegert, 82, a retired Lake Shore Division Engineer, passed way at the V.A. Hospital in Milwaukee on Tuesday March 29, 2011 of heart complications.  He leaves behind his wife Lillian of 63 years, 3 sons, 1 daughter and many grand and great grandchildren.  Art had a great sense of humor and friendly smile.  Many who worked with him said his train handling abilities were unsurpassed.

Funeral services will be held at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 801 George St., Crivitz, WI  54114-7474, Phone: (715) 854-7460 on Sunday, April 3, 2011 with visitation from 4:00 pm until time of services at 7:00 pm.  Military Rites will be held by American Legion Post 413.  (Forwarded by Rod Ewert.)

03/30/11 – Those of you who believe in the power of prayer, say a prayer for Kay Sturtevant & her family.  She had surgery to remove a Hematoma from her leg.  It was the size of a football.  Thank God she is okay but she will need a skin graft later this year.  I spoke with her last week and she sounded pretty strong.  At the same time she was hospitalized, which was about one week, her Dad was admitted to the hospital and still is there.  He was diagnosed with failing kidneys and as a result has begun dialysis, which he will need for the duration of his life, a few times per week.  He is 89 yrs old.  Of course, Kay's mom, Mrs. Sturtevant, is under extreme pressure as a result of all this.  She is also in her eighties, trying to keep watch on her husband and daughter and she is not in the best of health herself.

A group of us in Commuter Operations is planning to visit her later this spring.  However, in the meantime, you may call or write her at the information listed below.  Again, please keep Kay and her family in your prayers.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

Kay Sturtevant
Golden Living Nursing Center
430 Wilcox Street
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 - Room 32
Direct Telephone: 920-568-1460
Nurse's Station: 920-563-5533

 

03/18/11 - Retired Civil Engineer Otis B. Prichard, 88, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 12, 2011.  He was born on June 25, 1922 in Onawa, IA and married the former Louise Lorenger on May 12, 1943.  Otis served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and flew multiple bombing missions in a B17 Bomber until he was shot down in the North Sea in July, 1943 and captured by the German navy.  For the duration of the war, Otis was a P.O.W.  Upon returning home, the couple settled in Sioux City, Iowa, and Otis began working for the Chicago North Western Railway as a Civil Engineer, transferring to Green Bay in 1950. Retiring in the mid-1970’s, Otis operated his own business, Pritchard Construction Co., which he started in the late 1960s.

Survivors include his three daughters, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Friends may call at First United Methodist Church, 501 Howe St., on Sunday, March 20, 2011 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.  Funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Paul Johnsen officiating.  Entombment at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.  Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prokowall.com.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.  (Forwarded by Truman Koehn.)

 

03/13/11 – Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor Theodore P. "Ted" Holly, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2011.  Ted was born on Christmas day, 1925, in Cable, WI.  He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Dorothy (nee Brandt), his daughter Dr. Susan (Bill Johnson) Holly, granddaughter Olivia Holly-Johnson, and sisters Judith Tilson and Carol Anderson.  Ted proudly served his country with the US Navy in WW II, later achieving the rank of Sergeant Major in the Army.  Ted retired from the Chicago North Western Railway in 1985 with 40 years of service winding up his railroad career on a Kenosha scoot.  A celebration of Ted's life will be held privately for family and friends at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.  (Forwarded by Jim Yanke.)

 

03/06/11 – Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor Donald F. Markgraf, age 81, passed away on March 3, 2011.  Beloved husband of Betty Jane (nee Appel) for over 48 years.  Loving father of Patricia (Charles) Giordano and James (Wendy) Markgraf.  Grandfather of Sarah and Michael.  Don worked 41 years for the Chicago & North Western Railway including 17 years as Local Chairman, 10 years as Vice Chairman and 8 years as General Chairman of the United Transportation Union.  Private services are being held with Entombment at Wisconsin Memorial Park. Memorials to the Ronald McDonald House deeply appreciated.  (Forwarded by Jim Hansen & Joe Vettese.)

 

02/08/11 – Retired Conductor Fairfax H. Scruggs, age 82 in age but 28 at heart, passed away in the presence of dear friends and family on Monday, January 31, 2011.  Born on November 10, 1928 in Hurt, Va., Fairfax grew up amongst the southern tobacco fields with his loving parents Edward and Bertha Scruggs and 11 brothers and sisters.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947 as part of the allied occupation forces in Korea.  Married just shy of 62 years, Fairfax first saw his sweetheart Eldean playing basketball at a local high school.  After their $10 wedding, they took off to Chicago where Fairfax worked for the Chicago and North Western Railway for 38 years and poured his life into Skokie Valley Baptist Church and his only child, a son, Terry Harrison Scruggs.  In 1986, Fairfax and Eldean returned to the south to enjoy retirement, with plans to step back from intensive church work.  As Fairfax always said, "God had other plans."  Fairfax soon became a deacon at Red Lane Baptist Church in Powhatan, Va. and was later named deacon emeritus after almost 20 years of dedicated service. Fairfax's life was testament of love for God, his family and his community.  His storytelling, wit, giving heart and loving smile will carry on in the hearts of all who knew him.  He is survived by his wife, Eldean (Tucker) Scruggs; son, Terry Scruggs and his wife, Nancy; grandchildren, Sarah, Paul and Laura Scruggs; brother, Hugh Scruggs; sisters, Ruby Layne, Ruth Davis and Naomi Rice; and many loving nieces and nephews.  Returning this blessed gift to God, a memorial service was held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 10:30 am at Red Lane Baptist Church with Pastors David Slayton and Bill Gohmert officiating.  A luncheon will take place after the service.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations for Red Lane Baptist Missions to 2095 Red Lane Road, Powhatan, Va. 23139.  (Submitted by Wally Lindemann.)

 

01/25/11 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Harrol R. Cline, 82, of Crossville, TN passed away January 19, 2011.  Funeral services were held Jan. 24 from the chapel of Bilbrey Funeral Home with Bro. Joe Pruitt officiating.  Harrol was born October 24, 1928 in Cumberland County, TN, the son of Fred and Lucy Fields Cline.  He was retired from Chicago and North Western Railroad and was a member of West Ave. Church of Christ.  He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II.  Survivors include his wife Patsy Ruth McFall Cline of Crossville; sons, Tony Cline and Randal Cline both of Kenosha WI; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.  Bilbrey Funeral Home, Inc. (www.bilbreyfh.com) was in charge of the arrangements.  (Submitted by Joe Vettese.)

 

01/19/11 - Retired General Yardmaster Fred Manrose passed away last week after a brief illness.  Funeral services have already been said, and he was interred at Glen Oaks Cemetery in Hillside, IL.  He was the beloved husband of Norma (nee Scott) and the late Elvira (nee Guenther).  Loving father of Melvin (Heidee), Bob (Kathy), Linda and Debbie (Arnold) Guiterrez, Grandpa of 6 and Great-Grandpa of 6.  Fred was a proud World War II U. S. Navy veteran.  (Submitted by Patrick McNamara.)

 

01/16/11 - Hugh Scruggs from Kenosha, WI just called to let us know of the passing of Kenny Kline in Englewood, Florida.  He was a retired Wisconsin Division engineer.  That's all the information I have.  (Forwarded by Yvonne Sylvester.)

 

12/30/10 – Retired Conductor Wendell D. “Windy” Bloomstrand, age 82, passed away Sunday November 28, 2010 at his home in Ellsworth, Wisconsin.  Wendell was born on June 18, 1928 in Stockholm, Wisconsin to David and Grace (Carlson) Bloomstrand.  The family then moved to Ellsworth in 1929, where he resided until enlisting in the Navy in 1946 and served until his discharge in 1949.  He began working for the Chicago North Western Railway in 1950 and along the way he met his wife, Polly (Dotson) in Chicago.  They were married on December 29, 1959.  Wendell continued to work for C&NW Railway for 39 years, raising his family in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  Upon his retirement in 1989 he moved back to his hometown of Ellsworth.  Wendell is survived by daughter Darlene and son David, sister Audrey, brother Lorin and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

The family would appreciate donations to the Fairview Red Wing Regional Hospice, whose staff provided excellent and loving care to Wendell.  (Submitted by Darlene Bloomstrand.)

 

12/19/10 – Retired Engineer John H. Wilcox, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the complications of a stroke.  John was born on Nov. 3, 1924, to Harold and Margaret (Davis) Wilcox.  John was a Veteran of World War II, serving at Fort Hood, Texas and in Germany from 1942 until 1946.  He married Genevieve Lubecke on Jan. 18, 1945.  Upon his return from service, John was employed with the Chicago and North Western Railway as a fireman in 1946 and retired in 1985 with 39 years of service.  John was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Masonic Lodge of Stoughton, Wisconsin.  John is survived by his son, Charley Wilcox of Milwaukee; daughter, Dottie (Richard) Danley of Layton, Utah; 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret; sister, Faith Cullen; and his wife, Genevieve Wilcox.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, County Highway B, Stoughton at 11:00 am on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, with the Rev. Scott Geister-Jones presiding, with military honors to follow.  Private burial will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens after the luncheon.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service on Tuesday. Per John's wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.  Arrangements are being handled by
Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Center, Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Madison, (608) 873-4590, www.gundersonfh.com   (Submitted by Don Mundth.) 

12/06/10 – Retired Engineer Robert J. Godfrey passed away December 4, 2010 at the age of 83.  He was the beloved husband of Luentha "Lu" (nee Kussrow) for 61 years, loving father of John (Gloria), William (Terry) and Stephen (Gail) and further survived by 10 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  Funeral service will be on Wednesday, December 8 at 12:00 Noon, at the Max A. Sass & Sons Westwood Chapel.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon.  Interment will be private at Wisconsin Memorial Park.  Robert served his country in the U.S. Merchant Marine during WW II and retired with 40 years of service with the Chicago North Western Railway.

 

11/30/10 - November 24, 2010 was Joe & Norma Vettese’s 50th wedding anniversary and two days later on Friday, November 26, their 5 children and their spouses hosted a party for them at the Zion Beach Resort in Zion IL.  Joe sent us these pictures and it’s obvious a good time was had by all.  Joe is a retired Wisconsin Division Engineer.  Go here to see the pictures.  Congratulations, Joe & Norma!

 

11/20/10 – Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor “Windy” Bloomstrand is ailing and is not in very good shape.  There are no other details at this time.  (Submitted Jim Hansen.) 

 

11/09/10 – Retired Conductor Vernon Gerth, 88, of Kenosha, Wisconsin passed away Sunday, November 7, 2010, at Wynwood of Kenosha.  Born on March 12, 1922, in Clyman, Wis., he was the son of the late Henry and Paula (Stern) Gerth.  He was a member of the U.S. Army serving in the Philippines during WWII.  He married Oakley Brittelli on May 3, 1947, in Kenosha and for 36 years he was employed as a conductor for the Chicago & North Western Railway, retiring in July 1982.

A visitation will be held Thursday Nov. 11, 2010; at Kenosha Funeral Services from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at Green Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family would be greatly appreciated.  Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory, 8226 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha, WI 53143, 262- 652-1943, www.kenosha-funeral-services.com.  (Submitted by Dan Sylvester.) 

11/08/10 – Retired Track Maintenance Supervisor Barry L. Hendershot, age 56, passed away on November 1, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital/Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN where he lost his long battle with liver disease.  Barry began employment with Chicago and North Western Railway in 1973 at Sterling, IL.  Later, he worked in Neenah, WI, Escanaba, MI, Sheboygan, WI and finally Milwaukee. 

No funeral or services are planned at Barry's request; however, condolences to the family may be made and any monetary gifts can be sent to The Hearn's, 553 W 17th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902 and will gratefully be deposited into The Barry Hendershot Benefit Account to help with medical expenses.  (Submitted by Don Mundth.) 

10/25/10 – Retired Engineer Bruce O. Giessel, age 71, of Friendship, WI lost his battle with lung cancer on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Villa Pine Living Center in Friendship, Wisconsin.  He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Suzanne; a brother, James of Virginia; three sisters: Geraldine, Marilyn, and Dawn, all of Forest County, Wisconsin; further survived by nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Ruby Giessel and his brother, Marvin Giessel.  Bruce was a railroader who started his career with the Chicago & North Western Ry. in Madison, WI in 1969.  In 1983, he transferred to Adams and continued working for the Chicago & North Western and Union Pacific.  He retired in 2000.  Bruce enjoyed hunting and fishing, and over the years he raised Springer Spaniels and exhibited show cats.  As Bruce requested, a private family service will be held at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, 512 Main St. (PO Box 620), Friendship, WI 53934.  (Submitted by Gale Roberts.) 

09/07/10 – Retired Engineer Bob Maddiex, 81, of Mount Prospect passed away Sunday, September 5, 2010.  Born January 21, 1929 in Roodhouse, IL, Bob was a retired locomotive engineer for the Chicago North Western Railway and an Army veteran of the Korean War.  He was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine M. (nee Taccino); loving father of Patricia Orvis, Robert (Sally), Richard (Linda) and Michael (Gabriella); proud grandfather of Justin, Isabella and Giulia; and fond uncle of three nieces.  Visitation for will be from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, 09/08/10, at Matz Funeral Home, 410 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect.  Prayers will be said at 9:30 am Thursday at the funeral home, proceeding to St. Emily Church, 1400 E. Central Road, Mount Prospect, for Mass at 10:00 am.  Burial will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association will be appreciated.  For information, 847-394-2336.

 

08/19/10 - Ed Foreman will be coming home for hospice care at home.  His spirits are good.  He is facing this and accepted it bravely. Please keep Ed in your thoughts and prayers.  (Submitted by Doni Foreman.)

 

08/14/10 – Ed Foreman, Retired Director at the Crew Management Center, has had a short fight with cancer and it is winning.  We are sorry to report he is too weak now to continue the battle.  Ed is at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL, room 4311, as in-patient hospice.  (Submitted by Doni Foreman.)

 

08/04/10 – Retired Vice President of Materials and Real Estate Robert Ballin, 95, of Northbrook, IL, formerly of Northfield, passed away July 31, 2010.  Robert was the husband of Edith M. Ballin; father of Barbara, Peter and the late Richard (Jane Terry) Ballin. Memorial Visitation Sunday, August 15, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, 1100 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette, IL. Service and interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New Trier Educational Foundation, 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka, IL 60093 or your local food pantry.  Funeral inquiries, 847-251-8200.

 

08/03/10 – Retired Agent-Telegrapher Thaine Albert Colburn, age 89, of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin.  Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at the White Creek Congregational Church in White Creek, Wisconsin.  Interment will be at the Easton Cemetery, Twp of Easton, Wisconsin.  Military Honors will be presented by the Adams County Honor Guard.  Visitation was from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday, 08/02/10, at Roseberry's Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church.

Thaine was born March 13, 1921 in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin to Albert Henry and Rachel Bessie (Neff) Colburn.  He graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1939.  Thaine worked for the Chicago North Western Railway for several years before serving in the Army during WWII.  He returned to the C&NW where he worked as a telegrapher until 1981.  Thaine married Dolores "Lolly" Rose Falkensteen on October 4, 1947.  The couple lived in Adams and rural Friendship.  Lolly preceded Thaine in death on April 28, 1998.  He married Gloria M. Booker on October 12, 2002 in Friendship, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the White Creek Congregational Church.  (Submitted by Gale Roberts.)

 

07/29/10 – Joe Vettese sent us news on retired Wisconsin Division Conductor Ernie Numerowski.  Yesterday, Norma and I went to the Elmcroft Assisted Living Home where Ernie is.  We picked him up and took him to favorite eating place, the Panda Buffet.  We had lunch and took him back to the Home.  He seems to be very happy there.  Ernie has his own little room, his two cats and a small refrigerator.  And, they take good of him.  They pick up his basket of dirty clothes, wash them and bring them back.  They come in and help him shower if he needs help.  Plus, being a Veteran, he gets $1,700.00 a month off his bill.  All meals are provided - 3 meals a day, 7 days a week.  And he is happy with food but he likes to get every now and then.  I try to go see him about once a week.  Ernie’s address is:  Ernie Numerowski, Elmcroft of Mountain Home, 715 – W. 6th St., Room 103, Mountain Home AR  72653, Phone 870-424-2478.  Drop Ernie a note or better yet call.  He’d be glad to hear from you.  Ernie hired out in 1948 and retired in 1989 with 41 years of service.  (Joe, thanks very much for the update.)

 

07/16/10 – Retired Wisconsin Division Conductor Duane Robu passed away on July 2, 2010 at Ozark, MO after being hospitalized with liver cancer.  He was cremated and there were no services as he wished.  No memorial gifts are to be made either, again per his request.  Should you wish to send his wife June and the family a card her address is: 5603 N. 17th St., Ozark, MO 65775.  Duane hired out in Milwaukee and retired off a Kenosha scoot in the early 1980’s.  (Forwarded by Betty Brunner.)

07/09/10 – Laurie Cosentino brings us news about Kay Sturtevant.  I just wanted to provide each of you with an update on our much missed Kay.  Last night, several of us went to see her and she was so happy to see our faces.  Kay looks good, a little older but I'm sure it’s a result of all she has endured.  She has lost an enormous amount of weight, so when you walk into her room you see what looks like another woman, but it’s our Kay, just a much slimmer face!

We shared great conversation, laughter, we each wrote in her memory book her Mom has made her, we read scriptures/meditation and ended by praying with her.  She was quite emotional (rightfully so), but we left her with the joy of knowing that she is not forgotten.  We explained we love her, but can't always get there to see her on a weekly basis.

We plan on going there to celebrate her birthday which is Saturday, July 31st, so if any of you would like to join us below is her address.  I'm not sure how long she will be there because her parents with the help of a special nurse friend have helped to set up her move to Beloit, which will be much closer for her aging parents.  Her Dad took another fall, so please keep Kay and her parents who are both in their 80's in your prayers.

Kay Sturtevant
1366 West Fullerton, Room 603
Chicago, IL

If you would like to meet us there to celebrate her birthday, please let Jan or me know so that she can call to inform them the number of us who will be coming with the hope of perhaps allowing us to go up and celebrate in the dining area.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

 

04/20/10 – Retired IDP Field Representative Florence Jacobsen, aka Florence Pels, age 77, of Prophetstown, IL, formerly of Chicago, died Friday, April 16, 2010 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Morrison, IL. Visitation will be Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the McDonald Funeral Home in Prophetstown with a funeral service at 4:00 pm with Pastor Olson of the First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown officiating.

 

04/14/10 – B&B Department Carpenter Richard E. White passed away on the job at South Pekin, IL on Monday, April 12, 2010 at age 55.  Dick resided in Rice Lake, WI, worked out of Altoona for many years and had over 30 years of service with the C&NW and Union Pacific.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 19, 2010 from Canton United Methodist Church with Rev. Donald Black officiating and interment in Pioneer Rest Cemetery in the Town of Sumner, rural Rice Lake.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Rausch-Lundeen Funeral Home in Cameron and also for the hour prior to services at the church.  Arrangements are with Rausch-Lundeen Funeral Homes, Cameron, WI, 715-458-2514.  (Submitted by Louis Wilson.)

 

04/11/10 – Marion Hachmeister, wife of retired Payroll Department Manager and former Chicago Chapter President Warren Hachmeister, passed away April 8, 2010.  Visitation will be Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Cooney Funeral Home 625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL with the funeral service on Monday, April 12, 2010.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Additional information at 847-685-1002.

 

03/21/10 - Illinois Division Conductor Ron Jones is in the intensive care unit at Loyola Hospital in Maywood.  More information when we get it.  He will have surgery on Monday morning, March 22, 2010.  (Forwarded by

 

03/12/10 - Retired Signal Maintainer Kenneth H. Jensen, 79, of 3651 Seventh St. S., Wisconsin Rapids, WI passed away Wednesday evening, March 10, 2010, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield.  Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sunday at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home; and again from 10:00 am until the time of services Monday (03/15/10) at the church.  Services will be held at 11:00 am Monday at First English Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids.  The Rev. Joshua Fite will officiate.  Military rites will be provided by VFW Post No. 2534.  Entombment will be in Forest Hill Mausoleum at a later date.

Ken was born in Adams County on April 13, 1930 to LeRoy and Isabelle (Johnson) Jensen.  He married Renne Davis on May 21, 1954 in Arkdale.  She died Feb. 27, 2005.  Ken was employed as a signal maintainer for the Chicago & North Western and Green Bay and Western Railways for almost 40 years, retiring in 1992.  Ken served his country in the U.S. Army from Dec. 23, 1948 to July 20, 1950, and was stationed in Okinawa.  He was a member of the Adams-Friendship VFW, where he ran the horseshoe tournament for the Fourth of July celebration.

Survivors include his children, grandchildren, brother and two sisters.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and one sister.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to First English Lutheran Church or to the family, as an additional memorial is to be established in the near future.   (Submitted by Gale Roberts & Louis Wilson.)

 

02/26/10 - Kay Sturtevant was released out of St. Joseph's Hospital on Tuesday evening (02/23/10) after a bout with a blood infection.  She's doing somewhat better, however she is in a new nursing/rehab facility.  See below.  Please feel free to forward this message to others you feel may want to know.

Imperial Nursing Home
1366 West Fullerton
Chicago, Illinois

She is on the 2nd floor - Her mom believes it's Room #221 and she will not have her private telephone until approx March 4th.  The general number to the facility is 773-248-9300.  If you wish to speak with Kay before March 4, ask for the 2nd floor nurse's station, they can get the phone to her.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

 

01/14/10 – Retired Clerk Marvin Garland tells us he’s just gotten back from the hospital where he had more x-rays, blood test, an EKG and a physical yesterday.   “Found out I have high blood pressure so now I'm on pill.  Will be having a hip replacement next Friday, January 22nd.  Things sure took a turn for the worst after I got that Medicare card 9 years ago.  Looks like snow shoveling and ice fishing are down the tube for this year.  They said I'll be in the hospital for 3 days.  After I get this fixed up the knees will be next.”  Hang in there Marv, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.  (Forwarded by Dewayne Stiefvater.)

 

01/09/10 – Denny Luft, retired Traveling Engineer on the Iowa Division, was taken ill in early December, had several tests done and ended up having surgery on December 23, 2009 resulting in his spending Christmas in the hospital and coming home some days thereafter.  They removed a section of his large intestine which was cancerous.  He went in for further testing last Friday; January 8 and will visit with the Oncologist on January 21.

I am sure Denny and Barb would appreciate the prayers of many and would appreciate a card or note. Their U.S. mailing address is:  3425 Lindenwood Street, Sioux City, Iowa  51104-2228.  (Forwarded by Ron Corrigan.) 

 

12/18/2009 – Retired Engineer Peter J. “Pete” Peters, 70 of Green Bay, WI passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2009 following a lengthy illness.  He was born April 30, 1939 in Milbank, SD to Peter and Lambertha (Spanjers) Peters.  Pete served in the U.S. Army and worked for the Chicago & North Western Railway, first as a fireman and later as an engineer.  Pete retired in 1996 with 36 years of service.   Pete loved metal detecting, dancing, golfing, bowling, reading history, collecting stamps, and was a good pool shooter. He especially loved his family and friends.  Pete will be missed by his wife and children and the “Bay Motel Buddies.”  Pete was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Randy Allen; two stillborn daughters; and a brother, Ted Peters.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., Green Bay, WI from 2:00 to 7:00 pm Sunday, December 20.  The Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 pm Sunday at the funeral home with the Rev. Keith Swanson officiating.  Entombment will be in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.  To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.   A memorial fund has been established in Pete’s name to benefit the Special Olympics.

 

12/07/09 – Senior Project Manager Dan Hanna passed away December 2, 2009 at Omaha, Nebraska.  Dan was born on Mar 23, 1954 and was preceded in death by his mother Kay Hanna. Survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher and Erika Hanna, Joshua Lytle and Jessie Barth; father and stepmother, William and Helen Hanna; brother Paul (Lauri) Hanna; friend Gail Hanna; nephews, Will (Lindsay) Hanna & Lance (Kim) Hanna.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Presbyterian Church of The Master, 10710 Corby Circle, Omaha, Nebraska.  Visitation with Family -  6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday, December 7th at the Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N. 108th St., Omaha, telephone 402-496-9000.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)            

11/24/09 - Earl H. Schmidt, retired Wisconsin Division Engineer, died at the age of 88, on  November 21, 2009 at VA Hospital, Woods, Wisconsin.  Loving husband and best friend of Irene, for 62 years.  Father of Curtis, Julianne, David, Ronald, Cheryl, and the late Linda.  Further survived by 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, other relatives and friends.  Earl was a WW II veteran serving as a Motor Machinist's Mate on the USS Bluefish in the pacific fleet. 

Visitation Saturday November 28, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at St Alphonsus Church, 6060 W. Loomis Road, Greendale, Wisconsin with complete funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m..  Private entombment St Adalbert Cemetery.  (Forwarded by Curtis Schmidt.)            

 

09/17/09 - Retired Trainmaster Ronald G. Gibbons, 74, of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at his residence after a long battle with lung disease.  Ronald was born on Jan. 22, 1935, in a farm house north of Newell, Iowa, to Norman and Blanche (Waterman) Gibbons.  Following high school, he worked 18 months for the Illinois Central Railroad and then accepted full-time employment with the Chicago & North Western Railway retiring in August 1989 with 35 years of service. 

Services will be 10:00 am Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 at the Community United Methodist Church in Sergeant Bluff, with Rev. Deborah Stowers and Rev. Dr. Paul Samuelson officiating.  Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church with the family present. Per his wishes, he was a donor with the Iowa Donation Network.  Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service.  (Forwarded by Dennis L. Stowe.)            

 

09/15/09 – Retired Division Engineer Marvin M. Williams, 82, of Ames, IA and formerly of Mason City, IA, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.  A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, September 16, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames.  Visitation will be today from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Stevens Memorial Chapel in Ames.  Marvin was born February 28, 1927, in Boone, IA to John and Vera (Lycke) Williams. He married Jeanne Wells on February 22, 1956.  He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, NARRVE, North Central Iowa Genealogical Society, and was a volunteer tax preparer for AARP.  He retired from the Chicago and  North Western Railway after 41 years of service.  He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Williams, of Ames; two daughters, one son and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his  parents, two sisters and two brothers.  Condolences may be sent to Jeanne Williams, 3821 Tiverton Court, No. 106, Ames, IA  50010.  Online condolences may be made at www.stevensmemorialchapel.com.  Stevens Memorial Chapel, 515-232-5473.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)            

 

09/08/09 – Update on Kay Sturtevant.  Kay has been transferred to Schwab Rehabilitation Center located at 1401 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL  60608.  Jan Richardson-Hill went to visit her yesterday and she is still having a hard time getting around, we are praying that this new facility will provide more than 1 hour of rehab as the other facility did.  Please keep Kay in our prayers as she is progressing very slowly.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

 

08/24/09 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Louis Rowitz passed away on August 23, 2009.  Services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 26, 2008 at the Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, telephone 847-255-3520.  Other arrangements are pending.

 

08/21/09 – The UTU picnic will be on Sunday September 6, 2009 at Busse Woods, Grove #32.  This is the same place as last year.  The time is from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  Busse Woods is located in Elk Grove near I-290 and Biesterfield Road near the Alexian Brothers Medical Center and Beisner Road.  If you have any questions you can call the Local 528 Office at 312-207-0906.  (Submitted by Richard Gladkowski, Local 528.)

 

07/20/09 – Update on Dewayne Stiefvater.  Tomorrow, Dewayne will move to a rehab facility – Cedar Crossing, 3200 W. Pleasant Valley Road, West Bend, WI  53095, telephone 262-306-4240.  He’s using the walker more and more, and is looking forward to “real food.”

 

07/18/09 – Update on Dewayne Stiefvater.  Dewayne is progressing very nicely.  His appetite is good and he wishes they would start bringing him “real food” instead of the watery stuff you get after an operation.  He’s using the walker and goes the length of the corridor a couple of times a day.  Someone is with him just to be sure there are no problems.  Dewayne is looking forward to getting into the rehab routine in the next few days.  This will likely be at another facility closer to West Bend.

 

07/15/09 – Retired Train Dispatcher Terry A. Schwenneker, 68 of Marion, passed away at 7:45 a.m., July 14, 2009, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL   Funeral services will be at 11 am, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Monsignor Thomas Flach officiating. There will be no visitation.  Entombment will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Omaha, Neb.  Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959.  Terry was born January 11, 1941 in Iowa to Harold and Irene (Larson) Schwenneker.  He married Carol A. Hopkins in Omaha, Nebraska on October 30, 1965; together they shared 43 years of marriage.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  (Forwarded by Dave Hawley.)

 

07/09/09 – Update on Dewayne Stiefvater.  Dewayne moved out of ICU today and is now in Room 231A, Community Memorial Hospital, W180 N8085 Town Hall Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.  He is now in the Cardiac Care Unit where he’s being watched closely but is not hooked up to nearly as much stuff as he was in ICU.  He’s progressing nicely and has been standing with the aid of a walker.  The next step is to walk with the walker and that will coming up soon.  As you can see from these updates, Dewayne has made great progress in the last 8 days and we are counting on this to continue.  Send him a card; he will be glad to hear from you.

 

07/04/09 – Update on Dewayne Stiefvater.  Dewayne is out of the coma but is still in ICU.  He was sitting up for a short time today and is becoming aware of what and when all this happened.  Hopefully, soon he will be in therapy for his knee replacement and then back home.

 

07/02/09  Update on Dewayne Stiefvater.  The ventilator was removed today and Dewayne is breathing on his own with the intermittent assistance of oxygen.  He woke up for a short time this afternoon, is aware of his surroundings and was able to move his arms and legs a little bit.  Best of all, he recognized Phyllis.  This is the best news so far though he’s still a long way from being out of the woods.  Continue praying and we’ll keep you posted.

 

07/01/09 - Update on Dewayne Stiefvater – A brain scan performed on Dewayne revealed no activity in the frontal lobe so the outlook is very bleak.  The family will be making a decision shortly about what should be done.  More details will follow when they become available.  Please continue with your prayers.

 

06/28/09 – Update on Dewayne Stiefvater – Dewayne opened his eyes for a short time yesterday and that’s a good sign.  Otherwise, it’s about the same; he is still in ICU, in a coma and is being closely monitored.  The doctors still don’t know the extent of damage that may have been done due to lack of oxygen to the brain.  This happened when his heart stopped previously for a short time.  Please keep Dewayne and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

06/26/09 – Update on Dewayne Stiefvater - As you may have heard by now, Dewayne Stiefvater, General Secretary/Treasurer of the Veterans Association of the Chicago and North Western Railway, is in ICU at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls, WI.  Dewayne went into the Hospital on Wednesday for knee replacement surgery.  The procedure went okay, but sometime afterwards they thought he hit his head on the bed frame and was knocked unconscious. They were concerned that he may have a blood clot so they placed him in ICU.

I just received a call from Lola Braaten reporting she and Caryl had just visited Dewayne in the ICU.  He is still unconscious.  No blood clot, but a very weak heart.  They are unsure how long his brain was without oxygen.  They are trying to wake him up to do a more complete assessment.

Please keep Dewayne in your thoughts and prayers.  Don Mundth, General President, Veterans Association of the Chicago and North Western Railway.

 

06/25/09 – Dewayne Stiefvater underwent knee replacement surgery yesterday at Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls, WI.  The knee replacement surgery was successful but other complications developed and Dewayne is now in the ICU.  More details will be posted as they become available.  Please keep Dewayne and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

06/24/09 – Retired Conductor Charles F. Jenkins passed away on June 23, 2009.  A memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 206 E. Front St., Harvard, Illinois at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 27, 2009 followed by a funeral mass at 2:30 pm.  Additional information from the Church at 815-943-6406.  Charlie’s daughter has a blog at www.caringbridge.org.  Enter charliejenkins (one word).  (Forwarded by Jim Hansen.)

 

 

06/23/09 - Again this year, Proviso Labor Locals, comprised of the UTU-represented Brakemen, Conductors, Enginemen, and BRC-represented Carmen, along with the UTU METRA General Committee - extend a cordial invitation to ALL C&NW Veteran's Association members and friends to attend our Annual UNITY Picnic - being held again this year at Busse Woods, Grove 32, access off Biesterfield Road just west of the entrance to Alexian Brothers' Hospital on Bisner Road.  The date is SUNDAY, September 6th, the DAY BEFORE LABOR DAY....from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.

 

Menu items include Texas-style pulled pork, beef brisket, Italian sausages, hot dogs for the kids, fresh salads, fruits and melons - and Cook County's coldest beer....as well as soft drinks and bottled water.  Games and features will include bean-bag tosses...a motorized train ride...bouncing enclosures for the small fry...and sno-cones.

 

C&NW Vets are invited to be our honoured guests - there is no charge.  (Thanks very much  to Pat McNamara for this kind invitation.)

 

05/28/09 - There will be a grave side service for Bill Rasmussen and burial of his ashes at the Marengo City Cemetery, Marengo, IL on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 1:00 pm.  Following, there will be a lunch at the Marengo American Legion Hall, 315 Park Drive, Marengo, IL.  Park Drive is about one-half mile west of the intersection of Routes 20 & 23.

The Marengo City Cemetery is north of our tracks and east of downtown.  Take Route 23 north to Jackson St. and turn east.  (From Mary Rasmussen via Joe Vettese.)

 

05/26/09– Update on Kay Sturtevant.  Hey!  I have some good news.  Kay is improving!  Her voice is strong. She is now at the following facility for the purpose of getting her more aggressive physical and occupational therapy. Her walking is gradually improving.  Drop her a dime or go spend some time!  It helps to keep her

spirits high!  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

Kay Sturtevant is at Glencrest Rehabilitation

2451 West Touhy Avenue, 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL  60645

Her direct telephone No: 773-423-0847

 

05/07/09 – Update on Kay Sturtevant.  Kay remains at Chicago Kindred with 1 hour of physical therapy daily. The doctor says she's ready to be moved for a more aggressive therapy but many places are not receptive since she is not walking yet. The social worker and parents are working on this. Kay still has a trachea but is able to talk a bit better. I notice an issue with her short term memory, not sure if it’s permanent or eventually improve as her days get to a level of a routine and where she is moving around.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino.)

 

04/26/09 – Wisconsin Division update…As we all know and realize, things are tough all over and on the former C&NW, now the U.P. north of Chicago / Proviso, through Milwaukee and up the Adams line, 34 assignments  have been mentioned as coming off.  GM at Janesville shut down this past week.  While at the Train Show this weekend here in Green Bay, one of the operating guys from Janesville stopped by and here is what he had to say.  Janesville will retain a way freight and a yard job.  Butler/ Milwaukee may retain a couple of yard jobs.  There will be two trains daily via Adams, out of Proviso to the Twin Cities and 2 back.  Adams may keep a yard job to make up the way freight--maybe.  Basically, and as we had speculated, the commuter jobs are what will be left north and northwest out of Chicago.  Nezzie is still at Butler but could retire any time.  As far as freight business is concerned, its bare bones.  Even when I was working the freight that came through Adams from the Twin Cities had been rerouted via Mason City down to the east-west main line and into Proviso, etc and return.  The Sheboygan coal trains are down to 3 sets.  There will be extra boards at most places for the time being for the UTU men.  The BLE guys rarely had extra boards at points with few jobs unless this has changed.  I believe this is old news, but the U.P. lost the unit train coal contract to one of the power generating plants south of Milwaukee.  It’s just a matter of time.  (Submitted by Truman Koehn.)

 

04/23/09 – The Annual Railroad Reunion Dinner Party will be held in Green Bay, WI on Friday, May 8, 2009 at the Stadium View Sports Bar (Traditions Hall), 1963 Holmgren Way.  This is for all rails – C&NW, Milwaukee Road, SOO Line, GB&W, FRV, WC, FVW, E&LS, CN, etc.  Complete information is located here:  http://www.494corp.com/gbrreunion.pdf.  This is in addition to and does not replace the Green Bay Chapter Luncheon, which will be held on September 19, 2009.

 

04/08/09 – News from Butler.  Unfortunately more changes are coming (approximately 2 weeks).  There was a conference call on Friday and UP management have decided to further reduce the operations at Butler Yard.  The YBU16 and the LPA74 (Waukesha) assignments will be abolished.  The YBU65 would move to days.  I was told that there would only be a 1st shift Yardmaster, what that entails is yet to be determined.  I was not told that the UTL 1st shift would be abolished or not, but the 2nd shift with no assignments working would be abolished. Obviously there will be a reduction on the DP20 board and I don't know what that number will be set to.  In the Proviso pool the MPRVP that ran 7 days, will be eliminated and just run one through train, the MPRSS 7 days.  Butler Yard will only have one train stopping with cars, the MPRBU on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and a MBUPR departing Butler on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  In Adams there will be a MADBU on Tuesday and Friday and MBUAD on Monday and Thursday.  This will reduce the need for pool assignments at both locations, Proviso and Adams.

This translates into 34 assignments lost or about 70 positions (Trainmen, Engineers and Yardmasters).

There is going to be a lot of movement in the coming weeks.  If you have not worked in passenger service for a while or if ever, you need to contact Gene Wagondorf (312-496-4770) to set up a date to take the familiarization class or set the entire Charm School Training.  If you do not have a uniform you will need to be fitted and that will take weeks to tailor.  Do this now, the sooner the better.  Without a uniform you can not work passenger. They will take right away even if you are not currently displaced, regardless of where you are working, engineer or trainman.  

We do have a furlough board at Butler, EC096 CT20.  This is an option for those who do not want to go south.  It is voluntary, if you have the seniority you can follow the work south, I encourage you to do so.  No one knows how long this down turn in the economy is going to last.  Every month of work is another month of insurance and another service month of Railroad Retirement.  You must contact the Railroad Retirement Board (414-297-3961) to start your benefits.  If you would change your mind and want to come off the CT20 board, your option would be to place on an extra board that your seniority would allow.  All information listed above is subject to change from day to day.

This is all I have right now.  There is a Local Chairman Meeting with Superintendent Richardson on Tuesday in Chicago.  I will follow up with an email with any information from that meeting.  Forwarded by Bob Alba.)

 

04/02/09 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Bill Rasmussen passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 59.  He was born Friday, July 15, 1949 in Belvidere, Illinois, the son of Robert William and Marion Alice Beebe Rasmussen.  He married Mary Adams on July 20, 1968 at Marengo, Illinois and worked as a Locomotive Engineer 21 years for Chicago North Western Railway.  Bill lived in Mountain Home since July 1994 moving from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.  He was past Governor of the Mountain Home Moose Lodge #1953 and enjoyed bowling.  Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Rasmussen of Mountain Home, AR, one son, Robert (Audra) Rasmussen of Cotter, AR, one daughter, Bonnie (Robert) Swanson of Edwardsville, IL, five grandchildren, Robert William and Rachel Rasmussen, Kyle, Sean and Jaydi Swanson, four brothers, Dale Rasmussen of Ladysmith, WI, Thomas Rasmussen of Marengo, IL, Fred Rasmussen of Kenosha, WI and Jeff Rasmussen of Rock Island, IL, one sister, Marcia (Dave) Harper of Byron, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral: Memorial services for Bill will be 10:00 am, Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, 600 Hospital Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653, (870) 425-6978.  Burial will be in Marengo, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.  (Forwarded by Joe Vettese & Jim Hansen.)

 

04/01/09 – Retired Senior VP – Finance, Thomas A. Tingleff, age 62, of Wheaton passed away on Monday, March 30, 2009.  Tom served honorably as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and retired from the C&NW in 1994.   Tom was the loving and devoted husband of Barbara; fond brother of Paul (Carol); dear uncle of Stephen, Andrew (Ipek), David (Ann Marie) and Rebecca; loving great-uncle of Jonathon; and fond brother-in-law of Helen.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Howard Tingleff and his brothers, John and Robert.  Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Road (one block east of Naperville Road), Wheaton, IL.  The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Wheaton College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to Homecare Physicians, c/o Dr. Cornwell, 1800 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187 will be appreciated.  For information, 630-668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com.  (Forwarded by Dave Hawley.)

 

03/16/09 - Kay Sturtevant, Chief Clerk in Commuter Operations, has experienced an embolism on Monday February 23, 2009.  She was attending the wound clinic within Norwegian Hospital (Chicago, IL) and was rushed to ER where the embolism occurred.  ER worked on Kay to the point where she was put on a ventilator.  She was intubated for about 2 weeks.  Sunday, March 8th she was removed from the intubation and all looked promising.  Despite the fact that she has a long way to go to recovery, she was alert, responsive and that made all who seen her very excited.  On Friday, her mom was told that she was no longer an ICU candidate, she needs to move to a long term rehabilitation facility.  3 hours after that was determined, Kay had a seizure and ended back up intubated again.  Since her admission, she has been on dialysis as well, on an as-needed basis.

I will keep all of you informed as I hear more.  I am meeting with the parents to discuss the railroad sick benefits and get them started on this process.  For those of you who do not know, Kay is an only child and her parents live in Janesville (in their 80's).  I've talked them into going home on the weekends so they can take care of themselves and the nurse here with UP and myself have been visiting Kay on the weekends.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions, she is in ICU so flowers is not an option.

If any of you have any suggestions on assisting the parents with the red tape they may experience going thru the RRB, please advise.  In the mean time, please keep Kay in your thoughts and prayers.  (Forwarded by Laurie Cosentino, LACOSENT@up.com, 312-496-4730, 312-371-3635)

 

02/20/09 – Retired Switchman Delbert (Del) Skelton passed away on February 17, 2009 after a short battle with lung cancer.  His life was colorful, including service in the military, employment with the Chicago North Western Railway and as a journeyman ironworker.  He loved brat fry’s in the summer, motorcycles, trucks and most of all making us laugh.  Del was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl and Donald Skelton; his brothers-in-law, Earl Coleman and Robert Schmidt; and his sister-in-law, Margaret Dresen.  Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 20, 2009.  Visitation will continue Saturday, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church.  Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am on Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 413 St. John St., Green Bay.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter.  As Del would remind us all, “If you don’t have a nice day, it’s your own fault.”  (Forwarded by Kay Ewert.)

 

02/19/09 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Frank A. Belmont, 84, of Gurnee passed away Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at Lake Forest Hospital.   Friends may gather with the family to share memories from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the HeatherRidge Club House, 5900 HeatherRidge Drive, Gurnee.  Interment is private.   Frank retired in September 1986 after 40 years of service as an engineer with Chicago and North Western Railway.  He served in the Air Corps during World War II and was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.  Donations can be made in his memory to St. Helen Catholic School, 2347 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL 60622.  Arrangements are under the care of the Salata - Gurnee Funeral Home, Gurnee, 847-244-1155.

 

02/17/09 – An update on Jack Dobrinska:  Jack has a few more days of radiation left, but will start the chemo treatment on his kidney and lung this coming week, prior to the completion of the radiation. They should have the results of the radiation treatments on his brain later this week. On the good news side, he has not lost any hair, which was a surprise to the personnel at the Cancer Treatment Center, and they have had some very favorable results with other patients with similar conditions.

Jack remains in very good spirits and ready to take emails, but says he may be a little slow in answering them. I will continue to show his email, address and phone number below, in case you want to get in touch with him, and will keep you posted on his status.  It may be wise to determine a good time phone him via emails, as there will be times when resting is necessary.  jackanddiane11@cox.net, Jack & Diane Dobrinska, 16216 Bancroft Circle, Omaha, NE 68130, Phone: 402-333-9675.  (Forwarded by Ray Snyder via Kay Sturtevant.)

 

02/17/09 – Retired District Sales Representative Erling B. Nelson, 79, of Mason City, IA passed away Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.  Funeral services were held at 10:30 am. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009 at St. James Lutheran Church, Mason City.  Inurnment will be at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the Erling Nelson Memorial Fund.

Erling was born March 26, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of Ernest C. and Bernett C. Nelson.  He was a graduate of Albert Lea High School and served in the Korean War.  He married Dorothy L. Lyman on Aug. 5, 1956 in Racine, Minn.  Erling began his railroad career in Albert Lea with the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad and continued with the Chicago and North Western Railway in 1965 when he and his family moved to Sioux City.  In 1970, the family moved to Mason City and remained there.  Erling retired 1985.  A special thanks to those who spent many hours with Erling, providing support, care, and love to him and his family during the recent months.  Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.   (Forwarded by Kay Sturtevant.)

 

02/10/09 - We were able to speak with Jack and Diane Dobrinska after Mass last Sunday and get an update on the cancer found in Jack’s kidney, lung and brain.  They have started the radiation treatment of the tumor in Jack’s brain and should finish with this session next week.  The Cancer Treatment Center is located right in their area so it will be easy to get back and forth.  When the radiation treatment has been completed, they will start the chemo treatment of the cancer in the kidney and lung.  As I understand it, they cannot do the radiation and chemo and the same time, as the chemo has an adverse effect on the radiation.  Jack is in very good spirits, ready to fight and willing to take emails, but says he may be a little slow in answering them.  The Doctors have told him that he will lose all of his hair and it may come back in a different color, so he says that you might not recognize him the next time you see him.  They have also told him that this type of cancer is pretty aggressive allowing as little as 6 months to 2 years, but they have patients that have lived much longer and been able to enjoy a good life.  I have shown his email, address and phone number below, in case you want to get in touch with him, and will keep you posted on his status.  It may be wise to determine a good time phone him via emails, as there will be times when resting is necessary.  jackanddiane11@cox.net, Jack & Diane Dobrinska, 16216 Bancroft Circle,

Omaha, NE 68130, Phone: 402-333-9675.  (Forwarded by Ray Snyder via Kay Sturtevant.)

 

02/05/09 – Retired Agent-Telegrapher Glen B. Martinsen, 85, of Beaver Dam, WI passed away on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Beaver Dam.  Funeral services will be on Friday, Feb. 6, at 11:00 am at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.  Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 6, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at the church.  Interment will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Glen was a graduate of Adams High School.   He had been employed by Chicago & North Western Ry. as an agent-telegrapher for 40 years. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.  Glen loved harness horse racing. He enjoyed training and racing his own horses throughout the years.  He was preceded in death by his parents, first and second wives, son, Chip Martinsen; three infant children, Mary, Marcel, and Michael; two brothers, Earl and Orie, and his sister, Tracy Wormet.  Koepsell Funeral Home and Cremation in Services in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at ww.koepsellfh.com.  (Forwarded by Kay Ewert)

 

01/23/09 - Congratulations to Terence P. Callahan.  Terry, Team Leader Northern Region, is leaving Union Pacific to join the ranks of retirement.  Please join us at 10:00AM for a retirement reception on Wednesday, January 28th in Conference Room 1401, for cake and refreshments and to wish Terry farewell and good luck with his new adventure.  Terry and his wife Cheryl plan to make Omaha their home for awhile, before moving on.  The changes of seasons in the Midwest are okay with them, especially when they don't have to venture out. Please stop by 1401 on the 28th and wish Terry good luck with retirement.  (Forwarded by We2lbcnu@aol.com.)

 

01/22/09 – Retired Engineer Donald E. Sowards, resident of Las Vegas, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away January 8, 2009, age 83 years.  Loving husband of Arlettee (nee Fortune), father of Penny Schreader, Pat Straka, Donna Bielinski and Tom Sowards, step-father of Joseph Siragusa and Gerald Nardone.  Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  Committal Service Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 10:30 am at Wisconsin Memorial Park (please meet in the green section). Bevsek-Verbick Funeral Home and Crematory Serving the Family.  (Forwarded by Joe Siragusa.)

 

01/10/09 – Retired Conductor Laurence A. "Larry" Jenkins, 81, died peacefully in his sleep with family by his side Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009. Also present was the family cat, who would not leave his side for days before his passing.  He was born June 20, 1927, in Harvard, to Lauren and Mary Ingrid (Butt) Jenkins.  Larry was proud of his heritage and told many stories of the family's history with the town of Harvard.  He always liked to note that his great-great-aunt, Franciece Butts, was the first white girl born in 1840 in Chemung Township before Harvard became a town.   Larry and his wife, Sue (Roberts), moved to Hood River from Crystal Lake in 1991 after his retirement after 42 years as a brakeman and conductor for the Chicago & North Western Railway.   A gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Anderson's Tribute Center.  He will be remembered in a simple ceremony with the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist Service on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church.  Interment will be in Auburn Cemetery in Harvard.  Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mark's Church or Hospice of the Gorge in care of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031.  Further information from the funeral home at 541-386-1000.  (Forwarded by Captain Wally Lindemann, Jim Hansen & Dewayne Stiefvater.)

 

01/03/09 - Stan Peczkowski, 57, retired Manager of Commuter Operations, passed away last night, January 1, 2009.  The world has diminished some with the passing of our friend on New Year’s Day.  To honor Stan’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages, Florida.  A gathering will be held one hour prior to the service.  Personal condolences can be left for Stan’s wife, Janet, on the funeral home’s website, http://www.hiers-baxley.com.  The funeral home will put together a nice book of all condolences as a keepsake for Janet.  You can also send Janet emails at rnjls@comcast.net.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stan’s name to the American Heart Association, the National Kidney Foundation, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  (Forwarded by Lawery Johnson & Laurie Cosentino.)

 

12/20/08 - Retired Chief Train Dispatcher Robert V. Price Sr., age 86, of King, Wisconsin died Dec. 16, 2008 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI.   Masonic services will be held prior to Memorial services at 11:00 am on Friday, Dec. 19, 2008 at Roseberry's Funeral Home in Friendship, WI.  Military rites will be offered by the Adams County Firing Squad.  Interment will be at the Mt. Repose Cemetery, Friendship, WI at a later date. Visitation will be 10:00 am.-11:00 am on Friday at Roseberry's Funeral Home.

Bob was born on November 2, 1922, to Conrad & Hazel (Spice) Price in Adams, a place where he resided for 60 years. After high school, he decided to make railroading his career, learning telegraphy at Adams and hiring out on the Chicago and North Western Railway on July 31, 1941.  Bob joined the U.S. Army on June 24, 1944 at Fort Sheridan, IL, participated in the liberation of Normandy, and received battle stars and medals for battles in the European African Middle Eastern Theater.  He returned to work for the C&NW Railway in Baraboo, Milwaukee, and Adams, retiring as Chief Dispatcher in 1982 after forty one years of service.  (Forwarded by Gale Roberts)

 

11/22/08 - Both the Fleet Reserve Association of Tucson and the Military Officers Association were well represented at Elks Flag Raising ceremony held on Flag Day, June 14, 2008 at the Green Valley, Arizona Elks Lodge #2592. Those attending were (from left) retired Wisconsin Division engineer Frank Cadell (FRA), John Warth (FRA), Joel Greenberg (FRA), Lynda Linker (MOA), Dietrich Geschke (MOA), Bill Maratos (MOA), Frank Kurkowitz (MOA) and Joe Schienberg (FRA).

 

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag.  Since 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by celebrating June 14 as Flag Day. Prior to 1916, many localities and a few states had been celebrating the day for years. A Congressional legislation designating that date as the national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949; the legislation also called upon the president to issue a Flag Day proclamation every year.  (Green Valley [Arizona] News and Sun, June 21, 2008.)

 

 

10/13/08 – Retired Wisconsin Division Engineer Warren Wayne Moss passed away at age 86 on Thursday, October 9, 2008, at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.  A resident of Palatine for 52 years, Warren was born October 23, 1921, in Chicago.  He was a World War II Marine Corps veteran, having fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima and had 36 years of service with the Chicago & North Western Railway.  Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, October 16 at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine, Illinois.  Services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 17, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2035 N. Windsor Dr., Arlington Heights, where he will lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of service.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.  For information, call 847-358-7411.  (Forwarded by Joe Vettese & Kay Sturtevant.)   

 

09/17/08 – Retired Carman William C. "Boxcar Willie” Haseltine, of Butler, WI Passed away on September 14, 2008 at age 67.  Husband of Judy and father of Amy (Chris) Garrison, Anne (Chris) Yarnot, Mark and Jack Haseltine.  Bill retired after 33 years from the Chicago & North Western Railway.  He served his country proudly in Vietnam.  Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 12801 W. Fairmount Ave., Butler, WI (2 blocks north of Hampton Ave.). Visitation Thursday at the church from 4:00 pm until time of Service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Agnes Food Pantry would be appreciated. Harder Funeral Home, Brookfield, WI, 262-781-8350, www.harderfuneralhome.com.  (Forwarded by Kay Sturtevant & Captain Wally Lindemann.)   

 

09/07/08 - Florida Luncheon.  We’ve received word from the Florida Chapter that their luncheons will now be on a two-year cycle with the next one to be held in 2010.  There will be no Florida Chapter luncheon in 2009.  This is due to the economy; the high cost of meals, gasoline, rentals and hotels.  The Florida Chapter thanks you for your understanding.

 

09/04/08 - Jim Larson, our mentor and special train expert and dear friend and support of private cars both when he worked for Amtrak and for us passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 8:00 am.  He was my friend and our mentor for many years.  I have had the privilege to have known him for 27 years.  Many of you have been lucky enough to know him through AAPRCO.  Visitation will be at the Jerrson Funeral Home Chapel, 5755 Castlewellon Drive, Alexandria, VA, 22310. Friday 2:00 to 11:00 am and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  Services will be Saturday, September 6 at 11:00 am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA.  Mary Larson's home address is: 12820 Westside Road, Manassas, VA.  Jim was also a respected member of the C&NW's operating department for many years before going to Amtrak.  (Submitted by Tom Minard & forwarded by Kay Sturtevant.)

 

08/31/08 – Retired Switchman/Clerk Robert C. “Bob” Meehan, 77, lifelong Green Bay resident, died unexpectedly, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008.  He was born March 1, 1931 in Ishpeming, Mich., to Matthew and Ellen (Childs) Meehan.  Bob served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and on April 19, 1958 he married Jane M. Dupuis at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  For over 35 years he worked for the Chicago & North Western and the Fox River Valley Railways.  Bob was secretary/treasurer of the local chapter of the C&NW Veterans Association as well as for the local chapter of NARVRE.  His father Neal and his uncle Emmett were both engineers on the Peninsula District out of Escanaba.  Survivors include his wife, Jane; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Mark Navratil, Appleton, and their children, Aaron and Joseph; Julie and Ross Topping, Orlando, Fla.; Missy and Steve Trepanier, Suring, and their children, Stephanie and Christina; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, September 4.  A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday.  Friends may also call at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St., Green Bay from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Friday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday at the church with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating.  To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

A memorial fund has been established in his name. (Submitted by Truman Koehn)    09/04/08

 

08/14/08 – Retired Assistant Chief Engineer – Structures Magnus "Chris" Christensen of Lombard passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at age 90.  Husband of the late Dorothy L., nee Perry; dear friend of Bea Ward.  Visitation was Thursday, August 14 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service 12:00 noon at Burst Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard.  Interment Chapel Hill Gardens West.  Information - 888-629-0094.  (Forwarded by Kay Sturtevant.)

 

08/11/08 - BOONE, Iowa - After 20 years, the caboose is home!  Former Boone mayor and retired AVP & Division Manager George Maybee received a special delivery when he went to check his mail last week.  On the ground beside his current mailbox was his caboose-shaped mailbox, which had been stolen 20 years ago.  Maybee bought the mailbox from one of his employees when he was the head of the Chicago & North Western Railway operation in Boone.  Maybee figured long ago that the stolen mailbox was gone for good.  But the mailbox was returned in even better condition than it was in when stolen, he said.

"It was repainted green and yellow, in excellent condition, and they stenciled on my name," he said. Inside the caboose mailbox was a letter with one word, "Sorry" - which was cut out of magazine letters.  Maybee said he does not know who stole the mailbox, but he offered a reason why they returned it.  "Somebody had a guilty conscious, I guess," he said.

Maybee is glad his mailbox was returned after all these years.  "I would like to thank them very much for returning it in such good order," Maybee said.  He has reinstalled the mailbox in front of his house.  By Katie Stines, The Boone News-Republican.  (Forwarded by Kay Sturtevant.)

 

08/11/08 – Leroy (Lee) C. King, retired Vice-President of Sales was fatality injured in a traffic accident in Iowa on Saturday afternoon, July 9, 2008.  He was killed instantly after losing control on Highway 34 near Red Oak.  The accident is under investigation but the trooper reported he side swiped a trailer behind a pick up and continued out of control off the roadway.  Visitation and funeral will be in Kahler Dolce Mortuary in Papillion, NE.  Visitation will be Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm with the family being there between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.  Memorial service will be Thursday, August 14 at 10:00 am.  There will also be graveside services at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, IA at 2:00 pm, Friday, August 15, 2008.  (Forwarded by Kay Sturtevant.)    08/12/08

 

07/23/08 - Wisconsin Division Conductor Robert D. Gribben of LaGrange, formerly of Chicago, passed away on July 17, 2008.  Robert was born in Keady Armaugh, Ireland and was a Marine Veteran, age 65; beloved husband of the late Sharon Lee Gribben, nee Wisch; dear father of Robert J. Gribben, Sean K. (Kelly) Gribben, Brett S. (Georgene) Gribben, Corey W. Gribben and Catherine K. Gribben; brother to Margaret Thomson.  Family and friends gathering Saturday, July 26, 2008, 2:00 pm to time of the Memorial Service at 4:00 pm at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL.  Information -708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com.  (Forwarded by Jim Hansen.)

 

07/11/08 - Former CNW and WC engineering officer, Buck Van der Leest has been struggling with cancer of the larynx for over a year.  After chemo and other treatment it appeared that the battle was won and the cancer was gone.  Recently however they learned that was not the case and Buck will have his larynx removed and get a "voice box" on July 21.

Buck and his wife, Romaine, would appreciate all of our prayers and good wishes.  Their e-mail address is bucrom@sbcglobal.net.  US Mail is 3571 Bunker Hill Dr., Algonquin, IL  60102.  (From Chris Burger, forwarded by Kay Sturtevant.)

 

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)  

 

05/31/08 – Wisconsin 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.)

 

02/25/08 – Shirley 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.)

 

11/06/07 – Walter 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.

 

12/26/06 – Noreen 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 

 

08/13/06 – Rod 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.

 

06/12/06 – James 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. 

 

02/25/06 – Harry 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.

 

11/28/05 – Charles 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.