U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Charlotte L. Barchenger
June 25, 1921 - February 18, 2012
of Lake Forest, Illinois
Charlotte L. Barchenger, 90, of Lake Forest, died February 18, 2012. Wife of the late Robert A. Barchenger (2008); mother of Valarie (David) Showers of Janesville, WI. All services private. Interment Abraham Lincoln National cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
James Spires
March 15, 1933 - February 17, 2012
of Lake Forest, Illinois
James Whitney Spires, 78, passed away on February 17, 2012 from Parkinson's disease, at his home in Lincolnshire, Illinois, in the loving presence of family members and caregivers. The only child of Whitt and Lillian Spires, James was born in Augusta, Arkansas in 1933. He became a decorated career Army officer and later started his own business. He read and traveled widely, and instilled in his children his love of knowledge and curiosity about the world. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, all of whom admired his keen intellect, quick wit, genial demeanor and kindness. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was recognized as a champion debater. Upon graduation in 1956, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army, joined the Infantry, trained as a Paratrooper and a Ranger, then received his first overseas posting to occupied Berlin, at a time when that divided city was a flashpoint of tension in the Cold War. While stationed in West Germany, Spires served a memorable term as an exchange officer with the fabled Irish infantry regiment of the British Army, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and was later part of the American contingent that guarded convicted, high-ranking German war criminals at Spandau Prison. He returned to the United States in 1959, and was assigned to the elite section of the Third Infantry Division known as The Old Guard, based just outside the Capital at Fort Myer in northern Virginia. The Old Guard performs many types of ceremonial duties, but is best known as the unit that conducts military burials at Arlington National cemetery and maintains the constant, measured, ritual guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. In 1960, Spires, now promoted to Captain, was also selected to be a White House Social Aide. During the final year of the Eisenhower administration, and most notably during the early, trend-setting years of the Kennedy presidency, Spires mingled with journalists, diplomats, artists, premiers and royalty at the elaborate state dinners held in the White House. Because of his strong voice and facility with foreign languages, he became the Social Aide whose job was to announce the arrival of the special guests at these events — everyone from the Shah of Iran to European prime ministers to Mr. Mba (Minister of Posts and Telegraphs) and Mr. Mbu (Director of the Plan) from the Republic of Cameroon. He married
educational consultant Jeanette Elizabeth Berry in 1962, and they began a half-century long partnership full of wonderful adventures. Their first real home was in New Delhi, where James served as an aide to the General heading up an American military mission which built roads and provided advice on mountain warfare techniques to the Indian army in the contested region near the Chinese border. Their first child, Scott, was born in New Delhi in 1964. James remained fascinated by the subcontinent long after his departure, and returned for a last visit near the end of his life. The family returned to the United States in 1965 and spent some time in California, where Spires studied Vietnamese at the Army's Foreign Language Center. By the time his daughter, Ann, was born in October, he had already been deployed to the war zone in Vietnam as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army, serving with the historic 7th Cavalry Regiment. Just three weeks later, he was fighting in the battle of Ia Drang Valley — the first direct confrontation between American ground troops and the North Vietnamese Army, which marked a turning point in the escalation of the war, and took a terrible toll of dead and wounded on both sides. At one crucial moment during the battle, he went out alone at night to a small clearing under hostile fire, and equipped only with a flashlight, guided in several helicopters so that wounded soldiers could be evacuated. For this and other actions in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Legion of Merit. He often said that he regarded every day he lived following that battle as a gift. Three years in Buenos Aires as a lecturer and advisor to the Argentine military, a second tour in Vietnam, and assignments at several Army bases in the United States rounded out a life of service to his country. Spires retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. The family then moved to the suburbs of Chicago, where his daughter, Laura, was born. He studied economics at the University of Chicago and eventually formed his own company, Whitney International, working as a business consultant and manufacturer's representative until 2004, when his Parkinson's disease prompted his retirement. James Spires loved words in general and languages in particular. He read extensively on many subjects, and his range of knowledge seemed to be nearly universal. Jeanette often said that he was her walking dictionary. He attended the University of Iowa's Writing Workshops during one summer vacation, and continued to compose short stories until he could no longer write. He enjoyed classic American literature, especially the works of Mark Twain. He loved animals and made a family rule: “Never disappoint the dog.” The other important family rule was, "There is always money for books." He had a knack for turning meal times into informal seminars on politics, economics or history, and gave his children reading assignments well into their adulthood. He enjoyed boats and sailing, and for a time owned a racing sailboat with a group of friends. He also loved traveling with Jeanette in his own country and to fascinating locales around the world, where he could immerse himself in other languages and cultures — invariably returning with insights and stories that greatly entertained his children, relatives and friends. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Lake Forest. James Whitney Spires is survived by his wife Jeanette Elizabeth; daughter Dr. Ann Bradley Spires and her husband Gary Covino of Haverhill, Massachusetts; son Scott Whitney Spires and his wife Olga Uspenskaya and her son, Victor Kononenko of Moscow, Russia; daughter Laura Elizabeth (Spires) Freeburn and her husband Ryan Freeburn of Barry's Bay, Ontario, Canada; and his three granddaughters, Clare, Cecilia, and Jane Freeburn. Arrangements: Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service in the Lake Forest area on a date to be announced. Burial will then follow at Arlington National cemetery, also on a date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to support the operations of the Kithasyu Community Library, which was founded by Ann Spires in a small village in rural Kenya. Donation checks should be made out to Ann Spires with "Kithasyu Library" on the memo line.
Mary W. Utterback
June 29, 1922 - February 12, 2012
of Lake Bluff, IL
Visitation: 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Monday February 20, 2012 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday February 20, 2012 at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Interment: Following the Mass February 20, 2012 at Ft. Sheridan Post cemetery - Highwood, IL
Mary W. Utterback, 89, resident of Lake Bluff for 45 years, died Sunday, February 12, 2012. Former Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (WWII & Korea). Mary was a 1944 Graduate of Immaculata University and as a part of her military training, received certification in Meteorology from M.I.T. While in the service, she served as a Naval Aerologist. She was also a member of the American Legion, Post 510, Lake Bluff, IL, an avid bridge player at the Gorton Community Center and an active member of the Lake Bluff Newcomers Club. Wife of the late Carl W. Utterback (2010). Mother of Clare (William) Titus, C. Ward (Diane) Utterback, Curt W. (Margaret) Utterback and Rev. Anne H. Utterback; Grandmother of Elizabeth, Jennifer (fiancé-Adam), James, William, Jr. Catherine, Craig and Michael; Sister of the late; Newt “Thomas” Ward, David Ward and Nancy Smith. Visitation from 8:15 a. m. until 9:45 a.m. Monday, February 20th at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Ave., Lake Forest, IL 60045 followed by the funeral mass, 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, IL 60045. Interment – Ft. Sheridan Post cemetery, Ft. Sheridan, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Immaculata University, Office of University Advancement, P.O. Box 733 Immaculata University, Immaculata, PA or to the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Info – Wenban Funeral Home (847) 234-0022
Grover Schiltz
November 06, 1931 - February 09, 2012
of Lake Forest, Illinois
All Services Private.
Casey Elizabeth Tomassene
May 11, 1963 - February 07, 2012
of Lake Bluff, IL
Casey E. Tomassene, 48, of Lake Bluff, died at home February 7, 2012. Daughter of Carol W. and the late Warren Tomassene of Lake Bluff. Sister of Karey (Jerry) Wittenborn of Libertyville. Aunt of Ashley & Jack Wittenborn. Casey was a graduate of Lake Forest High School and Denison University. The funeral service and interment will be private. Please omit flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society of Lake County, 100 Tri-State International, Suite 125, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Info – Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, (847) 234-0022
John Kammerer
June 26, 1928 - February 05, 2012
of Lake Forest, Illinois
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Ave, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 11, 2012 at St. Patrick Church, 991 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
John Roy Kammerer, Age 83, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2012, after a brave battle against colon cancer. Born June 26, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Sarah and Roy Kammerer, he attended Ascension Elementary, De La Salle High School and graduated from St. Thomas College, St. Paul, MN in 1952. President of his class, he played on the football, basketball and baseball teams throughout high school and college. In 1946 and 1947 he served in the U.S. Army as part of General Douglas McArthur’s Allied Occupation Forces in Tokyo, Japan. He started his business career with Marathon Corporation where he served as district sales manager, food packaging. In 1960 he joined the H.C. Christians Company in Chicago, a large regional dairy products group, serving as General Manager until its acquisition by Land O’ Lakes Corporation. He founded a food brokerage business and developed markets for a wide range of products including ready-to-serve yogurt, working closely with Dr. Steve Gaymont, one of the early pioneers of the yogurt business in the US. He bought a seat on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange where he operated as a trader. He spent the last several decades of his career with Great Lakes Cheese, one of the nation’s premier private label cheese companies, where he worked with a wonderful group of professionals. He gave back to his communities as President of LFHS School Board District 115, member of the boards of Boy Scout Troops 46 and 48, as head of the lectors program and member of the choir of St. Patrick Church, Lake Forest. He enjoyed competing in sports including basketball, handball, squash and tennis. He loved to hunt ducks with his pals and relatives in Wisconsin and make the occasional trip to the Florida Keys for bonefish. In later life his passion became golf, which he loved to play with family and friends. He traveled widely with his wife of 56 years, Patricia McDermott Kammerer. He enjoyed attending the Lyric Opera in Chicago. Long time season ticket holder and supporter of Chicago Bears, he was also a fan of the Chicago White Sox. He is survived by wife Patricia, brothers James and Robert, sister Mary Ann Dietrich, sons Mark, Mike and Thomas, daughters Maureen Proctor, Alexandra McNett, Annie Butrus, and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, Dennis Kammerer. He valued personal and professional relationships highly, and took great pride in his family. Visitation 5pm to 8 pm Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Ave., Lake Forest, IL.Funeral 11AM, Sat., Feb 11, 2012 at St. Patrick Church, 991 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest. Interment Lake Forest Cemetary. Reception for all family and friends from 1PM to 4PM at Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska, 1312 Peger Rd., Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 (907/374-9500) (www.dioceseoffairbanks.org) or Lumen Christi Institute, C/O Therese Junker, Director of Development, 1220 E. 58th St., Chicago, IL 60637
Charles Knight
April 20, 1953 - February 04, 2012
of Lake Forest, Illinois
Charles Knight, 58, of Lake Forest died February 4, 2012. Active member of the Sierra Club and the 10th Congressional District Democrats. Supporter of CASA Lake County and the Montessori School of Lake Forest. Husband of Claudia Lovelette, Father of Jamie Knight and Andrew Knight of Chicago, Son of Eleanor and the late John Knight. Brother of John Knight of Morris, IL and the late Frances Cornelius. Visitation 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. Celebration of his life Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to CASA Lake County, 700 Forest Edge Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 or www.casalakecounty.com. Info: (847) 234-0022
Karen Ann Wittenborn
August 27, 1938 - February 03, 2012
of Lake Forest, Illinois
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. February 09, 2012 at St. Patrick's Church, 950 West Everett Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
Visitation: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. February 09, 2012 at St. Patrick's Church, 950 West Everett Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
Karen Kelliher Wittenborn, 73, of Lake Forest died February 3, 2012. Wife of the late Gerald A. Wittenborn (2009), mother of Jerry, Jr. (Karey), Timothy and Julie (Robert, Jr.) Stoneking; grandmother of Ashley & Jack Wittenborn and Zach, Logan & Ryan Stoneking; In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Stroke Foundation, 5960 Dearborn, Ste. 100, Mission, KS 66202. Memorial Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 11:00 a.m on Thursday, February, 9, 2012, at St. Patrick’s Church, 950 W. Everett Rd., Lake Forest, IL. Interment private. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest (847) 234-0022
Alicia Kircher Lydon
October 27, 1927 - February 01, 2012
of Lake Forest, IL
Memorial Service: 4:00 p.m. February 06, 2012 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E. Westminster, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Alicia Kircher Lydon, 84, of Lake Forest, passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2012. She was the loving mother of Alicia (James) Crawford of Lake Forest, Jeffrey Lydon of New York City, and Douglas Lydon of Chicago; devoted grandmother to Lacy Crawford (Eric) David of San Francisco; James Crawford, IV of New York City; and Gardner and Lucy Lydon, both of New York City; and delighted great-grandmother to Simon David. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Betsy Lydon. Alicia was a native of St. Louis, MO, where she attended The John Burroughs School. She was a graduate of Mills College, Oakland, CA. She lived most of her life abroad, including Havana, Rome, and London before settling in Chicago with her family, where she had lived for the last 20 years. In Rome, she co-founded an American Women’s Club that provided resources and community for Americans abroad. She was a driving force behind the expansion of the Overseas School of Rome. As a lover of fashion, she was delighted when Valentino invited her to be one of his models. Alicia was a long-standing and enthusiastic board member for both the Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago and the International Club. A master gardener, she had a life-long love of gardens and gardening. She was a member of the Ladue (St. Louis) Garden Club and a twenty-year volunteer at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Alicia was an accomplished painter, was active in writing and arts circles, and dedicated to her friends near and far. She was an active parishioner at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, where she served as a chalice bearer. A service of celebration of her life will be held there on Monday, February 7, at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest (847) 234-0022
