U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Helen E. Vlahn of Batavia
Services for Helen E. Vlahn, 94, of The Holmstad in Batavia, formerly of Elmwood Park, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, at Yurs-Peterson Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. The Rev. Philip D. Lund will officiate.
Born Oct. 27, 1904, in Geneva, to John and Lena Carlson, she passed away Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999, at Michealsen Health Care Center in Batavia. Private entombment will be held in Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove.
Mrs. Vlahn was raised in the Elmwood Park area and worked for many years at Marshall Field'sin Chicago, prior to joining her husband's insurance agency, where she worked as an office manager.
She was one ofthe original residents of The Holmstad Retirement Community in Batavia. She was Lutheran by faith and enjoyed floral gardening and travels to Sweden and Greece. She will be dearly missed by her beloved family and friends.
She issurvived by her cousins, Amy Johnson of Batavia, Ellen Alvine of Elgin, Hattie Schmitz of Batavia and Donald (Louise) Anderson of Batavia; a special niece, who was like a daughter, Sofia (Frank) Pappas of Arlington Heights; and by many extended family members.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Vlahn.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of donor's choice.
For information, (630) 879-7900.
Elwyn `Mert' Weston of Elburn
Elwyn `Mert' Weston, 81, passed away late Friday evening, Jan. 15, 1999, at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva, where he found at last a resting place at the end of a long and winding road.
He was born Jan. 2, 1918, the son of Merton and Emma (nee Freeland) Weston at the family home on west Reader St., Elburn. He grew up in Elburn where he attended local schools and set off for the west coast at the age of 17. The Civil Conservation Corps in Idaho taught Mert the rudiments of electrical wiring and though he returned home to work for a short time, he left once more for the coast in 1940, this time to join his sister, Evelyn Kinst, in California. He arrived at her home with a nickel to his name and not a stitch of leather on his shoes, but his determination led him to a job with Clifford Electric in Oakland. True to his nature, his paychecks all went home to hisparents. Times were tough, but Mert was tougher. 1942 saw Mert join the Navy where he gained valuable experience with the Sea Bees. Stringing wire among palm trees in Guam, Mert was responsible for setting up and maintaining power plants all over the the island.
Mert came home to Elburn in 1946 and shortly afterward met Betty Iverson, a waitress at Carlson's Confectionery, the local coffee shop. So it was that a cup of coffee led Mert to matrimony and onNov. 10, 1947, he and Betty were united in marriage. They made their home in Elburn for a few years before moving to the present family home. It was an old schoolhouse on Keslinger Road, and though it was run down and overgrown when they bought it, the two of them made it a home and made it beautiful.
Shortly after the war, Mert joined his friend, John Kenyon, at Averill Electric and, except for a few years on his own at Weston Electric, Mert spent the next 42 years working for Nort Averill.
Mert's memoirs of those years include stories from both Delnor and CommunityHospital, nearly every school building in the Fox Valley, and every commercial project in Elburn from the Community Congregational Church to the Elburn Cooperative Company. To his fellow tradesmen he was known as much for his knowledge as his chicanery. He used both to keep his crews on their toes. At the Geneva Diner, they called him `The Mayor,' and everywhere he worked, they called him the best of the best.
Retiring in 1988, Mert hung up his tool beltand got busy in his workshop.
He built bird houses and bat houses and enjoyed many hours in his flower garden. Allof his life, however, he loved to fish, hunt and trap and many are the stories of his uncanny luck and unbridled baloney. He shot an 1100-pound Elk in Colorado and had it mounted, only to discover it was too big to get into his house. Solution?Give it to your brother-in-law. Another hoot was Mert's amazi
Myrtle M. Wilkerson of Round Lake Beach
Services for Myrtle M. Wilkerson, 89, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, at Justen's Round Lake Funeral Home, 222 N. Rosedale Court (at Cedar Lake Road), Round Lake. Born Feb. 28, 1909, in Martin, Tenn., to Ike and Mary (nee Smothers) Melton, she died Friday, Jan. 15, 1999, at her home. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove.
Formerly of the North Side of Chicago, Mrs. Wilkerson hadlived in Round Lake Beach for the past four years. Prior to her retirement, she had been employed in the stockroomat Magnecraft Electrical in Northbrook for 13 years. She was affiliated with Faith Baptist Church in Round Lake Beach.
Mrs. Wilkerson is survived by her daughters, Mary (the late Kenneth) Doran of Martin, Louise (James) Evans ofMarengo, Patricia (Ronald) Smith of Round Lake Beach, Shirley (Jack) Schroeder of Round Lake Beach and Kathy (Bob)Burnett of Chicago; son, Buddy (Missy) Melton of Bono, Ark., 26 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Pearlie Wray of Gates, Tenn.; and brother, Jesse Melton of Dyersburg, Tenn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo Wilkerson, in 1977; son, Charles Wilkerson, in 1997; and grandchildren, Jimmy Smith and Jimmy Doran.
Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today, at the funeral home.
Memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
For information, (847) 546-3300.
Antonette `Toni' Pregi Simeone formerly of Youngstown, Ohio
A Mass of Christian Burial for Antonette `Toni' Pregi Simeone, 91, was held Saturday, in Youngstown.
Born Jan. 2, 1908, in Youngstown, she died Monday, Jan. 11, 1999, at Edward Hospital in Naperville. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.
Mrs. Simeone served as a floor supervisor at Triangle Raincoat Company from 1926 to 1942. She also served as a stencilman at Republic Steel during World War II from 1942 to 1945. She was involved in the O2 Support Group, Second Wind Support Group, McGuffey Grandmothers and a bowling league for 20 years. Mrs. Simeone was an Immaculate Conception bingo worker, a member of Young at Heart, Christian Mothers and Navy Mothers.
Survivors include her son, Andrew C. Simeone of Henderson, Nev.; daughter, Marie A. Machuga of Naperville; grandchildren, Kelly Flugstad, Carrie Metzger and Donald Simeone; two great-grandchildren; and brothers, Dominic Pregi of Youngstown and Daniel Pregi of Naperville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Simeone; brothers, James, Roy, Pete and Michael Pregi; and sisters, Sue Pregi and Frances Esposito.
Arrangements were made by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, Naperville.
For information, (630) 355-0213.
Romana Dietz Vaughan of Normal, Ill.
Romana Dietz Vaughan, 88, died Monday, Jan. 11, 1999, at Heritage Manor in Normal, where she had resided since June 1997.
She was born Nov. 4, 1910, the oldest child of John and Adelaide Hall Dietz.
A 1928 graduate of Elgin High School, she was employed by the Elgin Case Factory until she moved to Chicago in 1942. She married Rudy Vaughan on July 15, 1950, and he preceded her in death in May 1985. In 1976, she moved to Greenfield, Ind. and in 1984, Normal, Ill. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church while in Elgin and Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal.
Survivors include her half sister, Teresa `Pat' Schuman of Elgin; numerous nieces and nephews; stepsons, Bob and Dick Vaughan; seven stepgrandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Stylita Beard of St. Charles and Eulalia Wehrle of Elgin; stepsister, Lucille Bone of Elgin; and stepbrother, Edward Popp in World War II.
There was no funeral or memorial service. At her request, her body was donated for scientific study.
Memorials may be made to any humane society or a charity of your choice. Masses would also be appreciated.
Melanie Germaine Aguinaga of Elgin
Services for Melanie Germaine Aguinaga (nee Tharpes), 33, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Living Gospel Church of God in Christ. The Rev. Walter Blalark will officiate.
Born Dec. 21, 1966, in Ridgely, Tenn., to Joe Lee and Elizabeth (nee Walker) Tharpes, she died Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999, at Sherman Hospital, Elgin. Burial will be in Bluff City Cemetery.
Ms. Aguinaga had been employed by Burnham Management (The Mill) of Elgin for 13 years as assistant manager.
She had attended and been baptized at St. John's Number 3 Baptist Church in Tiptonville, Tenn.
Survivors include her son, Niko Aguinaga of Elgin; daughter, Nia Aguinaga of Elgin; mother, Elizabeth Montgomery of Tiptonville; sisters, Chanthay Tharpes of Martina, Tenn., Laura Tharpes ofUnion City, Tenn., and Tonya (Sammy) Rogers-Davidson of Japan; brothers, Terrance Montgomery of Tiptonville and Hans Merriweather of Milwaukee, Wis.; and loving aunt, Robbie Ann Martin-Talley.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of servcies at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation
Army.
Arrangements were made by O'Connor & Homeier Funeral Home, Elgin.
For information, (847) 741-1400.
Mitchell Thomas Bartoli of Roselle
Funeral services for Mitchell Thomas Bartoli, 15 months old, will be held at 8 p.m. today, at Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Road (three blocks south of Biesterfield Road), Elk Grove Village.
Mitchell died suddenly at his home on Saturday, Jan. 16, 1999.
He is survived by his parents, Donna L. (nee Sherk) and David R. Bartoli, former residents of Elk Grove Village and his brother, Jacob R. Bartoli; grandparents, Marion Sherk-Jacobson, A. Kearney and Elaine Bartoli of Prairie View; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of services today, at the funeral chapel.
Please omit flowers; memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Harris Bank, 500 E. Devon, Elk Grove Village.
For information, (847) 640-0566.
Robert E. Bergfalk, 74, of Itasca, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 1999. Arrangements were made by The Oaks Funeral Home, Itasca, (630) 250-8588.
William P. Birk of Des Plaines
Services for William P. Birk, 87, will be held at 7 p.m. today, at Oehler Funeral Home, 555 Lee St., Des Plaines.
Born Sept. 1, 1911, in Miami County, Ind., he died Sunday, Jan. 17, 1999, at Holy Family Medical Center, Des Plaines. Interment will be private.
Mr. Birk had been a resident of Des Plaines for 48 years. Prior to retirement, he was a postal worker for the United States Postal Service. Among his special interests, he was an avid fisherman.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lois Birk (nee Ward); daughter, Marcheta C. (Dane) Decorah; and four brothers.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of services today, at the funeral home.
For information, (847) 824-5155.
Joseph `Bud' Bonk formerly of Des Plaines
A memorial service for Joseph `Bud' Bonk, was held in Tempe, Ariz.
Mr. Bonk, a longtime resident of Des Plaines and past alderman, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy (nee Ballacker); son, Mack (Lynn Kaczmarek) of Buffalo Grove; daughter, Melody of Wheeling; grandsons, Christopher (Rian) Wienckowski of Glendale, Ariz. and Andrew (Barbara) Wienckowski of Gurnee; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Catherine S. Cokenower of Wheeling
Services for Catherine S. Cokenower (nee Murray), 60, will be heldat 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.
Born Dec. 3, 1938, in Racine, Wis., she died Monday, Jan. 18, 1999, at home.
Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery.
She was the wife ofWilliam Cokenower Jr.; mother of Carol (Joe) De la Garza of Wheeling, Ruth (Dan) Bowen of Hampshire, Sherry Cokenower of Wheeling and the late William and Bonnie Jean Murray; daughter of Sophie Cokenower; sister of Marty (Pat) Murray of Wheeling, Marvin (Vanessa) Murray of Racine, James (Sharon) Murray of Wheeling, Linda Willis of Racine, Judy Stindle of Racine and the late Theodore Murray; grandmother of six; and aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cokenower family are appreciated.
For information, (847) 537-6600.
Diana L. Cowsert of Elgin
Services for Diana L. Cowsert, 51, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St., Elgin.
Born Feb. 16, 1947, in Elgin, the daughter of Leroy and Mildred Katzensky Morrell, she died Monday, Jan. 18, 1999, at Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Burial will be in Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin.
A lifelong resident of Elgin, she is survived by her husband, Kenneth W. Cowsert; daughters, Michelle and Christina Coswert and son, Kenneth Cowsert all of Elgin; stepdaughter, Joy (Michael) Livingston of Hoffman Estates; and sisters, Sally Pack of Elgin, Violet Smith of Florida and Roberta Gustafson of Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.
For information, (847) 741-8800.
