Lake County, Illinois
Obituaries
Lake County, Illinois
Obituaries
Jason Bailey
Jason Bailey was born December 31, 1856 at Antioch, Lake County, Illinois. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Orlando Bailey. In his early boyhood he moved with his parents to Maquoketa where he has resided ever since.
He was married to Miss Lucy Mericle in 1888. To them were born three sons, all of whom survive him: Eugene of this city, Orlie of Amber, and Charley in the service in France. His wife, one sister, Mrs. Addie Safford, and one brother, Homer, survive him. After a long and serious illness he departed from this life January 31, 1919, and his last resting place will be on Mt. Hope’s beautiful hillside.
[Jackson Sentinel, Maquoketa, IA, Feb. 4, 1919, Submitted By Ken Wright]
John Wesley Bailey
Former Maquoketa Resident Dies in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
John Wesley Bailey, son of Orlando and Lucy Bailey, was born at Antioch, Illinois, July 18, 1844; died at his home in Kenosha, Wisconsin, April 30, 1918. He enlisted at the age of 17 in the 96th Illinois Infantry and served nearly three years in the Civil War. He had been afflicted with heart trouble for a number of years and had suffered greatly through the past winter. He was a man of sterling honesty of purpose and decision of character. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Lester Lane, and one grand-daughter, Naundice Lane. A sister, Mrs. Addie Safford, and a brother Homer Bailey from Maquoketa, were present during his last days. He was laid to rest in Green Ridge cemetery at Antioch, the Lovell Post of the Grand Army of the Republic being in charge of the services. Deceased was well known in Maquoketa, having been a resident here for a number of years.
[Jackson Sentinel, May 21, 1918 - Submitted By Ken Wright]
Richard J. Bardo of Gurnee
A Mass of the Resurrection for Richard J. Bardo 74, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 114 N. Lincoln St., Round Lake. Born Oct. 12, 1924, in Chicago, he passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, 1999, at home. Interment will be in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake. Mr. Bardo had made his home in Grayslake for more than 38 years, living in Gurnee for the past eight months. He was a World War II veteran of the Army, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific, where he was awarded one Bronze Star, and the Philippine Liberation, where he was awarded another Bronze Star. He retired in June 1998 from Woodland School District where he taught Social Studies. A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Round Lake, he was an avid pilot of small engine aircraft in his leisure time.
He leaves his loving wife, Dorothy (nee Ehlert), whom he married on Nov. 22, 1958, in Grayslake; sons, Tom (Jacki) Reuss of Wildwood and Donald Reuss of Grayslake; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Edwin Bardo of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Amanda Bardo; and brother, Clarence. Friends of the family may visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Ltd., 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - August 10, 1999, submitted by Ida Maack Recu]
Ira Doolittle, Libertyville, tried to die by gas. Then shot himself.
[Source: The day book., March 21, 1917 - Sub. by Janice Rice]
James Elsbury
DEATH OF ELSBURY POSITIVE
Antioch News, Thursday 2 May 1912
Dispatch From the White Star Line Says That Elsbury is Not a Survivor
ALL HOPE IS ABANDONED
Gurnee Man on Titanic Not Among Survivors--Family Now Compelled to Give up Hope.
The last hope of the James Elsbury family of Gurnee that their husband and father, a passenger on the ill fated Titanic might yet be returned to them, was completely swept away when on Wednesday a telegram from New York stated that he was not among the survivors. When news of the disaster first spread, the Elsbury family clung to the hope that he might have been delayed in starting, but a cablegram from relatives across the water destroyed that hope and proved to a certainty that he was aboard the sunken vessel. Day after day passed while the family waited in suspense for some word from the missing one, sometimes fearing the worst and sometimes inspired by hope. At times Mrs. Elsbury was sure that he must some way have been saved, but as time wore on and no message came she began to lose hope, feeling that if alive, he would ere this have communicated with her. And then came the report that a man had been picked up in an unconscious condition by the rescue ship, and had been placed in a New York hospital. That he had never regained his reason and that his only utterance were the words "Lake County, Illinois." Then hope sprang anew in the Gurnee home and telegrams bearing Ellsbury's description, were at once sent and his picture was also forwarded. But a crushing blow was dealt the family when the answer came from the White Star Line that the man in question is not James Ellsbury. All hope of his being alive is now abandoned as is also that of ever receiving his body, and in all probability it will never be known whether the well known, highly respected Gurnee farmer, lies among the unidentified buried at sea or whether he was among the number whose bodies were never recovered. (Submitted by K. Torp)
Kathryn Faulkner of Libertyville
A funeral Mass for Kathryn Faulkner (nee Portegys) 90, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at St. Joseph Church, 121 E. Maple, Libertyville.
Born March 20, 1909, in Chicago, she died Saturday, Aug. 7, 1999, at home. Burial will be in Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville.
Mrs. Faulkner had been a resident of Libertyville for 88 years and was a member of the St. Joseph Parish and the Guild of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Survivors include her sons, Lewis 'Bud' (Joanne), Raymond (Sandy) and Ed (Karen) Faulkner, all of Libertyville, and Kenneth (Pam) Faulkner of Mundelein; daughters, Catherine (Charles) Eiserman of Libertyville, Jean (Rod) Leafblad of Gurnee, Evelyn (Elmer) Vetter of Colorado and Margaret (Frank) Pieroni of Florida; brothers, Nick and John Portegys; sister, Anne Dickson; 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Gertrude (nee DeBoer) Portegys; her husband of 54 years, Lewis Faulkner, who died in 1981; son, Donald Faulkner; grandson, Nick Eiserman; brothers, James and Peter Portegys; and sisters, Nellie Metcalf, Mary Lightbody and Gertrude Dietz.
Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today, at McMurrough Chapel, 101 Park Place, Libertyville.
[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - August 10, 1999 - submitted by Sara Hemp]
Ruth Fitzgerald of Lake Zurich
Memorial services for Ruth Fitzgerald will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, at Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff Rd., Rolling Meadows.
Born in Greensville, Pa., she died Friday, Aug. 6, 1999, at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Sharon, Pa. A self-employed hairdresser for many years, she was the wife of the late James; mother of Darlene A. (David) King, Gary (Janet) Kiser and the late Connie Mae Kiser; grandmother of Connie Mae Rang, Nicole Caldwell, Scott Kiser, Lisa Larkin, Mark Kiser and the late Christopher Tufano; and great-grandmother of seven.
Memorial visitation will be from 7 p.m. until the time of the services Thursday, at the funeral home. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - August 10, 1999 - submitted by Sara Hemp]
John Hanlan
On January 5, 1881, Chicago fire department Driver, John A. Hanlan of Engine 25 died in the line of duty while responding to a fire. Hanlan was driving a hose cart on West twelth Aveenue when he toppled forward out of the cart and was crushed under the right wheel. The Captain, riding next to Hanlan reported that the driver may have lost conscious before this fall. Funeral services for Hanlan, a Civil War veteran, were held on January 7. He was survived by his widow and two children.
[Note: He was buried at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Newport Township, Lake County, Ill.]
[Unknown newspaper, Jan 6 1881 - Submitted by Marie Chapman]
Samuel Helms
At Little Fort, IL., Capt. Samuel Helms, 82, formerly of Boston.
[Christian Register, 17 Jul 1847 - Submitted by Denise Helms Ferraro]
Bernard Hertel
- formerly of Fremont Center, Illinois
Funeral arrangements are pending for Bernard Hertel 88, of Bayfield, Colo.
Born Oct. 11, 1910, he died Monday, July 26, 1999, at Mercy Medical Center in Durango, Colo.
A former member of St. Mary's Church, Fremont Center, he is survived by his son, Roger of Bayfield; daughter, Joan of Montrose, Colo; brother, Raymond of Shannon, Ill.; and sister, Matilda Dietz of Libertyville.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Matilda (nee Strazer), in 1991; brothers, John, Anthony and Joseph; and sisters, Mary Spoerlein, Anna Etten, Elizabeth Bauer, Rose Kattner and Catherine Leffelman.
[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - August 10, 1999 - submitted by Sara Hemp]
Donald Keith Heser
Donald K. Heser, 51, of Medford, Wis., formerly of Grayslake, died March 6, 1984, of injuries sustained in an auto accident.
He was born August 22, 1932 in Tomah, Wis. On Dec. 1, 1956, he married Evelyn Motl in Grayslake area and worked for a number of businesses. In 1970, he moved to Medford and was employed at Liberty Homes in Spencer, Wis. Since 1972, he had been employed at the Packaging Corp. of America in Colby, Wis. He was a maintenance specialist and was on his way to work when the fatal accident occurred. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Heser; six children, Susan (Arthur) Walls of Colby, John Heser, Mary Hahn and Michael Heser, all of Medford, Margaret Heser of Shakopee, Minn. and Kenneth Heser, at home; six grandchildren; one brother, Eugene Heser of Round Lake; one sister, Diane Morse of Snohomish, Wash; and his mother, Veora Heser of Grayslake.
Funeral services were held March 8 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford with Fr. Brendon Kunda officiating. [Unknown newspaper, submitted by Diana Heser Morse]
Oscar Raymond Heser
(Born 17 Dec 1905, Died 23 July 1979)
Funeral services for Oscar Heser, 73, of Grayslake, formerly of Round Lake are pending for Thursday, July 26, at Strang Funeral Chapel, Grayslake.
Mr. Heser died July 23 at Condell Memorial Hospital following a heart attack. He had been in ill health for some time. He had lived in the Grayslake and Round Lake area for the past 30 years. He was employed by the Milwaukee Road retiring in 1970.
Survivors are his widow, Veora; one daughter, Mrs. Tom (Diana) Morse of Seattle, Wash.; two sons, Donald of Medford, Wis. and Eugene of Round Lake Beach; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs Van (Vila) Evans of Tomah, Wis. and Mrs. James (Doris) Graves of South Chicago. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Arlen in 1951; and by three brothers and three sisters. The interment will be in Fort Hill Cemetery, Round Lake. [Unknown newspaper, submitted by Diana Heser Morse]
Richard Heser
RICHARD HESER DIES AT AGE OF 12 YEARS
Richard Arlen Heser, 12, of Nippersink Avenue, Round Lake, died Tuesday, September 18 at noon in St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan following an illness of nine days. Richard was born March 19, 1939, in Tomah, Monroe County, Wis., a son of Oscar and Veora Heser. He was a pupil in the Round Lake Elementary school.
Surviving, in addition to this parents, are two brothers, Donald and Eugene, and a sister Diana Rae. The body is at the Strange Chapel in Grayslake where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at the chapel at 1:00 PM Friday with the Rev. W. C. Silven officiating. Burial will be in Fort Hill Cemetery, west of Round Lake. [Unknown newspaper, submitted by Diana Heser Morse]
Veora Caroline Vroman Heser
(written by Veora prior to her death, always organized, death date added by family)
passed away on December 4, 2000 at Condell Memorial Hospital, Libertyville, Illinois. Veora was born at home in Warrens, Monroe County, Wisconsin on April 7, 1912, the daughter of William Henry Vroman and Estella Belle Lamb Vroman. Veora was the widow of Oscar Raymond Heser whom she married on March 29, 1930 in Winona, Minnesota. Oscar and Veora started their married life in Tomah, Wisconsin, and in 1944 moved to Illinois. Oscar retired from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul and Pacific Railroad in 1970 and passed away in 1979. Four children were born to this union, namely Donald Keith, Richard Arlen (both deceased), Diana Rae Morse of Tieton, Washington and Eugene Paul Heser of Round Lake, Illinois. She also leaves a daughter-in-law Evelyn Marie Motl Heser of Medford, Wisconsin, plus 7 grandchildren and numerous great grand children. Besides her two sons, 3 brothers (Chester Archie, Frank William, Erwin Keith) and 3 sisters (Louisa Caroline, Eva, Mabel May) proceeded her in death. Veora had been in ill health for several years, but kept active, trusting in God to keep her on her feet. She belonged to several Senior organizations and was an active member of the Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Grayslake, Illinois. Veora chose to be cremated and her remains were interred at Fort Hill Cemetery, Round Lake, Illinois beside her husband and one son. [Unknown newspaper, submitted by Diana Heser Morse]
Delia King
Dies at 104
Zion, Ill., March 4 – Mrs. Delia King, 104, died today from influenza. More than 40 years ago she was said to have contracted an incurable disease and was told she could live only a few months. Her living descendants are nine children, 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
[The Morning Tulsa Daily World; Tulsa, OK; March 5, 1922 (Transcribed by D. Donlon; Transcribed as written)]
Billy Leach
Billy Leach, one of Chicago's pioneers in radio and television broadcasting, died at 3:30 pm on November 11, 1997 of complications after open heart surgery. Billy was 86 years old.
Starting in radio broadcasting in Pittsburgh, PA's WMBJ as early as 1931, Billy was voted Chicago's most popular radio singer a number of years during his tenure with WBBM Radio between 1946 and 1967 where he starred as a vocalist and program host. He was the star of the Luncheon With Billy Show on CBS Chicago, one of the earliest live TV programs initiated in Chicago. In 1954, his hit single, "Song of the Barefoot Mailman" reached 16 on the pop charts.
As a vocalist and producer, his commercials for Pepsodent, Kelloggs, Wrigleys Gum, Budweiser, Mr. Kleen, and many others were aired on radio and television across the nation. Most recently he was audio director for SVE, Inc. which was involved in educational film strips.
Since retirement in 1982, Billy has been dedicated to the Broadcast Pioneers, he reorganized the Deerfield Public Library music collection and was deeply involved with the St. Gregory's Episcopal Church music effort, his favorite charity. Most recently his lectures on the early days of the big bands, the early days of radio and television broadcasting were applauded. As late as 1996, before the onset of a serious heart valve problem which limited his activity, he was an active tennis player, golfer and hiker.
Billy was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous in which organization he spent 46 sober years helping others. He died sober.
Billy lived in Deerfield Illinois.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Hannah Leech Moss, and sons Peter Leech and Christopher Leech. His grandchildren are Peter J. Leech, Andrew T. Leech, Katie Leech, Herbert Wm. Moss and Richard W. Leech.
Billy received his early music training at Divine Providence School in Pittsburgh, PA. He received a Bachelors of Arts degree in 1932 from Duquesne University, and a Masters in Theater from Northern Illinois University in 1968. He performed with a number of big bands including Art Kassel Orchestra, The Lou Breese Orchestra at Chez Baree, The Raymond Scott Orchestra on CBS in New York, the Guy Lombardo Orchestra on CBS in the Waldorf Astoria and Roosevelt Hotels. During the 1970's he performed with Wayne King in Chicago and on tour. He recorded on Victor Records.
His radio career, which began on WMBJ, Pittsburgh as a disk jockey (which in those days was called "Radio Reviewer"), included his own program with song and piano on WJAJ Pittsburgh, in 1932, programs on KDKA, Pittsburgh as a vocalist and production manager in 1933, Bana Broadcasts on the Red Network, and CBS New York on the "Concert in Rhythm" with Raymond Scott and Dorothy Collins in 1993. After four years service with the US Navy during World War II, he joined WBBM Radio, performing as a vocalist and program host while contributing as a board member of the program committee.
He was Assistant Conductor of the CBS orchestra under Ceaser Petrilo. His tenure on Radio and Television with CBS spanned from 1946 through 1967. His recording career included vocals with Wayne King and Guy Lombardo as well as his 1954 hit single, The Song of the Barefoot Mailman. Memorial services and a reception will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, November 15 at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church at the corner of Deerfield Road and Wilmot Road in Deerfield, Illinois.
For funeral info. call KELLEY & SPALDING FUNERAL HOME [News Sun, Waukegan, IL, November 13, 1997 - Submitted by Sara Hemp]
Fatal Accident
Micheal McRory of Lake County, IL, was killed by the caving of a bank on the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad about 10 miles from this place on Sat. 28th ult.. He was crushed in a shocking matter and killed instantly- Joliet Signal [Rock Island Advertiser, Wed. March 10, 1852 - submitted by Candi Horton]
Emil Edward Mesenbrink
Chicago Tribune (Illinois), September 27, 1961 - Submitted by Ida Maack Recu
Services for Emil E. Mesenbrink, 73, of 219 Brainerd av., Libertyville, will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in St. John's Lutheran church, Libertyville. Mr. Mesenbrink retired in 1957 as owner and operator of the Libertyville Floral Company, Milwaukee and Church streets in Libertyville. He is survived by his widow, Lydia; two daughters, Miss Gertrude Mesenbrink and Mrs. Frances Kok-Alblas; a son, Paul; three brothers; two sisters; and four grandchildren. Mr. Mesenbrink died Monday in Condell Memorial hospital, Libertyville.
Sheboygan Press (Sheboygan, Wisconsin) August 25, 1915
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Mesenbrink and daughter, Gertrude are spending a few weeks with Mrs. Carl Luecke and family. Mrs. Mesenbrink is a daughter of Mrs. Luecke.
Irene M. Misinski of Lindenhurst
A funeral Mass for Irene M. Misinski, 72, formerly of North Chicago, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Grand Avenue and Route 83, Lake Villa.
Born July 29, 1927, in Kenosha, Wis., she died Friday, Aug. 6, 1999, at her home. Interment will be in Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. Mrs. Misinski had retired in 1989 after 44 years of service for Abbott Laboratories. She was a former member of Holy Rosary Church in North Chicago and most recently was a member of Prince of Peace Church in Lake Villa. She was also a member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Abbott Quarter Century Club.
Survivors include her husband, Bruno Misinski; son, William (Kimberly) Misinski of Lake Villa; grandchildren, Pamela, Michael and Branden; brothers, Julius (Dolores) Kowalski of Racine, Wis., and Chester (Zosia) Kowalski of Waukegan; and sisters, Mary Schlichling of Waukegan and Genevieve Villanova of Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her brother, John Kowalski, in 1992.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Salata Gurnee Funeral Home, 4190 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - August 10, 1999, submitted by Sara Hemp]
Grace Mitchell - Funeral services were held Tuesday for Mrs. Selden Mitchell, who died February 23 at the age of 84. Grace Towner was born August 9, 1877 in Diamond Lake, Ill. Her family traces its history back to William Brewster, the English clergyman who came to the new world on the Mayflower. [The Miller Press, (Miller, SD), c. March 1, 1962 - Submitted by Dennis Hargens]
Amanda A. Schaewe - 440 Elm Street, Deerfield, beloved wife of the late Fred; dear mother of Elmer and Lillian Pottenger; five grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; fond sister of Alma Bendler. Resting at funeral home, 825 Waukegan road, Deerfield, where services will be held Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Interment Eden cemetery, WIndsor 6-1716. [1958-03-07, Chicago Tribune Submitted by Lori Gilbert - hazelbuck@aol.com]
