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Obituaries

  • June 26, 2013 | People
    In Memory of Moses Harrison: Here lies the Champion of Liberty

    By John J. Hopkins, John J. Hopkins & Associates, Alton

    Jonathan Swift, the famed English satirist and political philosopher of the 18th Century, died in 1745.  As a final commentary, the acclaimed author of such works as “Gulliver’s Travels” left carved on his tombstone a fitting epitaph.  In Latin, it says, “Here lies the body of Jonathan Swift… where fierce indignation can no longer injure the Heart… Go forth voyager and copy, if you can, this vigorous Champion of Liberty.”

    I was reminded of Dr. Swift’s final words when I heard the news that a contemporary   “Champion of Liberty” had passed on through this world.  The Honorable Moses Harrison, late Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, died on Thursday, April 25at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.   In respect for the lifetime of service to his fellow man, the first SIDEBAR column of 2013 is dedicated to his memory, both his remarkable professional accomplishments but also very fond remembrances of a towering legal figure who remained – despite the seductions of power – a devoted husband and father, active volunteer and loyal friend.

    While THIS Moses certainly did ascend to the Judicial mountain top, he never lost his connection to what he liked to call “the real folks.” As he often would tell, in his career he worked as a ranch hand, a truck driver and a Teamster, grounding him in reality and earning in the words of the Illinois Supreme Court in 2002, on the occasion of his retirement the “reputation for commitment to justice and human welfare, to defend the poor, the young and elderly against corporate or governmental policies which went against their interests.”

  • June 25, 2013 | People
    Retired Justice John L. Nickels 1931-2013

    John L. Nickels was raised on a dairy farm in rural Illinois, started his education in a one-room country schoolhouse at the age of four and rose to become a Justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.

    Justice Nickels passed away in the company of his family on Monday after a long illness. He had served on Illinois’ highest court from December 1992 to his retirement in December 1998, earning a reputation as a quiet, private man but one who was unafraid to express his fidelity to fundamental beliefs and to call out publicly those he felt had abused their trust. Justice Nickels was 82.

    "He was a gentle and most hospitable man," Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride said. "He carried a wealth of compassion and internal resolve to bring out the best in all of us -- to be respectful professionals. He was a real role model and epitomized that it was quite acceptable 'to agree to disagree.' "

    1 comment (Most recent June 28, 2013)
  • June 13, 2013 | People
    Donald T. Morrison 1928-2013

    Donald T. Morrison, Jr., 84, of Libertyville, formerly of Deerfield at rest May 20, 2013.

    He was a life time Waukegan Trial Attorney at Morrison and Morrison and a past President of the Lake County Bar Association and a Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers.

    He was a beloved husband of Danielle Morrison, loving father of 10 children; Joseph (Hon. Julie) Morrison, J.D., Sheila (Mel) Smith, J.D., Mary Ellen (Tom) Murphy, B.S.N., Kathleen (Hon. Ray) Collins, B.S.N., Eileen Morrison, M.D., Margaret (Jim, J.D.) Borcia, J.D., Frances C. Morrison, M.S., Donald (Ellen J.D.) Morrison, J.D., Denise Breyne (David Grace), Mario L. Breyne, dear Grandfather of twenty Grandchildren, and one Great Grandson.

    He was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine in 1975 and by his Grandson, Antonio "Tony" Borcia in 2012.

    In Lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the www.y-notproject.com in loving memory of Tony Borcia or www.autismspeaks.org in honor of Jax Morrison. For Info: (847) 362-3009 or please sign the guestbook at www.burnettdane.com.

  • June 13, 2013 | People
    Michael J. Merlie 1949-2013

    Michael J. Merlie, 63, of Danville, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.

    He was born July 18, 1949, in Danville to Donald and Eleanor (Dowiatt) Merlie.

    He married Nancy J. Fadale on June 17, 1972, in Westville. She survives.

    Michael was a 1967 graduate of Westville High School and went on to earn his undergraduate at the University of Illinois before attending law school at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He then ran Merlie Law Office, which he began with his father. He was a member of the Vermilion County Bar Association, State of Illinois Bar Association and was the former attorney for the Village of Westville.

    Michael was an avid golfer at Turtle Run and loved to read.

    Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

    Also surviving are two sons, Tony (Katie) Merlie of Indianapolis and Jim (Tina) Merlie, also of Indianapolis; parents, Don and Eleanor Merlie of Westville; three sisters, Melissa Merli of Urbana, Carol (Mike) Hatfield of Champaign, and Patty Merlie of Leawood, Kan.; three grandsons, Kyle, Joe and Max Merlie; four nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

    Services have been held. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Please join Michael’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

  • June 13, 2013 | People
    William Wimbiscus Jr. 1926-2013

    William James Wimbiscus Jr., 86, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

    Born Aug. 29, 1926, to Judge William J. and Mae (Walsh) Wimbiscus of Spring Valley, he married Eleanor Bruder Sept. 24, 1955. She survives.

    He was a 1944 graduate of St. Bede Academy and then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After graduating from the University of Illinois in 1949 with a bachelor of science degree in law, he then earned a juris doctor in law from DePaul University College of Law in 1951, passing the Illinois State Bar exam while still a student. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois in 1951, the U.S. Supreme Court in 1972 and the U.S. Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit in 1981.

    He joined his father, Judge William J. Wimbiscus Sr., at the Wimbiscus Law Firm in 1951. The firm was established in 1917 and continues to this day. He also served as Spring Valley City Attorney from 1965 to 1981 and DePue Village Attorney from 1975 to 2010.

    He was a member of Illinois State Bar Association, past president and member of Bureau County Bar Association and a member of LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby Bar Association. He was a member and past president of St. Margaret’s Hospital Board of Directors, as well as a member of Hall Township High School Education Foundation, Prairieland Home Care Advisory Committee and Dominic O’Berto Post 182 of the American Legion. He donated legal services to many community and civic organizations.

    Also surviving are six children, John (SangHui), Sarah, Bill (Sara), Tom (Maureen), Neal and Mary (Phillip) Telfer; one brother, Judge James (Jude) Wimbiscus; one sister, Jane Johnson; 11 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

  • May 29, 2013 | People
    Norma Reyes 1956-2013

    Norma Ida Reyes, age 56, died suddenly in her sleep of a massive stroke on Monday, May 6th, 2013.

    Norma was born in Chicago and raised in the Humboldt Park area. Her mother, Clara Luz Reyes, raised seven children on her own. Both of Norma's foster parents, Paddy and Barry McNamara were attorneys and she followed in their footsteps by becoming an attorney.

    Norma earned her Bachelors and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Notre Dame. She began her legal career working in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and rose through the ranks, eventually attaining the title of Supervisor of the Juvenile Division.

    In 1990, Mayor Richard M. Daley hired Ms. Reyes as Senior Counsel in the Law Department where she eventually became Deputy Corporation Counsel. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety, Buildings Commissioner, and Commissioner of Consumer Services/Business Affairs and Consumer Protection before retiring in June 2011. Norma then became Senior Executive Vice President for Taxi Affiliation Services, LLC.

    Norma was respected for her political acumen, administrative abilities and fearless determination. She was a favorite of many Aldermen for her fair approach to constituents' services. During her tenure as Commissioner of Consumer Services, she was a strong advocate in the taxicab industry for the accessibility of persons with disabilities.

  • May 29, 2013 | People
    Douglas J. Dreghorn 1941-2013

    Douglas J. “Doug” Dreghorn, age 72, a longtime resident of Naperville, IL, formerly of Port Washington and Buffalo, NY died Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Edward Hospital in Naperville. He was born January 3, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY.

    Doug grew up in Port Washington, NY and was a graduate of Paul D. Schreiber High School, Class of 1958. He graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY in 1962 with a B.A. in History and attended St. John’s University Law School in New York City. Doug served with the U.S. Army stationed in Wurzburg, Germany from 1964-1966, leaving as a 1st lieutenant.

    Doug was employed in sales management and marketing/training development for many years in the paper industry, starting at West Virginia Pulp & Paper (now Westvaco), in New York, Buffalo, NY, and Chicago, IL, where he worked for 29 years. He later worked for Weyerhaeuser Co., then Gaylord Container from 1996-2005 and completed his career with Temple-Inland, where he retired in 2006.

    He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville and enjoyed playing golf and landscaping his home.

    Beloved husband of Susan Lea (nee Vosseller) Dreghorn, whom he married August 8, 1964, loving father of Kathryn D. “Katie” (William Jr.) Linden of Bronxville, NY and David (Liza Melecio) Dreghorn of Chicago, adored grandfather of Finn Andrew Dreghorn, devoted son of the late James E. and Marion F. (nee Lawson) Dreghorn, dear brother of Patricia M. (the late Stephen) Walter of Topsail Beach, NC, loving brother-in-law of Geoffrey (Jane) Vosseller of East Aurora, NY, fond uncle of many.

  • May 29, 2013 | People
    James S. Smith III 1964-2013

    James S. Smith III, attorney at law, 49, of Vernon Hills, passed away on April 30, 2013 at Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville.

    He was born Feb 22, 1964 in Gary, IN and lived in Vernon Hills for 14 years. James graduated from Marquette University at John Marshall Law School. Jim was an avid golfer and an all-around sports enthusiast. He was a member of the St. Mary of Vernon Parish, Indian Creek and the Lake County Bar Association.

    Devoted husband of Susan, nee Evans Messner; proud father of Paige and Tyler; beloved son of James S. (Mary Lou nee Patterson) Smith Jr.; loving brother of Margaret (John) Keough.

    Funeral Service will take place at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place, Libertyville (Rt. 176, 1 block East of Milwaukee Ave.). Private entombment at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. Visitation will be held Friday, May 3, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

    If desired memorial donations may be made to CVS Research Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin, PO Box 1997 Milwaukee, WI, 53201-1997, would be greatly appreciated.

    Funeral info: 847-362-2626, sign guestbook at libertyvillefuneralhome.com.

  • May 29, 2013 | People
    Owen L. Doss 1923-2013

    Owen L. Doss, Lt Col. U.S. Air Force Reserve Retired, born in Morris, IL. on Feb. 25, 1923, deceased April 28, 2013 after a brief illness.

    He was married to Dolores Carol (nee Harder) for 50 years who passed away on March 30, 1999. He was a resident of Inverness, IL for many years.

    Mr. Doss graduated from Harlem High School in 1942, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in Dec. of 1942 as a private. He transferred to cadet pilot training, graduated and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. Released from active duty in Feb. 1946, Mr. Doss began college at North Park College in Chicago and graduated from the College of Law, University of Illinois, Champagne on June 18, 1950. He was admitted to the Practice of Law in Illinois on June 19, 1950. Mr. Doss was also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Supreme Court and the Court of Military Appeals.

    He was recalled to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War in March, 1951. Mr. Doss was released from active duty in Nov., 1953 and remained in the active reserves until retirement as a Lt. Col. Mr. Doss began civilian law practice in Jan., 1954 in Chicago, was a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Chairman of the Matrimonial Law and Professional Fees Committees, and a member of the Illinois State and American Bar Associations.

    Mr. Doss was a founder and first President of the Illinois Chapter, and Past National President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

  • May 22, 2013 | People
    Darline L. Petersen 1943-2013

    Darline L. Petersen, 69, Elmhurst, Ill., died March 21, 2013, after an extended hospitalization. She was born in Elgin, Ill., to the late Russell and Leona Petersen of Burlington, and spent the majority of her school years on a dairy farm near Burlington. There she was valedictorian of the high school class of 1961.

    She held degrees from the University of Wisconsin and The John Marshall Law School and entered the Illinois Bar in 1970. After practicing law in Wheaton, Ill., for nearly 20 years, she made a career change to follow her favorite pastime, cooking. After graduating from College of DuPage and until her retirement in 2008, she worked as a chef and food service manager, as well as a teacher of Restaurant and Hotel Law.

    She and her husband Gene were avid sailors on Lake Michigan, and enjoyed traveling, hiking in the Grand Canyon and taking cooking lessons in Europe. She was an active and longtime member of the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. As she approached retirement, she began exploring her artistic side, honing her skills in quilting, drawing, and painting. During the past decade, she also spent much time working with her brother to renovate and revitalize their parent’s farm where they grew up.

    Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Eugene E. Parvin; brother, Ralph (Helen Horn) Petersen, Madison; niece and nephew, Katrina (Martin Perez) Petersen, San Diego, and Ryan (Becky) Petersen, Cottage Grove. She was further preceded in death by sister-in-law, Elizabeth Petersen.

     There will be a private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale Endowment Fund are suggested. Ahlgrim Funeral Home, Elmhurst, is serving the family. Well-wishers can visit  www.ahlgrim.com.