U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Vernon Clauss, 79, Cissna Park, IL
Vernon Clauss, 79, of Cissna Park, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
He was born December 17, 1929, the oldest child of Joe and Nettie (Young) Clauss. They preceded him in death. Vernon lived all of his life in the house in which he was born.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne Cottingham Clauss whom he married on August 8, 1959. They were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this August with family and friends. Also surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Scott Newcomer, Goshen, IN; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jim and Lorraine (Preiss) Clauss, Tigard, OR; Jeff Clauss, Oldsmar, FL and his girlfriend, Melanie Dickey, Toronto, CA. Three grandsons survive; Nathan and Nicholas Newcomer and Noah Clauss. Also surviving are five sisters and two brothers. Erma Wieland, Dunlap, IL; Lois Beer, Milford, IN; Caroline Sever, Bloomington, IL; Lorna Clauss, Champaign, IL; Dorothy (Don) Holmes, Hoopeston, IL; Jerry (Karen) Clauss and Earl (Gloria) Clauss, both of Cissna Park. His sister Betty Feller-Zimmerman preceded him in death. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
Vernon Clauss was a lifelong farmer in the Cissna Park area. For many years he operated a corn sheller. Vernon served on the Cissna Park Co-Op elevator board of directors for over twenty years. He was also a commissioner for the Pigeon Creek drainage district. He enjoyed singing and at one time was a member of A Natural High, a choral group in Iroquois County. He also loved to travel and enjoyed being able to take trips frequently. Vernon Clauss was a member of the Cissna Park Apostolic Christian Church.
Visitation will be at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 11 with services at the Apostolic Christian Church, Cissna Park at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 12. Burial will be in the church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Thomas B. Davis, 75, Watseka, IL
Thomas B. Davis, 75, of Watseka, died on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, October 16 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. The Rev. Donald Love will officiate.
Mr. Davis was born May 20, 1934 in Milford, IL, a son of Jesse and Dorothy O’Donnell Davis. He married Melva Seggebruch on October 7, 1956 in Ash Grove and she survives.
Other survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Michele Davis of Vail, CO and Julie and David Vogt of Farmersburg, IA; one sister and brother-in-law, Myrna and Kenneth Christensen of Las Vegas, NV; and two grandchildren, Madelyn and Hayley Vogt.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mr. Davis had been a mechanic at Uarco for twenty-eight years and farmed for many years. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka and Watseka American Legion. He enjoyed mowing lawns.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka or Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.
Audrey A. Lamie, 91, Danforth, IL
Audrey A. Lamie, 91, of Danforth, IL, formerly of Ashkum, IL died on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, October 9, at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. Rev. James Holup will officiate. Burial will follow at the L’Erable Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.
Mrs. Lamie was born October 5, 1918, a daughter of Eugene and Babian Baron Lemenager. She married Kermit Lamie on June 28, 1937 in L’Erable, IL and he survives.
Other survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Lynn and Beth Lamie of Kankakee, IL, Gary and Pat Lamie of Chebanse, IL and Jim and Leslie Lamie of Cheyenne, WY; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jackie and Arlyn Rabideau of L’Erable, IL and Sharlene and Al Zima of Washington, GA; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald and Mac Lemenager of Clifton, IL and Myron and Dorothy Lemenager of Kankakee, IL; one sister, Velma Grills of Clifton, IL; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one grandchild.
Mrs. Lamie was a homemaker. She was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum; Assumption BVM Council of Catholic Women; and the Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, cards, fishing, and attending community events.
Memorials may be made to Family’s Wishes.
Margaret Hofer, 74, Rankin, IL
Margaret Hofer, 74, of Rankin died on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and run until the 11:30 a.m. service on Saturday, October 10, at Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin, where Fr. Bo Schmitt will begin the service with the Rosary.
Mrs. Hofer was born October 26, 1934 in Loda, IL, a daughter of Raymond and Margaret Morris Cleary. She married Marvin Hofer on September 5, 1953 in Danville, IL and he survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Marvin Michael Hofer of Hoopeston, IL and Vernon Lee Hofer of Cary, NC; one daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Jeanette and Gary Deck of Hoopeston, IL; two sisters, Ruth Fredrickson of Paxton, IL and Marcella Woodworth of Rantoul, IL; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Mrs. Hofer was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 4826 of Hoopeston; the Lions Club; G member in Rankin; and the American Legion Auxiliary in Rockville, IN. She enjoyed bird-watching, fishing, camping and playing cards with her grandchildren.
Memorials May be made to Donor’s Wishes or the American Heart Association.
Graysen Malone White, Watseka, IL
Graysen Malone White of Watseka was stillborn on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 8, at 1 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. The Rev. Tom McCann will officiate.
Graysen is survived by his mother, Holly White and one brother, Garrett White of Watseka; and his maternal grandparents Neil and Phyllis White of Winchester, TN.
Myrtle B. Odle, 93, Milford, IL
Myrtle B. Odle, 93, of Milford, IL died on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford. The Rev. Robert Killion will officiate.
Mrs. Odle was born September 18, 1916 in Gilman, IL, a daughter of Leo Carl and Elizabeth Myrtle Meyers Yeaman. She married Bernie L. Odle on July 24, 1939 in Henderson, KY. He preceded her in death on May 24, 1985.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Doreene K. Odle of Sacramento, CA; and one grandson, Aaron L. Odle of Nashville, TN.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Helen Harrison.
Mrs. Odle was a homemaker. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Milford.
Memorials may be made to the Church of the Nazarene in Milford or the VA Hospital in Danville, IL.
Dawne Lewis, 79, Lombard, IL
Dawne Lewis, 79, of Lombard, IL died Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.
Visitation will be for one hour prior to the 7:00 p.m. service on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Lombard Gospel Church in Lombard, IL.
Mrs. Lewis was born November 13, 1929 in Cicero, IL, a daughter of Edward and Gladys Pohl Tetrev. She married Glenn Lewis in April, 1953 at the First Baptist Church in Berwyn, IL. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Holly and Robert Rice of Sheldon, IL and Tammy and George Webber of Oswego, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Sue Lewis of Hampshire, IL and Charles and Teresa Lewis of Chicago, IL; one brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Gloria Tetrev of Elgin, IL; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Gladys and Robert Sible of Burr Ridge, IL and Carol and Norman Kurz of Calumet, MI; and eight grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Mrs. Lewis was a homemaker. She was a member of the Lombard Gospel Church; a former PTA President; a Girl Scout leader for many years; and had been an election judge for over twenty years. Dawne connected with people. She took time to inquire, listen and share happenings with people she met. Her friendship was always sincere. Dawne’s memory was sharp even as her body took its toll.
Memorials may be made to the Lombard Gospel Church.
Mardelle E. Reid, 90, Clifton, IL
Mardelle E. Reid, 90, of Clifton, IL died on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 at Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home in Clifton.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Services will also be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in Clifton. The Rev. Vern Arseneau will officiate. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.
Mrs. Reid was born April 20, 1919 in Watseka, IL, a daughter of David and Viola Marie Tatro Gagnon. She married Willard D. “Tip” Reid on Oct. 11, 1941 in Clifton. He preceded her in death on March 8, 1984.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ann and Jerry Gray of Clifton; three grandchildren and their spouses, Ricky and Donna Gray and Kerri and Craig Carlson all of Channahon, IL, and David and Carri Gray of Clifton; one brother, Donald Gagnon of Kankakee; ten great-grandchildren; two nieces; and one nephew.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Glenn Gagnon.
Mrs. Reid was owner and operator of Mardella’s Beauty Shop in Clifton. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Clifton and St. Peter’s CCW. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting and flower gardening. She was an avid Cubs and Bulls fan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice; Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home; or to St. Peter Catholic Church for Masses.
Diane M. Richards, 68, Thawville, IL
Diane M. Richards, 68, of Thawville passed away Thursday, November 26, 2009 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.
Mrs. Richards was born January 23, 1941, in Worth, IL, a daughter of James and Dorothy Buckman Deacon. She married Thomas A. Richards on April 23, 1960, in Chicago and he survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Karen Richards of Thawville and Sharon (John) Nyland of Frankfort; four brothers, James (Jane) Deacon of Orland Park, William (Donna) Deacon of Jacksonville, FL, Dennis (Georgine) Deacon of Rockford and Glenn Deacon of Chicago; one sister, Patricia (Ted) Kulka of Hamlet, IN; and two grandchildren, Daniel Richards and Nicholas Nyland.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Charles.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 30, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. until the 5:00 p.m. funeral service at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. Frank Gagnon will officiate.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital.
Jeanne H. Knapp, 86, Hoopeston, IL
Jeanne H. Knapp, 86, of Hoopeston, IL died Nov. 23, 2009 at Hoopeston Community Memorial Nursing Home in Hoopeston, IL.
Visitation will run from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park, IL and for one hour prior to the 12:30 p.m. service on Sunday, Nov. 29 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. Ministers of the church will officiate. Burial will be at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.
Mrs. Knapp was born August 19, 1923 in Wapella, IL, a daughter of Homer A. and Ferne Swisher Maxwell. She married Charles F. Knapp on Dec. 12, 1943 in Little Rock, AR. He survives.
Other survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, Vernon C. and Kathie Knapp of Cottonwood, AZ, Fred A. Knapp of Phoenix, AZ and Donald R. and Pam Knapp of Lacanada-Flintridge, CA; and three grandchildren, Meghan, Chris and Justin of California.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Lee Maxwell; and two sisters, Shirley and Donna.
Mrs. Knapp graduated from Rankin High School and attended business college in Rockford, IL. She was an excellent typist and served as secretary for her husband’s auctioneering, real estate contracts, and farm and house appraisals for over 35 yeasrs. She also worked as a secretary for Dr. Lee in Rankin for several years. She was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
Margaret A. Janssen, 72, Watseka, IL
Margaret Ann Janssen, beloved wife, mother, sister, friend and servant of Christ entered into the Kingdom of Heavenly Glory on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to await the Day of Resurrection. Margaret was born on October 3, 1937 in Chicago Heights, IL, the daughter of George and Elsie Schmidt Becker. She married Rev. Carl W. Janssen on June 25. 1961 in Grant Park, IL.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie Ann and Lee Nordin of Grand Forks, ND and Carla Marie and Delwin Kai of Pender, NE; one son, Matthew Carl Janssen of St. Louis, MO; two sisters, Mildred Bretzman of Bradley, IL and Myrtle Hebert of Lombard, IL; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Randi and Ben; and two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Braxton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers-in-law; and two nephews.
She graduated from Grant Park Community High School on May 27, 1955 and later Gallagher’s Business School. She was baptized and confirmed March 18, 1951 and married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Grant Park, IL.
She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee; David Bradley, Bradley, IL and various secretarial positions in churches and schools.
Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and for one hour prior to the 1:30 p.m. service on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Calvery Lutheran Church in Watseka. The Rev. Donald Love will officiate. Interment will be at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.
Memorials may be made to the Margaret Ann Janssen Memorial Fund or Donor’s Choice.
John S. Trumann, 82, Watseka, IL
John S. Trumann, 82, of Watseka, IL died on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 in rural Watseka.
Visitation will run from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford. The Rev. Jason Wagner will officiate. Burial will be at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. Graveside military rites will be provided by Milford American Legion Post #723.
Mr. Trumann was born December 21, 1926 in Milford, IL, a son of Jurgen C. and Addie Pearl Farrand Trumann. He married Loretta I. Brown in Dec., 1949 in Greenup, KY. She preceded him in death on May 22, 2002.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth R. and Janice Trumann Sr. of Milford; one daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Irene and Ronald Gibson of Watseka; six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; one sister; and one son, Jack.
Mr. Trumann served in the U.S.
Army during WWII. He was a construction laborer.
Memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Danville V.A. Hospital.
