Obituaries

Pike County IL


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ELLA (BORKHUIS) KALTSCHNEE , 94, of Barry and formerly of Bluffs died Monday afternoon, May 27, 1991, at the Barry Community Care Center n Barry. She was born July 18, 1896, in Nebraska the daughter of Louis and Anna Korkuis. She married Charles Kaltschnee Jan. 3, 1923 in South Dakota. He died in May of 1977. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Paul (Mary) Neff of Baylis and Joan Renner of Englewood, Fla., one son, Gary Kaltschnee of Clayton; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Winchester City Cemetery. Friends may call at Coonrod Funeral Home after 3 p.m. today, Wednesday. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Meredosia Rescue Squad. (Winchester Cemetery)
Contributed by Billie Browning

ODESSA B. KEEHNER , 91, of Brussels, died Saturday, March 28, 2009 at Christian Hospital N.E. in St. Louis, Mo. She attended Granite City High School and graduated from St. Elizabeth Nursing School in 1939. She worked at the Incarnate Ward in Bloomington for Dr. Pishir and the Calhoun County Health Department. In Odessa's words, "I was lucky to be married to Ralph Keehner for 48 years. He was good to me." She was a member of Indian Creek Church of Christ in Hamburg and Eastern Star. Born Feb. 25, 1918 in Pearl, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Josephine May (Holloway) Patton. She married Ralph M. Keehner April 22, 1939 in Steelville, Mo. and he died Nov. 30, 2002. Surviving are a sister, Hazel Morris of Hannibal; numerous nieces and nephews; cousin, Vera Herter of Golden Eagle; friends, Leroy Wieneke and family of Brussels, Betty and Richard Halemeyer of Golden Eagle, Elsie Dixon of Batchtown, and the "Angels in the white truck" Tom and Annette Alberson of Brussels. She was preceded in death by a loving sister, Della Patton, whom she loved and took care of until Della's death. Visitation was held Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at Hanks-Gress Funeral Home in Hardin. The funeral will be conducted Wednesday (today), April 1, 2009 at Pearl Church of Christ in Pearl with Rev. Wilson Ramsey officiating. Burial will be in Green Pond Cemetery in Pearl.
Conributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

ELVA CATHERINE (MOONEY) KELLER , 95, of Louisiana, Mo. formerly of Rockport were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 6 at the Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana. The Rev. Gail Aurand officiated. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until time of services at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 6 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Mooney Cemetery at Atlas. Mrs. Keller died Friday, July 4, 2008, at the Maple Grove Nursing Home in Louisiana. She was born Dec. 12, 1912 in Rockport to James and Stella Jane Ogle Mooney. She married Ray Keller Oct. 23, 1944 and he preceded her in death Nov. 4, 1989. She is survived by two sons, Mike Keller of Rockport and Pat Keller and wife, Joyce of Pleasant Hill; and one daughter, Jane Daniels and husband, Walter of Curryville, Mo.; four grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Frances Grimsley of Louisiana. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Delbert Mooney, Thomas Mooney and Gerald Mooney and one great-grandson, Charles Taylor who died Sept. 9, 2007. She graduated from the Rockport High School at Rockport, Illinois. She had been employed at the Louisiana Nursing Home and later at the Maple Grove Lodge Nursing Home in Louisiana, Missouri until her retirement in 1978. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Louisiana. Pallbearers were Glen Williams, Bill Keller, David Grimsley, Michael Grimsley, Bill Grimsley and Dennis Dell. Memorials may be given to AmHeart Hospice or to the Donor's choice in care of Collier Funeral Homes, Inc., 117 Barnard Drive, Louisiana, Missouri 63353
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

HAROLD E. KELLER , born May 3,1928, died Sept 23, 2008 at his home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Harold was raised in the New Canton area. His wife of 59 years, Marjorie survives. Also surviving are his children, a daughter, Vickie, and husband, Gary Clark, of Holt, Mo.; Brenda, and husband, Pat, of Liberty, Mo. and son, Chuck, and wife, Christina, of Kansas City, Mo. Six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren also survive. Harold was a professional truck driver, having driven for Navajo and A.B.F. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Jesse Keller; and a younger brother, Donald Burdette. Burdette's wife, Rhonda, also survives. The funeral was Sept 26 at the Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Spring at 11a.m. Burial was at Excelsior Springs
Contributed by Billie Browning - Photo by "JLM" on Find-A-Grave

LOUIS D. KEMPER , 73, of Winchester, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at his home. He was born Aug. 21, 1935, near Florence, the son of the late George and Ellen Lindsey Kemper. He married Mary Radefeld Oct. 1, 1961, in Winchester. Mr. Kemper attended Tollgate and Winchester High School. He was a member of St. Mark's Church. He was a lineman for Illinois Rural Electric for 35 years, retiring in 1996. He loved to fish, hunt and play cards. Surviving is his wife, Mary at home; a daughter, Kim Ellis (Lyndle) of Griggsville; three sons, Jeff (Stephanie), Brad (Kristen) and Paul (Jennifer) Kemper, all of Winchester. Eight grandchildren; and three brothers, George "Dewy" Kemper of Manito, Tom Kemper of South Pekin and Jack Kemper of Roodhouse, also survive. Preceding him in death were his parents; two sons, Todd and Timmy Kemper; a sister, Margaret Anders; and two brothers, Bill and Bob Kemper. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark's Church in Winchester. Burial was be at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsfield. The family will meet with friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service
Contributed by Billie Browning from the Pike Press

CHARLES KENNEDY who a few weeks ago purchased the Mercer bus and transfer line and moved to this city from Maysville, passed away last night after an illness of about a week. The cause .of his death was pneumonia, following influenza. His wife has also been quite sick. His death is a great shock to his family and friends.
Source: The Independent Press(Griggsville, IL), October 30, 1918 Submitted by Delaine Donaldson

GILBERT KENNEDY , 89, of Pleasant Hill, died Wednesday, February 3, 1993 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. He was a dentist in Pleasant for 55 years, retiring in 1984; he served as mayor of Pleasant Hill from 1945 to 1957; organized and was past president of the Pike County Dental Association; was former president of Citizens State Bank and former treasurer of Pike County Fair Board. He was a past member of the Pleasant Hill School Board; past chairman of the Boy Scouts of America District committee; a past worthy patron of Order of the Eastern Star and past worshipful master of the Masonic Lodge #565 AF & AM, both of Pleasant Hill. He was a member of the Knights Templar, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a charter member and past president of the Pleasant Hill Lions Club. Born, December 27, 1903 in Belleview, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Jane Collins Kennedy. He married the former Hyla L. Neese on July 29, 1942 in St. Joseph, MO, and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, G. William Kennedy of St. Louis and Robert Kennedy of Urbana; one daughter, Beverly Woods of Pleasant Hill; one sister, Leota Sitton of Pleasant Hill; four grandchildren; four great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Leland Kennedy; and one sister, Alice Foiles. Visitation was held Friday at Ward-Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill. The funeral was conducted Saturday, February 6, 1993 at Ward­Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill with Rev. Red Florence officiating. Burial was in Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.
Contributed by Billie Browning

MARGARET ANTHONY KENNEDY , 83, of Jacksonville died at Barton W. Stone Home in Jacksonville Monday, May 19, 2008. She was born January 28, 1925 in Pike County the daughter of James and Ava Orr Anthony. She married Russell Hull, Sr. in 1951 and they later divorced. She later married Charles Kennedy Sept. 9, 1972 and he preceded her in death Feb. 9, 2008 after 35 years of marriage. She is survived by eight children, Eileen (husband, Bob) Hayes of Jacksonville, Martha (husband, Steve) Wooldridge of Chapin, Judy (husband, Bud) Davidson, Joyce (husband, Cary) Allen, Jan (husband, Ed) Glossop and Cathy (husband, Ed) Beauchamp all of Jacksonville and Karen (husband, Walt) Layne of Chapin and Michael Kennedy of Jacksonville; 16 grandchildren, Kasie Wooldridge, Karie Wooldridge, Jim Wooldridge, Michele Wooldridge, Melissa Tyler, Matt Davidson, Scott Allen, Cory Allen, Angie Johnson, Hilary Phillips, Andrew Allen, Ted Ferkel, Jr., Rachael Kennedy, Justin Layne, Byron Beauchamp and Rita Moore and 10 great-grandchildren. Margaret lived a very colorful life. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, sewing, reading, listening to all kinds of music and in her younger years, dancing. She had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. Her children and grandchildren will have many stories to remember her by. Margaret has peace at last. She finally knows where Elvis is. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Williamson Funeral Home with burial at Griggsville Cemetery. The family met friends from 11-1 Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army, the Jacksonville Food Pantry or the charity of the donor's choice
Contributed by Billie Browning (Pike Press)

WILLIAM KESPOHL , a prominent and respected citizen, aged 75 years, dropped dead on the street today of apoplexy..
Contributed by Glenda

EMELYNE (BEHAGUE) KIBLER , 94, of Barry, died Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, at the Barry Community Care Center in Barry. She was born March 13, 1915, in Lille, France, to Emile and Henriette (Delion) Behague. They preceded her in death. She married Albert F. Kibler, June 15, 1935, in Montbelliard, France. He preceded her in death July 17, 1996. She is survived by one daughter, Brigitte Helzer and her husband John, of Charlotte, Vt. She is also survived by five grandsons, John Helzer, of Los Angeles, Calif., Paul Helzer, of -­ Brooklyn, N.Y., Mark Welch and wife Lisa, of Barry, Craig Welch and wife Lisa, of Barry and Eric Welch and wife Anna of Barry; six great-grandchildren, Phillip Welch and wife Heidi, of Texas, Emily Welch, of Barry, Dominique Welch, of Barry, Kyle Mooney, of Fort Stewart, Ga., and Paul Welch and Erica Welch, both of Barry; a son-in- law in Quincy; and a sister-in- law; nieces; and a nephew in New York and in France. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Nicole Welch in May of 2002, and one sister, Odette. Emelyne was born and raised in France. During the war she was a military nurse with the Red Cross. In her earlier years she wrote two books about her child­hood and her life during the war. Emelyne, Albert and daughters Nicole and Brigitte immigrated from France in 1948. They resid­ed in Peoria, Illinois until Albert's retirement from Caterpillar. They moved to Barry, in 1998. Emelyne was a seamstress in Peoria. Emelyne and Albert spent 61 years together until his death in 1996. Emelyne enjoyed knitting, crocheting, visiting with family and friends and she enjoyed a glass of wine every day with her evening meal. She used to belong to a bridge club and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pittsfield. Vistitation was held from 10 - 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pittsfield. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pittsfield. Burial was in Park Lawn Cemetery, Barry. Memorials are suggested to the Barry Community Care Center

HELEN KIENTZLE , 87, of Tucson, AZ died on February 9, 2006. She was born on August 11, 1918, to Bernard and Elizabeth Riley Kientzle in Pittsfield, IL. She was a high school teacher for twenty years in Illinois. She then taught school as a volunteer for Catholic Extension Society in Oklahoma. Helen retired as an English Professor at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. She retired to Lacey, WA then later moved to Tucson, AZ. Survivors: two sisters Mrs. Frances (Robert) Chisson, Tucson, AZ., and Mrs. Anna (Alfred) Swetlik, Glen Ellyn, IL. She is also survived by twelve nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters: Dorothy Lyons and Mary Josephine Kientzle. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 29, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield, Illinois, with father Rodney Schwartz officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Pittsfield, Illinois. Cremation rites were accorded per her wishes. Memorials are to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Pittsfield, IL

VIOLA (DOYLE) KINDLE , age 41, of New Canton died at Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. She was born Dec. 7, 1967 in Pittsfield, the daughter of Charles A. and Janet Lucille Williemia Doyle. Vi married Charles "Chuck" Kindle August 17, 1985 in Louisiana, Mo. and he survives. She was a long time employee of Stark Brothers Nursery in Louisiana. She enjoyed writing poetry and doing crafts and was a member of the New Canton United Methodist Church. Survivors include her father, Charles A. "C.A." Doyle of Nebo; her husband, Chuck Kindle of New Canton; a son, Steven C. Kindle of New Canton; a daughter, Susie A. (husband Dennis) Downey of New Canton; a granddaughter, Bosie Downey of New Canton; and three sisters, Janice Stewart of Nebo, Sarah Hausmann of Louisiana and Lisa Hess of Memphis, Tenn. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Lucille Doyle, and by a brother, Steven Doyle. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the New Canton United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Sheila Kelly. Burial followed at Burbridge Cemetery near Martinsburg. Visitation was held from 12 noon until time of services Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to the family. Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning

DONNA JOSEPHINE (ELLIS) KINGERY , 93, of Pittsfield, died on a sunny, beautiful afternoon on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at St. Frances Hospital in Peoria. Born February 5, 1912, the second daughter of John Alfred and Maude Yelliott Ellis. She was a life long resident of Pike County, Illinois, until entering Riverview Retirement Center in East Peoria, Illinois five years ago. Donna was married October 27, 1938 to the true love of her life, Wayne Kingery and he preceded her in death on March 27, 1967. To this union were born two daughters, Ada Marie (Don) Darrow of Washington, Illinois, and Judith (Don) Scranton of Pittsfield, Illinois. Donna was a member of the Detroit Research Forum, the Book and Thimble Club, Ladies Aid, the Liberty Farm and Good Roads Club, Pike County Home Extension, the Business and Women’s Professional Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Pittsfield United Methodist Women-Guild Circle and the Teachers Retirement Association. She was a devoted member of the Detroit United Methodist Church and in later years attended and was active in the Pittsfield United Methodist Church. Donna attended Illinois State Normal University and was an elementary teacher for over thirty years. She taught in Detroit, Nebo and Milton, usually having third graders. Loved by students and parents alike, she revered her students, guiding them with abundant love and a strong work and study ethic. Survivors: Two daughters, Ada Marie (Don) Darrow, Washington, Illinois, and Judith (Don) Scranton, Pittsfield, Illinois, five grandchildren, Susan (Darren) Henninger, of Galesburg, Illinois, Robert Scranton of St. Louis, Missouri, Christine (Kevin) Kraft, Washington, Illinois, Marc (Shari) Darrow, Atlanta, Georgia and Kim (Dan) Camp, Sparland, Illinois. Her pride and joy were seven great-grandchildren who called her “GG”. They are Brittney Henninger, Ashley and Kaleb Slotter, Ethan and Jordan Darrow, Abigail and Isabella Camp. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Dorothy Kingery, Pittsfield, Illinois, a nephew: Ellis Sanderson, Urbana, Illinois, three nieces, Leta Sanderson, Springfield, Illinois, Roberta Borrowman, Kinderhook, Illinois and Beverly Guthrie, Pittsfield, Illinois. Donna always had the door to her home and the door to her heart open. She loved baking, sewing, quilting, reading and working word search puzzles. If you drove by her home on East Washington Street in Pittsfield, you would see her sitting in her chair working away at one of her hobbies. Her grandchildren were reminiscing about their beloved grandma and to them she meant apple pie, chicken and noodles, cinnamon rolls, a cold glass of water in the fridg, telling stories to them after they went to bed when they were spending the night with her, baking everyone’s favorite dessert for each holiday and, above all, her unconditional love. One of them so aptly described her by saying, “You just can’t outdo Grandma; if you told her you loved her, she always told you she loved you back with all her heart and waved you off as you drove away by blowing you kisses”. There was a very favorite saying Donna said to each and everyone almost every time you saw her. She said, “Have a good day today and a better day tomorrow”. Donna Kingery was a beloved Christian wife; Donna was a mother; Donna was a mother-in-law; Donna was a grandmother; Donna was “GG”; Donna was an aunt; Donna was a teacher; Donna was a friend. For all these things and so much more, thanks be to God – thanks be to God. Preceded by her husband, Wayne Kingery, and one sister, Dorothy Sanderson. Funeral Services will be Saturday, November 5, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Detroit Methodist Church with Rev. David Schultz, Dr. John C. Wilkey and Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Burial will be at Blue River Cemetery, Detroit, Illinois. Friends may call at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield Friday, November 5, 2005, from 4 to 8 p.m.. Memorials are to the Blue River Cemetery, Detroit, Illinois, or the Detroit United Methodist Church, Detroit, Illinois, or the Pittsfield United Methodist Church, Pittsfield, Illinois.

RICHARD MERLE KINGERY - b. 21 Sep 1919, Pike Co., IL; d. 19 Jun 1982, Pittsfield, IL; Bu.: Ravanna, MI; Veteran; M. Lena Seelman on 27 Dec 1945, she died 31 Jul 1976; Fa.: John Kingery; Mo.: Hazel Frances Hoover; Survivors include a daughter: Bev Guthrie, Pittsfield; two sons: Troy, Pittsfield, and Rodney, Des Moines, IA; a grandson; and a sister: Ina Dale Willard, Pittsfield.
Contributed by Candace Smith

EDNA M. (SCOTT) KLEMME - 96, died at 8:35 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2005 at the Pittsfield Health Care Center. Edna was born July 30, 1909 in Pike County, Illinois to John Lafayette and Julie Anna Johnston Scott. She worked at the Brown Shoe Factory in Pittsfield and was also a homemaker. She was married to Fred Klemme and he preceded in 1943. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Preceded by her husband, Fred and four sisters Ethel Galloway, Esta Ruble, Etta Chandler and Elma Scott. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial will be at the Burbridge Cemetery, Pittsfield, Illinois. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 beginning at noon till 2:00 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Memorials are to the Burbridge Cemetery.

HAZEL J. KIBLER , 86, of Berkley, Mich., formerly of Detroit, Mich. died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich. She was bom June 26, 1922 in Dexter, Mo. to Charles and Mary Barker. Mrs. Kibler was a secretary at American Motor Corp. for 23 years until her retirement in 1982. She was a mem­ber of the Royal Oak Church of Christ and did volunteer work for the American Red Cross. Surviving are her stepchildren, Richard J. (Jena LeLeux) Kibler of Gainesville, Fla. and Elizabeth A. (Steve) Gibson ofAlton; brother, Marion (Leta) Barker of Wancu, Mich.; step- grandchildren, Apryl Wilson, Halley, Corey and Dylan Johnson, Nathan (Tammy) Kibler, Cristina and Brianne Kibler, Jennifer Hamberg and Patrick and Emilee Gibson and step-great grand­sons, Brandon, Derek and Aiden. Her husband, Fredric, died Feb. 26, 2008. His sister was Norma Hoaglin. Services were held in Michigan and Missouri. Arrangements by Kinsey- Garrett Funeral Home, Royal Oak, Mich. Burial, Dexter Cemetery, Dexter, Mo.
Contributed by Billie Browning

MRS. PETR KITTEL - The reported passing of Mrs. Peter Kittel, wife of our former pastor of seven years ago, at her home at Forest City, Ark. Was received with sorrow by her hosts of friends in and out of this church. She was a very lovable lady and was held in high estimation in our city. To Rev. Kittel is extended the condolence and sympathy of his Barry parishioners of former days, in which the church reporter joins.
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge - Barry Adage, 9/5/1928 Page 64

DALE ALBERT KLASSING - 87, of 427 North 440th Ave., Liberty, died at 2:25 a.m. Tue., Jan. 6, 2009 in the Barry Com­munity Care Center. Born Sept. 9, 1921 in Bev­erly Township, Adams County, Dale was the son of Albert W. & Zepha Hofmeister Klassing. He married Katherine McCarl on Aug. 19, 1948 in Canton, MO. Dale and Katherine ob­served their 60th Anniversary this past August. Dale lost his right arm in an accident at the age of 9, but he did not let that stop him from leading an active and produc­tive life. He attended Kingston Grade School, and later pur­chased and restored the school building, which he still owns. He attended the three year program at Liberty High School, where he traveled the six miles to school on his bike and graduated from Perry High School in 1940 and the Univer­sity of Illinois in Champaign with a degree in Vocational Agriculture. Dale was a life long member of the Kingston United Methodist Church where he served on various committees, was a member and past president of the Kingston Cemetery AssociaWestern Illinois. He was also instrumental in getting the ABS Water Program into Richfield and Beverly Townships and has the water tower in his front yard. Dale enjoyed his pet cats, landscaping and growing flowers, especially day lillies and roses, and making wind breaks for wildlife. He also loved to fly and owned a Cessna 140 and Cessna Sky Hawk 172 which he flew from his private airstrip. Dale's flights included a solo flight from the Florida Keys to Cuba with the Flying Farmers. A well known farmer in the area, Dale was a grain farmer at his Lib­erty and Barry farms and raised Black Angus cattle, hogs and sheep at the Kingston farm. He also taught Payson Seymour High School from 1945 until 1954. He also served as the FFA Sponsor and taught night classes for re­turning World War II veterans. Survivors include his wife Katherine; three aunts, Addie Klassing of Quincy, Dorothy Klassing of Barry and Mildred Klassing of Clayton; his long time employee, John Hodgson of Liberty, and many loving cousins, friends and neigh­bors. Mr. Klassing was preceded in death by his parents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services were held Frid. morning at 10:30 in the Kingston United Methodist Church by the Rev. Lee Reffett and Rev. Stacy Tomich. En­tombment was in the Kingston Cemetery Mausoleum. Visita­tion was Thurs. from 4 to 7 in the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in Quincy and Fri. morn­ing from 9:30 until the time of services at the Kingston United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Billie Browning

FOREST RAY KLINE , 79, was born Sept. 2, 1928 in Perry Mo. He died Tues. May 6, 2008, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He was the fourth child and second son born to Josiah David Kline and Ida Lorene Hendricks Kline. When Mr. Kline was about two months old the family returned to the family farm north of Barry where he spent the rest of him life with the exception of his time in the Air Force. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1946 then entered the Air Force in 1948 he served four years and was stationed at Shephard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. Texas where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. On Christmas Eve, 1949, he married Lorene Martha Doepel at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Nealyville. Lorene survives in rural Barry. He was baptized and confirmed at this church in 1960. Mr. Kline and his wife farmed together all their lives. He was a conservationalist, serving on the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation Board, he was a pioneer in no-till farming, designing and building one of the first no-till planters in this area. He surveyed, built and maintained his farm waterways and terraces. Mr. Kline was a top seed corn salesman for SuperCroft Seeds, D.E.F. Seeds and Crow Hybrids for 30 years. He was also published in the SuperCroft news letters for his work. He was a life long member of the Barry American Legion Post #222 and a past member of the Liberty Lions Club. He was a member of the Adams County Farm Bureau and served as Richfield Township Board Trustee for 12 years. Also an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pittsfield where he served as usher and church elder. Mr. Kline and his wife were able to travel and tour Hawaii, Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. They were also avid motorcyclists and traveled the entire continental United States, including Alaska and Canada on a Honda Gold Wing and are past members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association chapter N. of Quincy. He is survived by his wife of 58 years and four children, Mrs. Motley (Pamela) Hedges of Richland Wash., Mrs. Tony (Jackie) Mosley of Lansing, Mrs. Jody (Jodie) Mauck of Plainville, David Kline and his wife Vikki of Quincy; 12 grandchildren, Amanda Kissere and husband Tracy, Paul Hedges, Allison Hedges, Thomas Mosley and wife Cathy, Jonathan Mosley, Tiffani Hanlin and husband Tracy, Amber Perriner and husband Matt, Tyson Mauck, Jarred Mauck and wife Kim, Casey Kline and wife Erin, Tanner Kline and Carter Kline; nine great grandchildren; a sister Mrs. Joe (Pat) Robinson of Barry and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, J.D. Kline; and a sister, Marjorie Watts. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m Saturday, May 17 in the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pittsfield with Military services by Barry American legion Post 222. Final disposition will be private, memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

HELEN L. (CARNES) KLINEFELTER , 91, of Pittsfield, died on March 29, 2005 at 9:37 a.m. at the Pittsfield Manor in Pittsfield. She was born near New Salem, IL. on September 12, 1913 to Fay R. and Lula M. Reinhardt Carnes. She married Kermit Klinefelter on July 5, 1934 in Jerseyville, IL at the Methodist Parsonage with L. Hanbaum, officiating. Her husband survives. She was a clerk at the Strauss Store in Pittsfield and was assistant City Clerk in Pittsfield. She was a member of the Pittsfield First United Methodist Church, Pittsfield Chapter #195 O.E.S. since 1942 and was a past Worthy Matron, member of the United Methodist Women's Circle, Pittsfield Business and Professional Woman's Club, Pike County Home Extension, Knitting (Isabel's ) Club, Illini Hospital Auxiliary and Pittsfield Woman's Club. She enjoyed playing in Bridge and Pinochle clubs and china painting. Survivors: her husband Kermit, a daughter Mrs. C. W. (Marilyn) Losch, Quincy, IL., a brother Donald (Betty) Carnes, Pittsfield, two grandchildren Brad (Judy) Losch, Pittsfield, and Mrs. Chuck (Brooke) Gulledge, Danville, CA, seven great grandchildren Adam, Kasey, Kirstie and Karly Losch, and Brock, Chase, Bodie Gulledge, four nephews. Preceded by a brother Paul Carnes and parents. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 1, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Burial will be at the West Cemetery in Pittsfield. Lunch will be served following the services at the Orr Hall, United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2005 at 5-8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield and O.E.S. services will be held at 7:45 p.m. by the Pittsfield Chapter #195

PAUL KLINEFELTER , 78, of rural Griggsville, died Thursday, July 16, 2009, at his residence. He was born June 3, 1931 in Griggsville, son of the late Paul K. and Geneva Bickerdike Klinefelter, Sr. He married Bernice Chaplin Aug. 8, 1952 in Pittsfield, and she survives. Surviving is his wife of rural Griggsville; one daughter, Joyce Brown and husband Stephen of rural Griggsville; two grandchildren, Duane Brown and wife Emily of Pittsfield and Christine Holland of Griggsville; seven great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Brianna, Brentin, Braden and Bryan Brown, all of Pittsfield, Jessica Mowen of Clayton, and Dalton Holland of Griggsville; close family friend, Steve Schade of Collinsville; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; fraternal sibling twins, Doris Williams and Deal Klinefelter; a sister, Pauline Ratto; and a brother, William Hubert Klinefelter. Buster farmed southeast of Griggsville for many years. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving as a ammunition specialist with the US Army. Following the war, he worked for International Harvester in Pittsfield as a mechanic. Buster was an outdoorsman, an avid deer hunter and loved riding 4 wheelers. He also loved to woodwork. He was a loving and caring husband who loved spending time with his family. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery near the family farm. Military graveside rites will be conducted by Griggsville American Legion Post 213.Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the chapel. A lunch will be served for family and friends following the funeral service at the Detroit Town Hall in Detroit.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

ELLERY L. KNAKE , 81, of Pittsfield, formerly of Champaign, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Eastside Healthcare & Rehab Center, Pittsfield. He was born Aug. 26, 1927 in Gibson City to Louis Franz and Wilhelmina (Minnie) Dorthea Behrens Knake. He married Colleen "Connie" Mary Wilken on June 23, 1951 in Gilman, IL and she preceded on 2005. Ellery was a professor of Agronomy at the University of Illinois for 30 plus years. He served his country in the US Army 1945-1946. He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Champaign and a member of the Knights of Columbus with a 3rd degree. Ellery received the following 1976-1977 Who's Who of America-agronomist, educator. B.S. 1949 U of IL M.S. (Wright Fellow), 1950 PHD 1960. Tehr. Vocational ag Barrington, Cosol. High School, 1951-1956; Instructor vocation agr. Service U of IL, Urban 1956-1960, asst. professor dept of agronomy, 1960-64, assoc. professor, 1964-69, professor weed science., 1969-. Second v.p. N Central Weed Conference 1969, 1st v.p., 1970, pres. 1971. Recipient Ciba-Geigy award for outstanding contributions to agriculture, 1972; Educator Award Midwest Agriculture Chemical Assn., 1975; Member American Society Agronomy (Corps and Soils magazine Best Article Award 1967), Weed Science Society of America (vp. 1972, president elect 1973, Pres., Chairman of the Board 1974, Outstanding Extension Worker Award 1972; editorial board Herbicide Handbook), Iroquois County Historical Society charter life member, Nabor House Fraternity Alumni, Sigma Xi, Phi Eta Sigma, Alph Tau Alpha, Alpha Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi Gamma Sigma Delta, Epsilon Sigma Phi. Contributing editor to professional journals, Feature editor Weeds Today magazine 1972-1973. Survivors include two sons, Gary Louis (Jean) Knake of Pleasant Hill and Kim Paul (Sue Connelly), Longmont, Colo.; one sister, Mrs. Twylla Mae Kemple, Bend, Ore.; two grandchildren, Skylar Knake and Cimarron Knake; and one great-grandchild, Riley Bryant. Preceded by his wife Colleen Knake, Sister Adeline and a granddaughter Chelsey Knake. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Thursday, March 5, at 10 a.m. at the St. Patrick's Church in Champaign with Fr. Joe Hogan officiating. Entombment at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Champaign, following services. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Champaign.
Contibuted by Billie Browning

HAROLD A. KNAPP , age 70, of Florence, died early Sunday, April 5, 2009, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was born Sept. 25, 1938 in Pittsfield, son of the late Ford and Edna Wade Knapp. He married Joanne Mikules Sept. 19, 1959 in Alton, and she survives. Also surviving is one son, Tim Knapp and wife Angela of Meredosia,; three grandchildren, Justin Knapp and wife Margo of Springfield and Kailin Knapp, Jasmyn Knapp all of Meredosia; two sisters, Gloria Kirgan and husband Mike of Brighton and Cindy Graner and husband John of East Alton; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Darold Knapp; and two sisters in infancy. Mr. Knapp was a 1957 graduate of East Alton High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Knapp was a commercial fisherman in Florence, Il. He enjoyed yard work and flower gardening. Private services will be held at a later date.
Contributed by Billie Browning from the Pike Press

HERMAN D. KOELLER , 78, of Amelia Island, Fla., formerly of Springfield, died at 4 p.m. Saturday at St. Vincent Medical Center, Jacksonville, Fla. He was born in New Canton on Jan. 4, 1910, the son of Alfred and Eva McIntire Koeller. He was a former sales representative of Employers Insurance of Wausau, Wis. Mr. Koeller was a member of the First United Methodist Church and chairman of the church board of trustees. He also was a member of the University of Illinois Dads Association. Surviving are his wife, Gwendlyn; two sons, Alfred of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Richard of Pepper Pike, Ohio; one daughter, Mary ann Schmidt of Ridgefield, Conn.; one brother, Harold of Washington D.C.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel with Dr. Roger Rominger officiating. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery, Barry.

RUTH E. (CRISS) KOEPP , 97 of Springfield and formerly of Pittsfield died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at Regency Nursing Home in Springfield. She was born Nov. 30, 1910 in Pittsfield to Elmer Monroe and Florence Beatrice LaDow Criss. She married Delmar A. Wesenberg Aug. 1, 1933 he preceded her in death May 9, 1934, she married Joseph Koepp Dec. 16, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa, and he preceded her in death in 1988. Also preceding her was a brother Paul Criss and a nephew William Criss, and niece Libby Kolotski. Mrs. Koepp was a 1928 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She worked in a bakery in Milwaukee, Wis., and then for several years with the California Dept. of Safety, She worked in a munitions factory during WW 2, and for Pacific Electric Manufacturing in San Francisco. She was a past member of the Pittsfield United Methodist Church. She enjoyed painting, crocheting and had a great love for cats. Surviving are her nieces and nephews, Carolyn (Bob) Wertz, Patricia (Glen) Fitzgerald, Jim (Bonnie) Criss, Sally (William) Hautanen, Celeste (Charles) Burris, Claudia (Larry) Christian, Eric (Fran) Suliin and Stephen (Julie) Suliin. Also surviving are 18 great-nieces and nephews, 19 great-great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-great nephew. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday Nov. 5, at the Pittsfield West Cemetery
Contributed by Billie Browning

IVA E. KURTZ , 92, of Barry, was born Nov. 20, 1915, in New Canton, to Alfred and Elsie (Hathaway) McNary. They preceded her in death. She died Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. She married woodrow Kurtz April 17, 1937, in Louisiana, Mo. He preceded her in death April 15, 1985. She is survived by one son, Woodrow Kurtz, Jr. of Hull; four daughters, Charlotte Moyer, husband Ben, of Barry; Kathryn Sydney, husband Roger, of Litchfield, Ky.; Sue Loos, husband Jim, of Big Clifty, Ky.; and Mary K. Blackorby, of Barry. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three Sisters, Eliza Kurtz, Golden Barnard and Ella Rife; one daughter, Elcy Elizabeth Smith; two sons-in-law, Kenny Blackorby and Howard (Bud) Smith. Iva was a wonderful mother, grandmother, homemaker and cook. She loved being with her family and enjoyed crafts. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Quincy.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press