We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks

Obituaries

Elizabeth

Dwight E. Wilkinson, 82

Dwight E. Wilkinson, 82, passed away on February 23, 2020 in Gulfport Mississippi, after a long battle with lung disease.

Dwight was born in Thomson, Illinois and spent his early years working with his family on various farms around the Carroll County area. In 1959 he decided that he wanted to see the world and joined the U.S. Air Force. He did two tours in Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and valor, saving a plane full of soldiers by keeping the plane moving and not coming under enemy fire. In 1963 while stationed in New Jersey he met and married Estella Keller. They had one son Michael Wilkinson.

Dwight retired from the Air Force in February 1980 after serving his country for 21 years. After retiring from the Air Force he went to work for Lockheed Aircraft, as a teacher for the Arabian Air Force in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. In 1984 he returned home to Carroll County with his wife and son, building a home at Center Hill. He went to work for the Helle brothers in Savanna, Illinois working at both the sawmill and pallet company.

Dwight and Ronny Miller seized the opportunity to buy Helle's Pallet Company when it closed in 1986 and together formed Standard Pallet Company. After six months in business Ronny sold his half to Harry Wilkinson, Dwight's brother and together they both ran Standard Pallet Company for the next 12 years in Thomson, Illinois. They sold the business in 1999 and retired.

In 2003 Dwight and Estella decided to winter in Biloxi, Mississippi. Choosing a campground next to Keesler Air Force Base. While vacationing there, they met several of Dwight’s friends from his 21 years in the Air Force. They enjoyed their time there so much so that they spent the next 10 winters in Biloxi. After the passing of his wife in 2013, he continued to spend his winters in Biloxi. In 2017 he moved into the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mississippi joining several of his friends who were already living there.

Dwight loved to go camping and fishing. Having many different campers and boats throughout his life. Spending most every weekend on a lake or river somewhere. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Dwight was preceded in death by his Parents, Harry and Ellen (Stage) Wilkinson, Wife Estella (Keller) Wilkinson, Sister and Brother in Law, Alice (Wilkinson) Yeager and George Yeager, Brother, Harold (Gene) Wilkinson, Sister in Law, Velma (Foreman) Wilkinson, Sister in Law Betty (Holy) Wilkinson, Brother in Law, Lloyd Keller and Sister in Law, Mary Ellen (Keller) Self.

Dwight is survived by; his Son, Michael Wilkinson and Son in Law, Brian Pierce, Brother, Harry Wilkinson, Sister and Brother in Law, Sharon (Wilkinson) Miller and Lawrence Miller, Sister in Law, Diane (Crotts) Wilkinson and Brother, Herb Wilkinson, as well as his many Nieces and Nephews.

There will be a Memorial Graveside Service held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20th in the Lower York Cemetery in Thomson, Illinois with a gathering at his Brother Harry’s home across the road from the cemetery.

Warren

Debra Lynne (Butler) Spinhirne, 57

Debra Lynne (Butler) Spinhirne, 57 of Warren, IL passed away at her home surrounded by her family on June 8, 2020, after courageously fighting her battle with cancer.

She was born June 25, 1962 in Freeport, IL to Francis and Eldena (Kent) Butler. Deb graduated from Warren Jr Sr High School in 1980. She received her Associate of Applied Science in business from Highland Community College. She married her soul mate, Jay Spinhirne, on January 29, 1982. Together they had four children, Jenny (Tim) Carter of Warren, IL, Jacob (Heather) Spinhirne of Lena, IL, and Jessica and Julia Spinhirne also of Warren.

Deb was known for her happy and energetic nature and her warming smile. She was always willing to volunteer her time to help others and organizations. She especially enjoyed the many cheese curds she sold at the Warren Chamber of Commerce events. Deb carried on her mother's tradition of preparing and serving the community meal every Thanksgiving. The meal will now be known as The Eldena and Deb Community Feast.

Deb worked many different places throughout her career. These include Janlin Plastics, Warren, IL The Flash newspaper Warren, IL (under Thompson publishing and later Mahoney publishing), secretary at the Warren United Methodist Church, and Honeywell Micro Switch (Warren, IL and Freeport, IL) for many years. After the movement of her department at Honeywell, Deb worked in her beloved town at the FS/Subway gas station, where she enjoyed seeing and conversing with the many towns people. She ended her working career at NICAA (Northern Illinois Community Action Agency) Freeport, IL where her coworkers became another family she could lean on.

Deb was a devoted wife, mom, sister, daughter, grandma, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. She loved and lived for her family. She enjoyed attending the many concerts and sports events of her grandchildren and supported her children in all that they did. Deb was a member of the Warren United Methodist Church and a former member of the Warren American Legion Auxiliary where she worked many Fridays in the kitchen during bingo. Deb was honored and humbled when her family was named the 2017 Warren Pumpkin Festival parade marshalls. Deb was a devoted Cubs and Bears fan and could often be seen sporting her favorite Cubs shirt. Towards the end, you could find Deb in her favorite chair watching her beloved shows with her loving dog Lily.

Deb is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren Jaylyn, Kyra and Winter Carter, Jackson, Josie, and June Spinhirne, and Addison and Morgan Nelson. Sisters Barbara Butler, New York, NY, Linda (Don) Rummel, Dexter,IA, Sandy (Wayne) Schliech, Emery, SD. Brother’s-in-law Jerrold Spinhirne, Chicago, IL, Dr. James Spinhirne, Tucson, AZ and Joel (Rosemarie) Spinhirne, Mintbard, France. Her aunts Elieen White, Menominee, IL and Pat Kent, Winslow, IL and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Jack and June Spinhirne, grandparents Raymond and Bertha Kent and Clayton and Edna Butler, uncles Eldon Kent and Mike White, aunt Eileen Delker and great niece Gracyn Rummel.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kuschner and his staff at the Carbone Cancer Center at UW Madison, the FHN Hospice group, Terry Groezinger and team at FHN Warren, and Dr. Kahn for all of their care throughout her journey. They would also like to thank Pastor Roger Bronkema for his support during this difficult time and the entire Warren community for always lifting us up in love and prayers.

Private family services will be held at Elmwood Cemetery. Everyone’s support has not gone unnoticed and we appreciate you so. A memorial has been established in her name. Deb’s family is being supported by the Bartell-Leamon Funeral home in Warren. Condolences may be sent to the family at leamonfh.com.

Freeport

Carole B. Hooper, 84

Carole B. Hooper, age 84 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020 at the Lena Living Center in Lena, IL.

She was born June 18, 1935 in New York City, NY; the daughter of the late Lawrence and Ada (Levin) Samuel. She married Frederick Hooper on January 9, 1954 in San Francisco, CA.

Carole was an avid reader and enjoyed working puzzles, playing cards and games, Yahtzee was her favorite. She also enjoyed watching figure skating, gardening, and grocery shopping. Most of all, Carole loved to cook.

She is survived by her children, David Hooper of Freeport, Cathy Levine of AZ, Jody (Chris) Coppens of AL, Stephen Hooper of Lena, Sandy Kampmeier of Lena, and Tashi (Rodney) Young of Winslow; 17 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and brother-in-laws, Robert McConnell of Dixon and Bobby Hooper of Rockford. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son; and step-mother, Naomi.

A private service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established for the American Heart Association. Condolences may be shared at http://www.walkermortuary.com.

Winslow

Sidney L. Stark, 74

Sidney L. Stark, 74, of Winslow, IL passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at FHN Memorial Hospital.

He was born on December 6, 1945 to Maynard Stark and Neva Krebs. He married Bonnie Metcalf on June 6, 1968. In Sid’s younger years, he worked for several area businesses. In his retirement, he mowed several area lawns and Rock Lily and Christian Hollow Cemeteries. Sid enjoyed taking his Oliver tractor on tractor rides, and offering a helping hand to his neighbors. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Sid is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bonnie, a son Rodney (Sandra) Stark and grandson Adam Stark all of Winslow.

He was preceded in death by his father Maynard, mother Neva, and step-father Donald Bartelt.

Funeral services will be private. Burial will be at Staver Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

You might be interested in:

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/27/2024 13:59