RETIRED CHICAGO STAMPERS

He was retired from Ford Motor Company after 30 years and operated Earl's Bait Shop by Wall's Ramp for the past five years.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia; two sons, Larry Slone and Earl Slone Jr.; one daughter, Valerie Martin, all of English; two brothers, Billie Bellamy and Toby Slone, both of Garrett, KY; and one sister, Betty Hayes, English.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jerry and Debbie Maxwell of Dallas, TX and Gregory Maxwell of Manteno; his daughter, Roxanne Maxwell of San Diego, CA; his two stepsons and one stepdaughter-in-law, Mark and Paula Rogers, and Timothy Rogers, all of Manteno; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Georgia Maxwell of Harrisburg.

He was preceded in death by his stepson, Michael A. Rogers; his sister, Flo Prather; and his brother, William Maxwell.

Mr. Maxwell retired from Ford Motor Company after 27 years of service. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a member of the Manteno American Legion, VFW and Masons. He enjoyed feeding birds, gardening, squirrel hunting, cooking and playing pool.

Mr. Whitaker is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughter Kelly (Jeff) Clark of Crete; his son, Tim (Julie) Whitaker of Bloomington, IL; and four grandsons. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Lou (Jim) Mullins of Tullahoma, TN and Diane (Mike) Hatch of Rio Frio, TX; and his brother Danny (Kathy) Whitaker of Crete.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles "Pappy" Whitaker, retired Salvage Repairman at Chicago Stamping Plant; his mother, Della, and his brother, Jim.

Mr. Lustig is survived by his wife, Florence; one son, Mark (Trisha) Lustig of Montgomery, IL; two daughters, Mary Lustig of Holland, MI, and Loren Lustig of Park Forest, IL; and one sister, Sharon Helmink of Montrose, IL.

Mr. Lustig was a 40 year employee of Ford Motor Company Chicago Stamping Plant and a US Air Force Veteran.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 1, at the First Church of God, 1625 S. Cline Avenue, Griffith, IN with Pastor William Neal officating. Interment was at the Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Shererville, IN. Funeral arrangements were provided by the Lincoln Ridge Funeral Home, Schererville.

Mr. Ford was a member of the First Church of God. He was retired from the Chicago Stamping Plant and a member of UAW Local 588. An avid bowler with two perfect 300 point games to his credit, he was also president of a mixed senior citizens bowling league. He loved and enjoyed flying.

Mr. Pranskunas is survived by his wife, Adele; his two daughters, Joan (Chet) Romaniak and Betty (Steve) Glibkowski; his son, Chuck (Diane) Prank; his grandchildren, Brian, Beth, Peter, Tony, Katie, Allison, Brett and Brianne; and his brother, Andrew (Lynn) Kneita.

Mr. Pranskunas was a WWII veteran who once played semi-pro football. He loved to fish and golf.

Funeral services were provided by the McKenzie Funeral Home, 15618 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest on March 13. Mass was held at St. Damian Church with interment in St. Casimir Cemetery.

Mr. Fletcher is survived by his wife, Lois Jean Fletcher; two sons, Forrest Fletcher, Jr., Crown Point, IN and Morris (Pam) Fletcher, Valparaiso, IN; eight daughters, Connie (Doren) Good, Winamac, IN, Sherry (Dave) Howard, Patty (Garry) Coldiron, and Audra (Jason) Kersting, all of North Judson, Jennifer Jacobs, Rhonda (Allen) Podell, Kim Johnson, and Michelle (Bill) Singleton, all of Knox, IN; twenty-four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Basil and Pearlie Fletcher.

Mr. Fletcher served as 1st Sgt. in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Starke County VFW and the North Judson American Legion. He was a member of the Knox Masonic Lodge #639, the Orak Shrine of Michigan City, and the Scottish Rite of South Bend, IN. He was a Shrine Jestor and drove the Shrine bus transporting children to the hospital. He was a deacon of Little Dove Community Church and a member of Love, Inc.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; one son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Nancy Miller of Aroma Park, IL; two daughters and sons-in-law, Deanna and Tim Colclasure of Bourbonnais, and Kristie and Joseph Kaski of Grant Park; one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Sharon Miller of Zephyr Hills, FL; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Byrl Francis and Mary Martin Miller.

Mr. Miller was a member of College Church of the Nazarene, where he served as youth minister. He was also a scout leader for the Boy Scouts in Grant Park.

Surviving are his wife, Tearine O'Brien; four sons, Thomas E. Jr. (Bernice) O'Brien of University Park, Ira O'Brien, and Livello R. (Renee) O'Brien, both of Sun River Terrace, Thomas Earl O'Brien of Wichita, Texas; two daughters, Latonia (James) Cole of Houston, TX, Esther (Alfred) Breckenridge of Farmington Hills, MI; two step-daughters, Emma (Larry) Weatherby of Chicago Heights, Linda (Warren) McClora of Park Forest; 36 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; one brother George D. (Linda) O'Brien of Chicago Heights; one aunt and one niece.

His parents, Ed and Johnnie L. Harden O'Brien; three sisters, Eugina, Deloris and Anne; and one brother, Lamont, are deceased.

Visitation was held on Friday, January 20, at Jones Funeral Home, Kankakee, where funeral services were held the next day. Elder Nathan Settles officiated. Burial was in Mound Grove Gardens, Kankakee.

He is survived by his children, Naoma (Edward) Wheeler of OK, Deana (Joel) Remaley of Hobart, Darrell Ashley of IL; his brother, Harold (Lois) Ashley of MO; his grandchildren, Jeffrey (Patty), Jill and Scott Remaley; his great grandchildren, Joel, Devon and Connor Remaley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia, his parents, Claud and Stella Ashley, his sister, Florence Hale and his infant sister.

Funeral services were provided by the Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart on January 14. The Rev. Gerald T. Walworth officiated. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery, Hobart.

Mr. Bell is survived by his wife, Lois; three sons, James (Carla) Bell, Terry (Patricia) Bell, and Troy Bell; two daughters, Barbara (John) Ek, and Rhonda (Phil) Pombert; two brothers, Billy (Alice) Bell, and James Bell; one sister, Joyce (Sam)McMinnoway; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Pamela Bell.

Visitation was held at the Steger Memorial Chapel in Steger, IL on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 and at the Koehler Funeral Booneville Chapel, Booneville, IN on Thursday, January 5. Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery, Booneville, IN.

Mr. Porter is survived by his sons, Eric (Kim) Porter, and Scott (Martina) Porter; and three half brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, and his parents Earl and Geneva Porter.

Mr. Porter retired from the Stamping Plant after 32 years of service.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; his sons, Steven (JoAnne) Uitto of Naperville, IL, Dale (Audrey) Uitto of Valparaiso, IN; his daughter, Cynthia (Delbert) Brown of Florence, SC; his grandchildren, Jason Brown, Ryan Brown, Neal Uitto, Mary Uitto, Erica Uitto and Jeremy Uitto; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Elvi Noldin of Green Bay, WI; and his brothers, Donald Uitto of Negaunee, MI, and Stanley Uitto of Ishpeming, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Lempi Uitto.

Mr. Uitto served in the U.S. Air Corps. He was a faithful member of the First United Pentecostal Church in Florence.

Services were held on December 20th at the Pentecostal church. Memorials can be made to the First United Pentecostal Church building fund, 2401 W. McCown St., Florence, SC 29501.

He is survived by his former wife, Ann Nicks, and six of their seven children; one daughter, Debi (Paul) Jean, of Crete, IL; five sons, Donald, Jr. (Sara) Nicks, of Florida City, FL, Dan Nicks, of Rochester, IN, Dennis (Maryanne) Nicks of Cedar Lake, IN, Darrell (Mary) Nicks of Woodstock, IL, and Dale (Kim) Nicks of Hebron, IN; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, David Nicks in 1991.

Mr. Nicks served as a chief machinist in the US Navy during World War II in the South Pacific Theater. He lived in the Rochester community after moving from Glenwood, IL in 1965. He was also owner and operator of D.N. & Sons, Plumbing Co., Glenwood, IL.

Military gravesite services were conducted Friday, December 9, 2005 at Athens Hoover Cemetery, by the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36 and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 1343. The Rev. David Dittman officiated.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judith; his son, Mark of Naperville, IL; his step-son, Joseph (Debra) Summers of Merrillville, IN; his step-daughter, Jo Ann (Christopher) Pipper of WV; three grandchildren, Cristy, Mindy and William; three brothers, Danny (Brenda) Stanley, Cecil (Dotty) Stanley, Jerry Stanley; one sister, Joyce Stanley; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Edward Sr., and his brother, Leonard.

Funeral services were be held on November 23, at the Geisen Funeral Home, Crown Point. Interment was at St. Mary Cemetery in Crown Point.

He is survived by his daughters, Denise Marie Barborek of Calumet City, IL and Donna Marie DeHart of Schererville, IN; his nieces and nephew, Karen Cahill of Palos Hill, IL, Susan (Russell) Davis and Jennifer (Scott) Buric, both of Downers Grove, IL and Thomas (Bambi) Barborek of Lisle, IL; and seven great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Adeline, and his brother, Thomas.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing with a mass celebrated at St. Ann Church. Interment was at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL.

Mr. Barborek was a long time Lansing resident and neighborhood walker. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Ann Church or the charity of choice.

He is survived by five daughters, Elizabeth Partozoti, Lavern (Leigh) Smith, and Alice Faverty, all of Knox; Mary Stickney of MO, and Laura Kelly of TX; four grandchildren; and seven brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Mr. Watts is survived by his daughters, Kathlyn Zagone, Sandra (Don) Martinez, Sharon Dwyer and Debra (Ron Jr.) Quattrocchi; his companion, Josephine Strong; his grandchildren, Andrea, John, Daniel, and Alyssa Zagone, Don, Joe, and Chris Martinez, and Courtney and Angela Quattrocchi; and his great granddaughter, Alayna Hernadez. He is also survived by his brother Edwin (Margaret Ann) Watts. He was preceded in death by his wife Ardella, his parents George and Veronica Watts, and his brother George.

Frank was a U.S. Army Veteran, a member of First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Heights and a charter member of St. Mark United Church of Christ, Chicago Heights.

Visitation will be Monday, September 12th from 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Hirsch West End Chapel, 1340 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights. The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 900 Thomas, Chicago Heights. Inurnment will be at the Skyline Memorial Park, Monee, IL at a later date. Memorials may be made to American Lung Assoc., 1440 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 or charity of choice. For more information call (708) 755-9014.

Burial was in Lake Village Cemetery, Lake Village, IN. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley.

Mr. Slayton was a retired Die Setter at the Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights and a member of UAW Local 588. He was born in Fayetteville, TN, the son of Everett E. and Ora Mae Ashworth Slayton. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Momence.

Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca and William Coffey of Fowler, IN, Jean and Bob Stetson, Diane and Mark Day, all of Momence; three sons and daughters-in-law, Marlon and Debbie Slayton of Roselawn, IN, David and Rena Slayton of Momence, Eddie and Kelly Slayton of Belvidere; five brothers, Ray Slayton, Henry Slayton, Don Slayton, David Slayton and Chester Slayton; three sisters, Sherry Cloud, Vivian Crane and Linda Slayton; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are one daughter, Patricia Slayton; and one brother, Leslie Leck.

Mr. Martin worked at the Ford Motor Company in Chicago Heights from 1977 - 1979 as an Automation Tender. He was also employed as a truck driver.

Mr. Martin's father, N.H. Tex Martin was a retired millwright at the Stamping Plant and a member of UAW Local 588. He died in 1997. His mother, Velma Martin is a regular member at the Retirees Pot Luck meeting each month. Besides his mother, he is survived by one son, Christopher Lee Martin of Arkansas; one sister, Sharon Martin of Park Forest; one niece, Jayme Martin of Park Forest; and many friends.

He served in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, wood crafts and gardening.

Memorials may be made to the Emphysema Foundation at Clay Como Plaza, 411 N.E. U.S. Hwy. 69, Clay Como, MO 64119.

He is survived by his wife, Donna and daughter Jan Heideman, Crete. He is also survived by his brothers, Wayne (Jean) of Heightstown, NJ., and Merle (Nancy) of Watseka, IL.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Grocken.

Mr. Heidman was a Korean Conflict Army Veteran serving from 1953-1955, and a lifetime member of the Ashkum American Legion Post.

A memorial gathering of friends and family members will be Saturday July 2, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Crete Funeral Home, 1182 Main Street, Crete. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; three daughters, Sabrina (Scott Donovan) Schultz of Homewood, IL, Valerie (Joe) Manby of Sugarland, TX, and Monica (Frank) West of Homewood, IL; three grandchildren; and two brothers, Hugh (Dorothy) Watson, Paducah, KY, and Jimmy (Geneva) Watson of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elva (Riles) Watson.

Services were held at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Culver, IN, on Saturday, June 25 with the Rev. Ron Lewallen officiating. Burial was in Culver Masonic Cemetery where veteran's rites were conducted at the graveside.

Mr. Wall is survived by his wife of 47 years, Goldie; five children, Tami Wall of Valparaiso; Martha (Jerry) Furst of Rensselaer, IN; Melinda (Michael) Guerrero of Crown Point; Chris (Debra) Wall of Fine Grove, KY; Tim (Stephanie) Wall of Magnolia, KY; 15 grandchildren, Jessica, Cassandra, Anastasia, Victoria, Bradley, Samantha, Ashley, Abbey, Amy, Ryan, Elijah, Isabelle, Alexis, Lindsey and Hailey; 4 great grandchildren, Jordan, Sebastian, Cade and Lillia; four brothers, Bill (Vicki) Wall of MO; Richard (Toni) Wall of Demotte; Terry (Serena) Wall of MI, and Randy (Loretta) Wall of Demotte; two sisters, Loretta (Stanley) Watts of KY, and Della (Kenny) Trujillo of Griffith; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Florence Wall.

Visitation will be at the Geisen Funeral Home, 624 N. Main St., Hebron, IN, on Wednesday, June 22 from 3 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 11 a.m. Pastor Brenda Ludwig will officiate. Services will conclude at the funeral home with cremation to follow.

Mr. Greathouse started his union career as a charter member of UAW Local 551 at the Chicago Assembly Plant. He rose to become Vice-President of the International after serving as director for Region 4. The education center at the Regional Conference Center in Ottawa, IL is named after him.

Mr. Greathouse is survived by his wife, Marguerite; his daughters, Donna Lavin and Karen Zavicar; his sons, Allen, Michael and Pat Jr.; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Higgerson & Neal Funeral Home, 209 Main St., Belleville. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Belleville.

The following is from his obituary posted at the Detroit Free Press:

"International labor leader Pat Greathouse began his career as a West Salem, IL farm boy who had a driving faith in a square shake for workers and the possibility for a single person to change the world.

Born in a southeastern Illinois log cabin and rising to a vice presidency in the United Auto Workers, Mr. Greathouse died Friday at his home in Belleville. Mr. Greathouse, 89, was stricken with a pulmonary embolism three days earlier while discussing plans for his 90th birthday on June 28. He had been battling cancer.

"I asked Dad why he was so devoted to the union, and he said he was a farm boy who went to Chicago to work in the Ford plant there," said his daughter, Donna Lavin. "He told me, 'I didn't like the way I was treated.' He believed everyone deserved to be treated fairly."

Mr. Greathouse's formal education ended when he graduated from his one-room high school, but he became cochairman of the UAW's International Affairs Department and served on the executive committee of the International Metal Workers Federation and on the United States delegation to the International Labor Organization. "He really believed he could make a difference, and that's what he told us -- each one of us could make a difference, too," said his son, Allen.

Lavin said her father was proud to help develop pattern bargaining, starting first with farm implement companies then moving to the automakers. She said he was especially proud that he worked to convince companies to recognize alcoholism as an illness. "He wanted it to be that people got treatment instead of getting fired," she said.

Mr. Greathouse also established a UAW educational center, now named for him, in Ottawa, IL. His work often took him abroad and his children sometimes accompanied him. The travel came with stark lessons. "Once we were in San Juan, Puerto Rico, staying in a nice hotel and we were taken out to the countryside where there were cardboard shacks for the workers," recalled Karen Zavicar, another daughter.

His children said their dad was a tough bargainer at home. They thought they'd have to form their own union to get their allowances raised. "There was no such thing as summer vacation," Lavin said. "If you didn't get a job, he gave you so many chores, you'd get one just to get a break. You worked six days a week, just like he did on the farm. He believed people should put in a good day's work."

Mr. Greathouse retired in 1980 and later served as interim supervisor of Van Buren Township."

Mr. Moyer is survived by his wife, Beverly; one son and daughter-in-law, Preston and Kelly Moyer of Omaha, NE; one daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Dean Magruder of Limestone; one sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Houland Mann of Harrison, MI; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Daryl and Virginia Moyer of Shreveport, LA, Harold and Imogene Moyer of Peoria, Charles and Bonnie Moyer, Jerry Moyer of Zion; three granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Till and Hattie Moyer; and one sister Donna Moore.

Mr. Moyer was a longtime member of the Grant Park Fire Department to which the family would appreciate memorials be made. Fred C. Hub Memorial Chapel, Grant Park, is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Gobin was born in Raleigh, IL the son of the late Roy H. and Alta (Prather) Gobin. He retired from the Ford Motor Company after 38 years. He was a member of the Ford Retiree's Friday Morning Breakfast Club and enjoyed going daily to Sue's Bakery in Portage for coffee with friends. He also enjoyed being the neighborhood "Fix it Man."

Survivors include his wife, Nancy of Protage; daughters, Brenda (Greg) Young of Portage, IN and Beverly (Kevin) Banker of Clinton, Utah; grandchildren, Zachary and Amber Young, and Bridgett and Kyle Banker.

Visitation was held on Sunday, June 5, 2005 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, Portage Chapel. Funeral Services were held at the funeral home on Monday with Mr. Gobin's cousin, Pastor Robert L. Prather, officiating. Interment was at McCool Cemetery, Portage, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Guth is survived by his daughter Betty (Eugene) Mitchell, his son, James (Wendy) Guth; his sister Grace Heser; his brothers, Bob Guth, and Joe Guth, and his granddaughter, Sandi Mitchell. He is also survived by his niece, Jennifer Scott, and friends Dorothy, Tammy, and Emma Guenter. He was preceded in death by his wife, June.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Arrangements were handled by Lain-Sullivan Funeral Home. For information, call (708) 747-3700.

A resident of Manteno, he was also a part-time police officer there as well as an H&R Block tax preparer. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force and was vice commander of the Manteno American Legion. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, genealogy and playing with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elisabeth and Gary Taft of Bradley, Heather and Roger Reitz of Gilman; five grandchildren, Kris, Kim and Kasandra Taft, Joshua and Jacob Reitz; four sisters and two brothers -in-law, Mattie and Frank McConnell of Mountain Home, AR, Rosetta Lovell of Shawneetown, Geneva and Danny Smith of Kankakee, Mary Smith of Manteno; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Bill and Lynn Browning of Wilmington, Tommy "Jody" and Nicki Browning of Bradley, John "Harvey" Browning of Shawneetown; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents, Hubert and Gladys Hooven Browning; three brothers and one sister are deceased.

Funeral services were provided by the Brown Funeral Home of Manteno with visitation held at the First Baptist Church in Manteno on Monday, May 16. Burial was in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. The family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church in Manteno.

Visitation will be Friday, May 13 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home (815-741-5500), 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Funeral services will be the following day at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Earl Thornton officiating. Entombment will be at Elmhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory to First Assembly of God Church would be appreciated.

Mr. Huggins was born in Rockglen, Saskatchewan, Canada to Bill and Nelva Huggins. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1989 after 33 years of service. He was a WWII Army Veteran.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Norma Huggins; his son, Ralph "Dwain" (Nancy) Huggins of Channahon; his daughter, Annette Huggins McComb of Minooka; his stepdaughter, Carol Gear (Richard) Nelson of Joliet; his two stepsons, Wayne (Brenda) Gear of Minooka and Gerald (Patti) Gear of Joliet; his brother, Gerald Huggins of Centralia; his sister, Phyllis (Linzy) Laughhunn all of Centralia; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Fred and Earl Huggins.

Mr. Lenoir was born in Aberdeen, MS to Walter Lenoir and Mary Louise Harrill. He went to school in Aberdeen excelling in many sports such as baseball, basketball and football. He was a US Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sonia; five sons, William Jr., Derrick (Janice), Kevin (Kelly), Lance (Jevelyn) and Todd; one daughter, Rhee; two brothers, Walter (Essie) and Ruben (Annie Ruth); two sisters, Wanda and JoAnne; twenty grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services were provided by the Gatlings Funeral Chapel on May 6, 2005 with a Repast held at the UAW Local 588 Union Hall following the services. Interment was at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elmwood, Illinois.

He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Class of 1961 and besides working for Ford Motor Company, he was a former employee of Speed Queen Laundromat.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Millie Douglas, and his step father, Fredrick Douglas. He is survived by his friend, Lynette Ware of Gary; one son, Oscar (Yvette) Gunn, Jr., of Anchorage, AK, and one daughter, LaDuena Gunn of Gary; two grandchildren, Corean and Alysia, both of Anchorage, his brother, Arthur Williams, Sr., of Gary; and two aunts, Bernice Howard and Willie Pearl Curtis of Gary.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Guy and Allen Chapel. Services were held on Friday, April 23 at the Gethsemane M.B. Church with the Rev. Lloyd D. Hall, Jr., officiating. Interment was at Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, IN.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, his sons, Ronald (Elaine) Skorich, Donald (Jessye) Skorich, and Dan (Jill) Skorich; his sisters, Mary (Gene) Smith, Maggie (Ralph) Zielske, his sister-in-law Doris (Tony) Compagnoni; and his grandchildren, Aaron, Jennifer, Jonathan (Bethany), Allison, Josh, Nicole and Joe Skorich; and 19 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Stella (C.D.) Green.

Mr. Skorich was a VFW WWII veteran, past chief and past president of Miller Woods Fire Department, former treasurer of St. Paul's Men's Club, member of Purdue Alumni Association (graduated 1951), and a member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Hirsch Funeral Homes West End Chapel handled the funeral arrangements. Services were held at St. Paul Catholic Church on Monday, April 18th. Interment was at Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood.

Mr. Flamini is survived by one daughter, Sara Elizabeth Flamini of California, his parents, Albert and Camilla Flamini of Steger; three sisters, Cindy (Thomas) Somer of Chicago Heights, IL, Carol (John) Jamicich of Schererville, IN and Sherry (Arthur) Mandelco of Frankfort, IL; one brother, James Flamini of Steger, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Thursday April 14 at Steger Memorial Chapel with a Funeral Mass given the next day at St. Liborius Church in Steger, IL. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Steger, IL.

Visitation will be at Jackson Funeral Service, 200 Third St. SW, DeMotte from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2005. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Jackson Funeral Service, DeMotte with Pastor Dennis Snyder officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to KV Bible Baptist Church, DeMotte.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn; his children, Valerie (Lonny) Alger, Virginia Johnson, Edward (Donna) Johnson and Donna (Daniel) Corning; his step-mother, Marie Johnson; his brothers and sisters, Jimmy (Janell) Johnson, Barbara (Jerry) Hayes, Connie (Tim) Borchert and Sandy (Roy) Mason; 10 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Johnson and Stella Justice, and his brother, Earl Johnson.

Mr. Johnson grew up in Chicago Heights, IL graduating from Bloom High School. He worked at Ford Motor Company for over thirty years and he served in the Korean War. He was a member of KV Bible Baptist Church in DeMotte.

Visititation will be held at the Burns Funeral Home 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Immediately after the visitation the Sons of the American Legion will conduct services followed by funeral services officiated by Rev. Greg Lee. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family.

Mr. Midgett is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Debbie (Brian) Hernandez of Merrillville; his sons, Jospeh (Jackie) Midgett of Wheatfield, IN, Thomas (Sandy) Midgett of Munster, IN, and Chester (Christine) Midgett of Crown Point; his grandchildren, Andrew, Bailey, Danielle, Ashley, Joseph and Joshua Midgett and Kent Greer; his faithful pets, Scooter and Toby; his brother, Richard (Pat) Midgett of Crown Point; his brother-in-law, Bob Cox of Merrillville; his sisters-in-law, Genny (Clay) Arndt of Crown Point; and Gloria (John) Jewett of Thayer, IN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Chester and Mabel Midgett, and his sister, Laura Cox.

Mr. Midgett was a member of the Sons of American Legion and an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Lily and his daughter, Christine. He is also survived by his son, Gordon, and Gordon's friend, Andrea, his grandchildren, Krista Hale and her son Tyler, Jon and Dianne Seaberg and their daughters Janessa and Jordon, all of California; grandson Ryan Kuehl in Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada; and many cousins and nieces and nephews in Canada. He was predeceased by his parents Emil and Julianna Seaberg (Sjoberg) who emigrated from Sweden about 1911, and his sister and brother-in-law Viola and Ted Lindwall.

His youth was spent playing hockey, wilderness hunting, fishing with his Dad, and attending school at Cecil Rhodes. At 17, his working career began in the CPR shops in Weston apprenticing in the machinist-tool and die trade, like his father. He was active in the International Association of Machinists and United Auto Workers unions promoting all initiatives that would improve the conditions of the working man.

In 1940 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserves and served 5 years ending his tour of duty as Chief Petty Officer. He was on a number of convoys across the North Atlantic throughout the war and succeeded in evading any U-Boat attacks. During the 1950 flood, he was called again by the Navy to coordinate, maintain and repair the pumps around the city. Before and after the war, he was an active member of the Canadian Commonwealth Federation and later the NDP.

He was President of Norden's Men's Club and Vasa Orden in the early 1950's. He was a lifelong friend and supporter of Stanley Knowles. He won a seat on the Winnipeg School Board and served from 1953 to 1957. His major achievements on the school board were allowing handicapped children to attend school, initiating the home and school association in Weston, and being the President of the home and school association for Cecil Rhodes. He was honoured to lay the cornerstone at Andrew Mynarski School.

Mr. Seaberg was proud of his Swedish heritage and so it was not surprising that he fell in love with another Winnipeg Swede, Lily Margaret Bostrom. She has been his best friend, lover, wife, and lately his care provider and health care advocate. He was very lucky to have her at his side. They married in 1946 and celebrated 58 years together.

In 1957 Ford Motor Company was hiring skilled tradespersons from all over the world to work in a number of plants in Illinois and California. In an effort to improve the lives of his family, Mr. Seaberg applied and was hired for the Chicago Heights Stamping Plant as a tool and die maker. The family settled in Park Forest, IL and established close friendships with many people.

In Illinois, he became a Master Mason and life member of Masonic Lodge 851 A.F. A.M. (Crete, IL). He was also a life member of the Independent Order of Foresters.

After 27 working years with Ford, Mr. and Mrs. Seaberg retired and returned to Winnipeg so that they could be closer to his beloved Ingolf and cottage on Lake Macara. They also enjoyed winter trips to Panama City Beach, FL, and Los Angeles, CA as well as building a new cottage at the lake.

Mr. Seaberg enjoyed the companionship of many dog pals along the way, among them Ginger, Tammy and Mitzi. The family expresses a special thank you to all who assisted Mr. Seaberg this last year, especially home care workers and Pastor Ed Mitchler. Everyone who knew him would say that he was a humble, honest and honourable man who was unwavering in his deep concern for the common good of all people. Our world is a sadder place without him. Rest in peace for all eternity knowing that you have made a noteworthy difference in people's lives both in Winnipeg and Park Forest. Cremation has taken place. A family service will be held later this year. Flowers are gratefully declined. Please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Walter. Arrangements entrusted to: Voyage Funeral Home Crematorium 1531 Pembina Hwy. 284-7500 .

The Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home Schererville/Highland, IN handled the arrangements. Visitation was held on Friday with funeral services held on Saturday. The Rev. John Hart officiated. Burial was at the Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Barnes is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen; three daughters, Nancy Pariso of Crown Point, IN, Carol Richardson of Valparaiso, IN, Joyce (James) Ayotte of Minnesota; one son, Richard (Carole) Barnes of Miller, IN; one brother, Donald (Eva) Barnes of Arizona; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Mr Barnes was a member of the First Christian Church of Highland Disciples of Christ, a Navy veteran of World War II, and a member of the Garfield Lodge #569 F.&A.M. who held a Masonic Service for him on Friday. He was also active in woodworking making several violins, dulcimers and guitars.

Burdan Funeral Home, Cedar Lake, IN handled the funeral arrangements. Visitation with the family was held on Thursday, March 24. Pastor Tom Shanahan officiated at funeral services on Friday. Burial followed at Graceland Pleasant Township Cemetery, Kouts, IN.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Hazel; three daughters, Beverly Hamlet of Cedar Lake, Sheryl (Glen) Pool of Cedar Lake, Janie (Bill) Braithwaite of Hebron, IN; one son, Steven (Bonnie) Hamlett of Cedar Lake; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dorothy Hamlett.

Mr. Hamlett was a 30 year plus member of Cedar Lake Lions Club, Cedar Lake Eagles, Wheatfield Masonic Lodge 32nd Degree Scottish Rites, Shriners, Cedar Lake Keenagers Club. He worked at Ford Motor Company for 30 years.

Mr. Day is survived by his daughter, Janet (Rick) Crim of Hebron, IN; 3 grandchildren, Isaac Garcia, Grace Crim, and Mary Crim; his sisters, Helen Alexander of Tampa, FL, Wilma Eagle of Madisonville, KY, and Marjorie Wheeler of Emison, IN; and his brother, Dale Day of The Villages, FL. His parents preceded him in death.

Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory, at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso, IN, a memorial service will be held in Hopkinsville, KY, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County.

Mr. Day enjoyed computers, golf, and dancing.

Mr. Coleman is survived by his four children and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mercealea, and his sister, Clara Coleman Goode.

Mr. Coleman was a native of Port Gibson, Mississippi; baptized at an early age at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, IN., excelled in Varsity Football at Roosevelt High School and then joined the Airforce after graduation. He also participated in the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington. He worked at Ford Motor Company for 30 years where he was active in UAW Labor Relations and served on Civil Rights and Equal Application Committees.

Gatling Funeral Home of Chicago, IL provided funeral services on Wednesday, March 3, 2005. Burial was at Lincoln Cemetery in Blue Island, IL.

Mr. Nanney is survived by a son, Wayne Nanney of Georgetown, Texas; three daughters, Linda Pitcher of St. Johns, Indiana, Connie Nanney of Austin, Texas, and Elizabeth Heath of McKenzie; two brothers, Frank Nanney of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Fred Brown of Ardmore, Oklahoma; a sister, Margaret Sporeleader of Colquitt, Georgia; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 4, 2005 at Enon Baptist Church in McKenzie, TN. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery, McKenzie. Brummitt Funeral Home of McKenzie was in charge of arrangement. For more information, phone 731-352-2222.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Gail Nielsen of Matteson; two daughters, Susan Nielsen (James Yodual) of Monee, and Judith Nielsen of Park Forest; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Howard Nielsen of Dyer, Ind. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene and his parents, Emile and Sigrid Nielsen.

Mr. Nielsen retired after working for Ford Motor Company for 25 years. He served during World War II in the Army Air Corps and he loved fishing, electronics and working on kit cars.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife Sandy, three sons and daugthers-in-law, Brian and Kathleen Wilson of Crown Point, IN, Mark and Tanya Wilson of Lake Villa, IN, and Greg and Aileen Wilson of Elgin, IL; and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Alberta Wilson of Manteno, and his brother and sister-in-law Keith and Patricia Wilson of Momence, IL. He was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow and his brother, Robert.

Funeral arrangements were provided by Smits Funeral Homes - Steger Memorial Chapel. Interment was at Skyline Memorial Park, Monee.

Mr. Wilson was hired by Ford Motor Company at the Chicago Stamping Plant in 1956 and retired after 39 years. He was also a member of American Legion Post #131 in Chicago Heights.

Mr. Wates was born in Alabama to William and Mary Wates who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; two daughters, Marsha (Darrel) Parker of Hobart, IN, and Rhonda Wates of Battlecreek, MI; seven step children, Charles Paul of Lake Station, IN, Cheryl Moline of North Judson, IN, Rick Paul of North Judson, IN, Robin (Peter) Gottschlich of Valparaiso, IN, Dennis McCollum of Hobart, IN, April Keene of Valparaiso, IN; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

He is survived by his four daughters and three sons-in-law, Sue and Ron Giannantonio, Denise LeCocq, Diane and Jerry Beland, JoAnn and Frank Wisher; two sons and one daughter-in-law, John and Holly LeCocq and David LeCocq; one sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Creighton Coxey; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Wanda "Bonnie;" three sisters, Marcella Powles, Irene Schneider and Iona LeBeau; and five brothers, Renie, Emile, LeRoy, Leslie and Edward LeCocq.

Mr. LeCocq was a resident of Bourbonnais and had formerly lived in Crete and Martinton. He was the former owner of LeCocq Oil Company as well as a former grain and cattle farmer. He also raised horses on a farm in Crete. He had been active in the Boy Scouts for 71 years, attaining the rank of an Eagle Scout in 1945.

He is survived by his sister, a brother and his nephew, Jack Owens.

According to his nephew, Mr. Miller ran the draw presses on the old 8-12 line before retiring in the early 1990's.

Mr. Frazier was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his son, John; his brothers, Reese and William; and his sister, Magaleen. He is survived by his daughter, Phyllis Habhab of Portage; his son, Kenneth (Holly) Frazier of Port Charlotte, FL; his brothers, Denver (Allie) Frazier of Portage, M.F. Frazier of Kentucky, and Estille Frazier of Bloomington, IN; his grandchildren, Tony, Joe, John, Jason, and Beth; his great grandchildren, Chad, Johnna, Jacob, Johnathon, Kylee, Carson, and Joshua; and also, his many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at the Brookins Funeral Home, 9315 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. with visitation at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 9, 2004 at the Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th Street, Chicago, IL.

Mr. Crofton is survived by his wife of 51 years, Loretta; his children, Lonnie (Diane) Crofton of Hobart, Rowena (Bill) Owens of Portage, Michael Crofton of Portage, Deborah (Randy) Holland of LaPorte, Robert Crofton of Portage, Terry (Polly) Crofton of Lake Station, Lisa (Jack) Barnes of Portage; sisters, Jessie Mae (Johnny) Hudson of GA, Virginia Young of FL, Marlene Knowles of FL; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Minnie Crofton; brother, Homer Crofton; sister Doritha Crofton; and step-grandson Josh Yates.

Mr. Crofton served in the Army during WWII. He was a member of the Lighthouse Tabernacle Pentecostal Church in Michigan City, and was a former member of the United Pentecostal Church of Portage. He was actively involved with the Christian Intervention Program, and enjoyed his Friday mornings with the Ford Retirees Breakfast Club. He will be remembered by his family as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Friends may visit from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2004 at the United Pentecostal Church of Portage, 2865 Willowdale Rd., Portage, IN. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 3, at the church with the Rev. Kevin Schramm and the Rev. James Fielder officiating. Burial will follow in Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville. Rees Funeral Home, Hobart assisted with arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made the Hospice of Porter County.

He is survived by his wife, Florence; three children, Kent (Jill) Creighton of Hebron, IN, Karen (Jeff) Ciesco of Cedar Lakem IN, and Robert Creighton of Richland Center, WI; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and one brother, Jack Creighton of Barrington, IL.

Private funeral services were held on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at the Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, 2828 Highway Ave., Highland, IN with Rev. Robert Hasselbring officiating. Burial was at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Mr. Creighton was retired from the Ford Motor Company after 34 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Griffith American Legion Post 66 and a lifetime member of the NRA. Memorials to a charity of choice would be appreciated.

Mr. Sykora is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons, Frank Allen Sykora of Valparaiso, IN, and Kevin Sykora of Death Valley, CA; his daughters, Sue (Charlie) Fiene of Hobart, IN, and Michelle (Barry) Winnett of Roseville, CA; his grandchildren, Nicole Sykora of Valparaiso and Austin and Courtney Winnett of Roseville; and his brother-in-law, Sid Van Horn and family of Crown Point, IN.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 502 Second District of Porter County, IN. He was involved in various fund-raising events. He enjoyed boating and fishing and the love and company of his wife, his family and his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 11, 2004 from 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Eller-Brady Funeral Home, 8510 Lake Shore Drive, Cedar Lake, IN. An American Legion Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by an Interment Service at 8:00 p.m. Cremation will follow.

Mr. Smothers is survived by his, Dorothy; a son, Bob (Debbie) Smothers; two daughters, Paula (Terry) Darnall and Linda (Chuck) Repiscak; nine grandchildren, Nathan, Joshua, Crystal, Kylee Smothers, Allen (fiancee, Meagan Hepburn) Darnall, Jennifer (Daniel) Lowry, Joel, Noel and Lonie Repiscak; and a great granddaughter, Lilly Repiscak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillie (Frizzell) Smothers; a granddaughter, Beth Ann Darnall; a brother, Kenneth; and two brothers and a sister in infancy.

Mr. Smothers was born in Creal Springs, IL and lived in New Lenox for the past 41 years coming from Joliet. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and retired from Ford Motor Company after 30 years of service.

Funeral arrangements were made at the Kurtz Memorial Chapel, Cedar at Francis Roads, New Lenox. Visitation was held on Thursday, October 28 with services at the chapel the next day. Interment was at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Diabetes Association would be appreciated.