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Obituaries

  • August 8, 2013 | People
    John W. Leskera 1931-2013

    John W. "Jack" Leskera, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on July 26, 2013 at his home.

    Jack was born on June 19, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Verna Leskera. Jack is survived by three children Karen Leskera (David Williams) of Belleville, Elizabeth Going (David) of St. Louis, and John H. Leskera (Jay) (Lillian) of Edwardsville, eight grandchildren, and his dog Merlot.

    Jack graduated from Collinsville High School in 1949 and was a member of the Kahok basketball and tennis teams. He attended the University of Illinois graduating with honors and receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 and a law degree in 1955. Jack served as varsity manager of the Illini Basketball team in 1954. Jack remained loyal to Illinois by donating to the School of Law and the athletic department through the Varsity I Club. At Illinois he met his wife, Adele Haven, whom he married on February 5, 1955 in Lake Forest, IL.

  • July 31, 2013 | People
    Hon. Robert E. Manning Jr. 1931-2013

    Retired judge Robert E. Manning, Jr., 81, of Peoria, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2013, peacefully at his residence with his family by his side.

    He was born November 16, 1931, in Peoria to Robert E. and Catherine Irene (Gorman) Manning. He married Lois M. Wilson in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, on April 25, 1953. She died March 15, 2000. He married Rosemary Donnelly Crowley on March 24, 2001. She survives him.

    Also surviving are seven children, Michael Manning of Dahlonega, GA, Lauren (Tom) Donlan of Aurora, IL, Linda Manning of Peoria, Angela (Dan) Aeschliman of Dunlap, Robert (Kristen) Manning, James Manning, and Paul (Katie) Manning all of Peoria; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also surviving are five step-children, Karen (Bob ) Metzinger of Dunlap, Debi (John) Redington of Dunlap, James (Gail) Crowley of Elmhurst, William III (Laura) Crowley of Peoria, and John (Chris) Crowley of Peoria, as well as, thirteen step-grandchildren and two great-step-grandchildren.

    He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Paul; and a sister, Sharon O’Shaughnessy.

    A 1949 graduate of Spalding Institute, he captained the football, basketball, and baseball teams during his senior year. He was selected as an All-City quarterback in 1948. He attended the University of Notre Dame and lettered in varsity baseball. He graduated from Bradley University in 1953, where he also lettered in varsity baseball.

  • July 31, 2013 | People
    LeAnna Grimsley 1951-2013

    LeAnna (Early) Karnopp Grimsley, 61, formerly of Peoria and Morton, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013, in Simi Valley, Calif.

    Her loving husband, Gary LaPook, survives.

    She was born on Sept. 13, 1951, to David and Kathleen (Bosecker) Early. She was preceded in death by her mother.

    Her sister, Janice Robertson, and her father and his wife, Juli, live in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    LeAnna was first married to Richard Karnopp and had one child, Carrie Karnopp Driscoll (Kevin). She was married to her second husband, Gregg Grimsley, in 1998. He preceded her in death in 2004. She has two granddaughters, Eloise and Agatha.

    She taught science at Central Junior High School in East Peoria for five years before attending the University of Illinois College of Law, graduating in 1986. She was an attorney at Vonachen, Lawless, Trager & Slevin for a number of years, later forming her own law firm, Grimsley & Grimsley, with her husband Gregg.

    Known for her sharp wit and intelligence, LeAnna was nearly impossible to beat in Trivial Pursuit, a favorite game among her family and friends. LeAnna loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful trips, vacationing in Europe, St. Martin, Egypt, Hawaii and Tahiti, among many other destinations. She and her husband Gary recently spent two summers in Paris.

  • July 25, 2013 | People
    Linscott R. Hanson 1937-2013

    Linscott R. Hanson, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Michigan City, IN. He was born Oct. 4, 1937 in Evanston, IL, was a former resident of Glenview, Mundelein and Barrington, living in Green Oaks for the past 16 years.

    Lin was a graduate of the University of Michigan, both undergraduate and law school (l96l). He was a senior partner with the firm DiMonte & Lizak, LLC in Park Ridge and practiced in the areas of corporate law and estate planning for over 50 years. Lin was one of the drafters of both the Business Corporation Act and Limited Liability Act. He was a 20 year member and past chairman of the Secretary of State’s Business Laws Advisory Committee. He chaired the Committee on Shareholders Alternative Remedies and the Illinois State Bar Association Section on Business Advice and Financial Planning.

    Lin had published books on corporation law and limited liability companies, and was a frequent lecturer and author on family owned businesses, estate planning and related topics. He co-authored the IL Corporation System, the IL Limited Liability System, the IL Forms System and penned the law, Pet Trusts in IL. He was a member of the Glenview New Church, and was a proud brother and member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity “DKE” and past president and board member of the International Rampant Lion Foundation.

    Surviving are his wife Mary Cate Hanson and their son Linscott II, “Scott” Hanson.

    3 comments (Most recent July 28, 2013)
  • July 23, 2013 | People
    Gilbert W. Gordon 1949-2013

    Gilbert W. Gordon, age 64, Beloved husband of Bobbie, nee Rosenthaler. Cherished father of Richard (Jessica) and Jamie (Joost) Maier. Devoted grandfather of Molly and Charlie. Dear brother of the Hon. Robert (Marilyn) and Barry (Janice) Gordon. Fond brother in law of Susie and Howard Schwartz. Dear uncle and great-uncle to many.

    Gordon was a partner of Gordon Rappold & Miller LLC in Chicago. He was best known for winning a consumer-rights case against United Airlines on behalf of members of the airline's frequent flyer program. He argued the case before the U.S. Supreme Court and it eventually settled for more than $100 million.

    Services will be Tuesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Solel, 1301 Clavey Rd., Highland Park. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery-Skokie. Contributions to Loyola University School of Law, Gilbert W. Gordon Scholarship Fund, 25 E. Pearson #1216, Chicago, IL 60611 would be appreciated.

    Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals 630-MITZVAH (648-9824), or www.mitzvahfunerals.com

  • July 18, 2013 | People
    Larry Mills 1955-2013

    Larry Mills, 58, of Danville, passed away on July 5, 2013, in Urbana.

    He was born on Jan. 17, 1955, in Elgin, the son of Robert C. and Betty (Sholes) Mills.

    Surviving him are his father, Robert; brother, Steve Mills of Lombard; sister, Cathy Yant of Westmont; nieces, Samantha Piper of Aurora and Jamie (Scott) Burpo of Tennessee; nephews, Levi (Kirsten) Yant of Boston, Mass., Jim (Kim) Mills of Tennessee and Jason (Natalie) Mills of Tennessee; special friends, Jan Keeler, Sue Woods, Lynda Morgan and Frank Young, all from Danville; and several great-nieces and nephews.

    Larry was preceded in death by his mother; and first wife, Ann Mills.

    Larry loved books and was a member of two book clubs. He had a passion for movies and the theater, traveling yearly to Stratford, Ontario, for a Shakespeare festival. He loved to cook, very much enjoyed long leisurely meals with friends and to share a glass of wine with good friends. He will be missed by all of them.

    Larry enjoyed a long legal career, both as a prosecuting attorney in the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office and more recently opening his own private law practice. Larry was jokingly known as a “walking law encyclopedia” and was always happy to answer questions from both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Larry was a member of the David Palmer Civic Center Board and was currently serving on the Vermilion County Board.

    Memorials can be made in Larry’s name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the charity of the donor’s choice.

  • July 18, 2013 | People
    Elroy C. Sandquist III 1953-2013

    Elroy "Sandy" C. Sandquist III was born October 19, 1953 in Chicago to the late Elroy and Sally, nee Dunham, Sandquist. He went home to the Lord after a brief illness, on Saturday, July 6, 2013 in the loving arms of his wife and daughters, surrounded by family and dear friends. 

    Sandy was the beloved husband of Colleen Sandquist, nee Molohon, and dear father to Kylen and Kara Sandquist; He is also survived by his siblings, Deirdre, Ellen, and Peter Sandquist; his parents-in-law Patrick and Peggy Molohon; his sisters-in-law Carolyn (Frank) Schiefelbein, Cathy (Joe) D'Alessandro and Courtney (Dennis) Bond; dear uncle to many; and countless friends whose lives he touched in many ways throughout his life. 

    Sandy was a proud graduate of Francis W. Parker School, Brown University, and Northwestern University School of Law. In addition to his law practice, Sandy graced the stage as a musician, songwriter, actor, and most recently the founder of the Fremont Street Theater Company, a 501(C) 3 organization. He was an active member of Holy Family Parish in Inverness where his beautiful, rich voice brought inspiration to all.

    Interment St. Michael the Archangel, Palatine, IL. Sandy's dream was to further the arts for children and the community. In lieu of flowers and in support of Sandy's love of the arts, donations can be made to the Fremont Street Theater Company, 800 E. NW Hwy, Ste. 960, Palatine, IL 60067. (Better yet, come see his next show "The Drowsy Chaperone" in August at Cutting Hall in Palatine.) As Sandy would say, "The show must go on!"

  • July 18, 2013 | People
    Hubert E. Hermanek Sr. 1928-2013

    Hubert E. Hermanek Sr., 84, a longtime resident of Riverside, died July 2, 2013 at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn.

    Mr. Hermanek was raised in Berwyn, attending Hiawatha School and Morton High School, where he was valedictorian of his class. He spent two years at Morton College before being accepted at the University of Chicago Law School, where he was classmates with Abner Mikva, Robert Bork and former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark.

    He graduated from law school in 1951 and was drafted into the U.S. Marines during the Korean War, following in the footsteps of his brother, Tom, who was a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima and was part of the patrol that reached the top of Mount Suribachi and raised the American flag over the island.

    During the Korean War, Mr. Hermanek was stationed in San Diego and was a member of the Judge Advocate General's Corps.

    While on leave, he was admitted to the Illinois Bar. After the war, he worked independently and had a long career as a trial lawyer handling personal injury cases.

    After the war, he married Betty Jo St. Charles, and the couple moved to a home on Maplewood Road in 1962 and lived in Riverside for the next half century.

    Mr. Hermanek was also active in the Riverside Auxiliary Police Corps for more than 30 years, retiring at the rank of captain.

    "He just absolutely loved it," said his son, Hubert Hermanek Jr., who was elected North Riverside's mayor in April. "His two loves were being an auxiliary police officer and being a lawyer. He never took vacations. He just loved it."

    Mr. Hermanek practiced law, joining his son's law practice about 20 years ago. He worked in the practice until about two months ago, according to his son.

  • July 15, 2013 | People
    Glenn R. Clausen 1939-2013

    It is with great sorrow that the family of Glenn R. Clausen, aged 73, of Libertyville, Illinois, has announced his passing at the Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center in Glenview, Illinois.

    He was the beloved husband of Leslie Reisa Clausen, caring father of Richard (Nadine) Clausen and Rebecca (James) Hogan, and doting grandfather of Joshua Robert, Michael Glenn, and Reisa Rose. Born in Chicago 72 years ago, he was predeceased by his parents the late Nels and the late Julia (nee Collins) Clausen and also leaves behind a sister Mary (Roger) Woolsey and three nephews.

    Glenn earned his BA in English/Journalism cum laude at St Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He began practice in Decatur and then moved on to open Clausen and Katz, Attorneys at Law in Chicago. He later became a partner in the law firm of Geo-Karis, Thompson and Clausen of Zion and finally opened the Law Offices of Glenn R. Clausen in Waukegan.

    He was also a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the JAG (Judge Advocate’s General) Unit. An active member of the YMCA Indian Princess/Indian Guides (Ponca Tribe) he enjoyed every minute spent with his children and friends, while also holding office in the Mundelein Jaycees, and membership in the Illinois State Bar Association and Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity.

  • June 27, 2013 | People
    Daniel M. Moore, Jr. 1928-2013

    Daniel M. Moore, Jr., 85, of Decatur, died Thursday (June 13, 2013) at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

    Dan was born on April 25, 1928, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Daniel M. and Bertha (Wear) Moore.

    He graduated from Westport High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1945. He earned an A.B. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis in 1949, and a J.D. from the University of Illinois in 1953. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the United States Army.

    In 1955, Dan joined the Decatur law firm of Denz, Lowe & Limerick, which evolved into Moore, Susler, McNutt & Wrigley. He specialized in Elder Law, and was an Illinois delegate to the White House Conference on Aging in 1995. In 1996, he received the “Tradition of Excellence” Award from the Illinois State Bar Association, and Dan was named a Laureate in the Academy of Illinois Lawyers in 2002. He retired in 2003.

    Dan was an active community volunteer in education, social welfare, the arts, and health care. In 1995, following his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, he organized and led the local prostate cancer support group. Since 1997, Dan participated as a patient advocate at both the local and national levels, most recently with the National Cancer Institute-funded SWOG cancer research cooperative.

    Survivors include Shirley, Dan’s wife of 54 years; daughters Karen (Jon) Tower of Edmond, OK and Janice (Steve) Benzel of Austin, TX; and grandchildren Lindsey (Travis) Pelletier of Hanover, MD, Lauren Tower of Edmond, OK, and Jared Benzel of Austin, TX.