UC Davis and Sons

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     Mrs. James (Janice R.) Gilbert, 71, Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully late Wednesday evening, July 1, 2009 in her home with her loving family by her side.  She was born on June 26, 1938 in Morris, Illinois, the daughter of Mark and Mamie Guard Dock.

     Janice received her education in Morris schools.

     Jan married James R. Gilbert on June 8, 1955 in the First Methodist Church in Morris, Illinois.  She was employed as a waitress with the Seven Gables Restaurant and the Townhouse Restaurant in downtown Morris, Illinois until her retirement in 1995.

     She enjoyed baking in her kitchen, was an avid Morris Redskins sports fan where she cheered on her grandson.  With her husband, they traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, Tunica, Mississippi, and the local casinos.  She looked forward to spending time with her family, especially her two great granddaughters.

     Janice was a member of the Red Hat Society, Morris Chapter and the Women of the Moose Chapter #544 in Morris, Illinois.

     Survived by her loving husband of over 54 years, James R. “Jim Gilbert” of Morris , Illinois; one daughter, Laurie Johaan, Mesa, Arizona; one son, Jamie Gilbert, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; one grandson, Paul (Erin) Kindlespire, Morris, Illinois; two great granddaughters, Kaelyn and Kiley Kindlespire; several nieces and nephews.

     Preceded by her parents and one brother, Don Dock.

     Friends may call on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 from 4:00P.M. until time of funeral service at 7:00P.M. at U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois, with Rev. Christy Taube Ganzert officiating.  Per Janice’s wishes, cremation rites will follow the service.

     To leave online condolences, please click on Janice’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.
  

     Richard Dee Warren age 50 of Morris passed away unexpectedly Tuesday June 30, 2009 while working in Indiana.     Born October 18, 1958 in New Madrid County, MO.  He was the son of the late William and Virginia (Sanders) Warren.

     Dennis G. Sullivan, 69, Morris, Illinois, and formerly Bemidji, MN., passed away Saturday evening, June 27, 2009 in the Morris Hospital.  He was born on August 15, 1939 in Morris, Illinois, the son of Lester and Gretchen Hull Sullivan.

     Dennis was educated in Morris schools and was a graduate of Morris Community High School with the class of 1957.  He received a bachelors degree in Business Education from Bemidji State University in 1967 and earned a masters degree in Business Education with a minor in Music from St. Cloud State University.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy from May 31, 1958-May 27, 1960.

     Dennis taught business subjects in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisoconsin high school from 1967-1968.  He was a financial auditor from 1969-1971 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.  In Bemidji, Minnesota, he was an accounting teacher for 23 years and an administrative dean for seven years at Northwest Technical College until his retirement in 2001.

     In 2007, he moved to Morris, Illinois to make his home with Kay Ayers of Morris.  He enjoyed fishing, buying and repairing computers, walking, and spending time with his family and friends.

     He was a member of American Legion Post #294 in Morris, Illinois.

     Survived by the mother of his children, Cathy Sullivan of Redondo Beach, California; one daughter, Carrie (Ben) Edmonds of Santa Cruz, California; two sons, Andrew (Christina) Sullivan of Torrance, California, and Peter Sullivan of Sedona, Arizona; loving companion, Kay Ayers of Morris, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents.

     Friends may call on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 5:00-7:00P.M. at U. C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.  Funeral services will be conducted at the same location on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Christy Taube Gantzert officiating.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Morris Color Guard. 

     Memorial gifts can be directed to the Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice.  To leave online condolences, please click on Mr. Sullivan’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

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     Charles H. “Pete” Muffler Jr., 82, Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 25, 2009 in Morris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.  He was born on May 11, 1927 in Morris, Illinois, the son of Charles H. and Helen Feeney Muffler Sr.  Pete was educated in Morris Schools. 

     He married Frances H. Gilbertson on March 17, 1947 in Morris, Illinois. 

     Pete was employed with his father at Muffler’s Hardware in downtown Morris, Illinois.  Then, he owned and operated Muffler’s Sporting Goods for several years.  Then became an associate with Kaeser & Blair Advertising Specialities in Cincinnati, Ohio for over 40 years.

     Pete was a very civic minded citizen who was a charter member of the Grundy County Corn Festival.  He was currently serving as the president of the board of directors and in 2008 was named Parade Marshall. 

     He was a scout for the Pittsburg Pirates baseball team, and every year, with the assistance of Gene Baker, they conducted a tryout camp.  He was an avid baseball fan who attended Pitch and Hit Dinners, Coal City Old Timer affairs, and was chairman of the Morris Eagles Lodge Baseball Dinners.

     Pete served on the Morris Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years, where he served as its president and was a past 2nd Assisant Fire Chief.  He was currently serving as an active trustee for the Morris Fire Protection and Ambulance District.  He was a past president for the fire district.

     Pete was a Lifetime Member of the Morris Lions Club, and a past District Governor 1-B, member of Happy Hill Aerie #1024 F.O.E. in Morris, Illinois, member of Immaculate Conception Church and Knights of Columbus.  He was an avid league bowler at Echo Lanes in Morris, Illinois.

     Survived by his daughter, Fran (Dale) Ryder, granddaughter, Jennifer (Shane) Shannon, three great grandchildren, Katelyn, Dustin, and Isabelle Shannon, his sister, Mary Jane “Sis” Butterfield, all of Morris, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

     Preceded by his parents; his wife on July 21, 2006; and son, Donald, on May 18, 1949.

     Friends may call on Sunday, June 28, 2009 from 2:00-6:00P.M. at U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 10:00A.M. at Immaculate Conception Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris, Illisnois, with Rev. Fr. Richard Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

     Memorial gifts in Pete’s memory can be directed to the Morris Fire Protection and Ambulance District, Immaculate Conception Church, or the Morris Lions Club.  To leave online condolences, please click on Pete’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

     Mrs. John (Margaret C.) Cromwell, 90, Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, June 22, 2009 in Morris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born on April 17, 1919 in Kinsman, Illinois, the daughter of Michael and Margaret Walash Halloran.

     Margaret was eductaed in Morris schools.  She graduated from St. Angela’s Academy in Morris, Illinois. 

     She married John L. Cromwell on June 2, 1943 in Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, Illinois.  She was a homemaker and housewife.  Traveling and reading were some of her favorite hobbies.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

     Margaret was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, Illinois.

     Survived by three daughters, Cathleen A. Heinig of Sun City West, Arizona, Jean M. Karakas and Janet S. (Timothy) Johnson, both of Morris, Illinois; five grandchildren, Bill (Tina) Atkinson of Morris, IL., Ann (Craig) Lord of Kenosha, WI., Michael J. Karakas of Carbondale, IL., Andrew Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson of Peoria, IL.; two great grandchildren, Michael and Cady Atkinson; one sister, Rose Schmidt of St. Petersburg, FL.; special sister-in-law, Zita Halloran, Morris, IL.; special Godson, Jim Halloran; and several nieces and nephews.

     Preceded by her parents; husband in 1980; and three brothers, Frank, John, and Donald Halloran.

     Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M.on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in Immaculate Conception Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris, Illinois, with Rev. Fr. Richard Smith officiating.  Private inurnment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  Cremation rites were accorded.

     Memorial gifts can be directed to Morris Mobile Meals or the Joliet Area Community Hospice. Arrangements entrusted with U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD. 

     To leave online condolences, please click on Margaret’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

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     Frank W. Welch, 89, Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, June 14, 2009 in the Morris Hospital, with his family by his side.  He was born on April 19, 1920 on his family’s farm, south of Pontiac, Illinois in Livingston County, the son of Walter F. and Nora Pleger Welch.

     Mr. Welch was a 1938 graduate of Dwight High School.  He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a flight instructor.

     In July of 1942, he married Bette J. Kindlespire.

     He was employed with Kroger Grocery & Baking Co. from 1938-1941 and was the youngest store manager in the company at that time.  From 1941-1942, he was employed with E.I. Dupont at the Joliet Arsenal as an acid recovery operator.  In 1947, he became a partner with Kindlespire Auto Supply in downtown Morris, Illinois, until his retirement in 1989.

     Mr. Welch married Marjorie E. Morrall on November 20, 1951.

     Frank served his community as a chairman of Morris Fire & Police Commission for over 30 years.  He was a member of the Grundy County Agricultural District Fair Board for over 50 years, and served as its president for the last 30 years.  He also served as a race promoter for the Grundy County Speedway.  He was a former stock driver at the Mazon Speed Bowl and was the track champion his last 2 years of driving.  He was inducted in to the Mazon Speed Bowl-Grundy County Speedway Hall of Fame in its inaugural year.  Frank was proud of his 65 consecutive years of membership in the Morris American Legion Post #294.  Also of his membership of the Happy Hill Aerie #1024 F.O.E. in Morris, Illinois.  He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan. 

     Frank enjoyed spending time with his family, his grandchildren, and spending time at their cottage on Lake Delavan in Wisconsin.

     Survived by his wife, Marjorie E. Welch, Morris, IL.;  two daughters, Becky A. Morfey and Peggy (Richard) Kraus, Morris, IL.; two sons, Dick (Mitzi) Welch and Jim Welch, Morris, IL.; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one sister, Faye (Lenert) Foehner, Claredon Hills, IL.; and several nieces and nephews.

     Preceded by his parents; his first wife, Bette J. Kindlespire; one daughter, Donna Sue Welch in September of 1954; one granddaughter, Tina Davidson on February 25, 1984; and son-in-law Mike Morfey on November 11, 1999.

     Friends may call on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 from 3:00-8:00 P.M. at U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washingotn St.,  Morris, Illinois.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. in Immaculate Conception Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris, Illinois, with Rev. Fr. Richard Smith officiating.  Interment with full military honors conducted by the Morris Color Guard will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

     Online condolences may be made by clicking on Mr. Welch’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

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     Kenneth E. Kern, Sr., 84, Coal City, Illinois, passed away Friday evening, June 12, 2009 in his home with his loving family by his side.  He was born on December 22, 1924 in Nevada Township, Livingston County, Illinois, the son of Joseph V. and Mabel Miller Kern.

     Kenneth was educated in the rural schools in Livingston and Grundy Counties.  He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

     Ken married Joyce N. Kline on December 18, 1947 in Oglesby, Illinois.

     He was employed with the Morris Paper Mill for over thirty years, retiring in 1980.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  Ken was a member of the New Harvest Worship Center Church of God in Wilmington, Illinois.

     Survived by his wife, Joyce N. Kern, Coal City, Illinois; one daughter, Debra (Eugene) Pfister, Louisville, KY.; four sons, Kenneth E. Kern, Jr., Godley, Illinois; Ray Kern, Coal City, Illinois; Gary (Linda) Kern, Princeton, Illinois, and Don (Lois) Kern, Townsend, Georgia; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn Rose, Charleston, South Carolina; four brothers, Harold Kern of Morris, Illinois, Harry Kern of Florida, Joe (Sandy) Kern of Seneca, Illinois, and Vince Kern of Mazon, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

     Preceded by his parents; one great grandson; one sister, Mary Wren; three brothers, Clyde, Francis, and Fred Kern.

     Private family services will follow at a later date in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois with military honors conducted by the Morris Color Guard.  Cremation rites were accorded.

     Memorial gifts can be directed to the family for distribution at a later date to the charities of their choosing.  To leave online condolences, please click on Kenneth’s name at the top of this obituary.

     Arrangements were entrusted with U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

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     Irma O. Frederick, 78, Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully, early Thursday morning, June 11, 2009 in Morris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center with her loving family by her side.  She was born on July 16, 1930 in Morris, Illinois, the daughter of Van and Olda Peterson Petersen.

     Irma was educated in Morris schools and graduated from Morris High School with the class of 1948.

     She married Raymond Q. Frederick on June 7, 1952 in the First United Methodist Church in Morris, Illinois.

     Irma was employed with Diamond International Corp for several years and then was employed with the U.S. Postal Service in the Morris Post Office.  She was the first female in the Morris Post Office and was employed for over thirty years, retiring in 2003.  She loved to travel and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Morris, Illinois.

     Survived by one daughter, Marilyn (Tim) Connolly, Elmhurst, Illinoisl; two sons, Glenn (Doris) Frederick and John (Linda) Frederick of Morris, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Brian (Ellen) Connolly, Kevin Connolly, Adam (Christine) Frederick, Nina Frederick, Doris (Anthony) Archer, Rachel and Jessica Frederick; one brother, Frank (Doris) Petersen of Kansas City, KS.; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

     Preceded by her parents; two sisters; and two brothers.

     Friends may call on Sunday, June 14, 2009 from 2:00-5:00P.M. at U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.  Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson St., Morris, Illinois, with Rev. Diane Gillham officiating.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

     Memorial gifts may be directed to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.  To leave online condolences, please click on Irma’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

     Dennis Dale Turner, Sr., 54, Mazon, Illinois, passed away early Wednesday morning, June 10, 2009, in Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, with his loving family by his side.  He was born on September 21, 1954 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the son of Harvey Turner and Patricia M. Priessnitz Norman.

     Dennis was raised in Morris, Illinois, by his mother and Robert “Red” Norman and educated in Morris Schools. 

     Dennis was employed as a teamster with several over the road trucking companies for over thirty years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and loved being a grandpa to his five grandchildren.  He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #967 in Morris, Illinois.

     Survived by two sons, Dennis D. Turner, Jr., and Jeff Turner, both of Mazon, Illinois; five grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley, Allie, Chelsea, and Cody; mother, Patricia Norman of Morris, Illinois; four sisters, Laura (Gary) Clark of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kathleen (Daniel) Marschner of Minooka, Illinois, Roberta (Daniel Oakley) Pfaff of Morris, Illinois, and Patty Moore of Gary, Indiana; one brother, Brian Turner;  special friend, Patti Graves of Gardner, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

     Preceded by his father, Robert “Red” Norman on May 23, 2007; and one brother, Ronald Lando in November of 2004.

     Friends may call on Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 1:00P.M. until time of funeral services at 3:00P.M. at U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois, with Rev. Avery Wilson officiating.  Per Dennis’ wishes, cremation rites will follow with private family inurnment at a later date.

     To leave online condolences, please click on Dennis’ name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

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     Jeffrey K. “Jeff” Gill, 50, Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his home, late Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2009.  He was born on April 27, 1959 in Morris, Illinois, the son of Dennis and Bessie Turner Gill.

     Mr. Gill was educated in Morris schools.  He was employed with Interstate Wire Corp for several years and with Banner Equipment Corp since 2000 in Morris, Illinois.

     Jeffrey was an avid Nascar fan, especially of Dale Earnhardt, and was a Miami Dolphin football fan.

     Survived by two sisters, Denise (Lawrence) Johnson of Minooka, Illinois and Carol Gill of Morris, Illinois; one niece, Cara (Robert) Anderson of Joliet, Illinois; one nephew, Jason (Stephanee Briggs) Johnson of Sugar Grove, Illinois; two great nieces, Payton and Gracie Anderson; one great nephew, Leo Johnson; and very special friends, Sandy Borchert and Jaci Mazza, both of Morris, Illinois.

     Preceded by his parents; and one niece, Casandra Johnson on August 22, 1993.

     Friends may call on Thursday, June 11, 2009 from 4:00-7:00P.M. at U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, LTD., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.  Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the funeral home at 10:30A.M. with Rev. Doc Newcomb officiating.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

     Memorial gifts in Jeffrey’s honor may be directed to the Joliet Area Community Hospice.  Online condolences may be made by clicking on Jeffrey’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.