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Obituaries

  • August 16, 2015 | People
    Leslie Ann Koczur 1955-2015

    Leslie Ann Koczur, 60, of Hinsdale passed away on August 11th.

    She recently retired from her position as Director of Regulatory Projects at ComEd after a long career with the company. She worked with Illinois regulatory officials and legislators, and with municipal officials on numerous projects, including the modernization of the electric grid in Illinois to increase generation capacity, improve efficiency, and reduce electric outages. One of her notable projects was working on legislation that transformed the electric system in Illinois into one of the most successful competitive retail systems in the United States, saving consumers billions of dollars in electric rates.

    Previously, she served as the Chief-of-Staff to the Illinois President of SBC Communications, the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for Nicor, and as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General.

    Leslie had a passion for traveling and outdoor activities, but especially for spending time with her family and many friends.

    Leslie received a Juris Doctor Degree from the John Marshall Law School in 1981, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from John Carroll University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1977.

  • August 13, 2015 | People
    Brett K. Gorman 1966-2015

    Brett Keller Gorman, 48, of 1845 Jersey, Quincy, died Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2015.

    Brett was born Nov. 30, 1966, in Urbana, the son of Dennis and Barbara Keller Gorman.

    He graduated from Quincy High School in 1985 and the University of Illinois in 1989 with a bachelor of arts degree. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Acacia fraternity.

    In 1992 he earned his juris doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law and was admitted to the Illinois Bar.

    On Jan. 9, 1993, he married Deborah K. Grandcolas in Belleville, and she survives.

    For 23 years, Brett practiced law in the area of civil litigation, first with Bullaro, Carton & Stone in Chicago and then, beginning in 1996, with the law firm of Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell LLP in Quincy, where he was a partner.

    Brett's professional expertise and scholarly talent as a trial lawyer were recognized in 2013, 2014 and 2015 with the designation of "Super Lawyer" in Illinois in the area of business litigation. Brett served by appointment on the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee since 2008 and had been the committee's chair since 2013.

  • August 11, 2015 | People
    Charles W. "Bill" King 1934-2015

    Charles W. "Bill" King, longtime Edwardsville attorney, died August 5, 2015 at 12:18 am.

    Mr. King was born September 27, 1934 in Mt. Carmel, Wabash County, IL to Dorothy (Steckler) King and Charles Grover King, spending the first years of his life on his maternal grandparents' farm, then moving with his parents during the World War II years to Nashville, TN.

    He graduated from Father Ryan High School in Nashville and was then admitted to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. He spoke of his days in Nashville, holding many jobs including working as a laborer-assistant "dynamite man," blasting rock for sewer construction, and selling souvenirs at the Grand Ole Opry, then held in the Ryman Auditorium, seeing all the great performers of that era and once performing as Tom Sawyer in a playhouse production with the late Mrs. Sarah Cannon, widely known as "Minnie Pearl," who Mr. King remembered as "a lovely person".

    At Notre Dame, Mr. King was the Wing Commander of the 300 Unit Air Force ROTC and received an award from the American Legion. He worked his way through Notre Dame, primarily as a promotional writer and member of the production crew at the CBS-TV affiliate in South Bend, WSBT-TV.

  • August 7, 2015 | People
    Amy Leonas 1976-2015

    Amy Leonas, 39, beloved daughter of Ted and Marla Leonas. Loving sister of Melinda Leonas, Lynsey (Casey) Johnston, Carley Leonas, Elizabeth Leonas and Teddy Leonas. Cherished aunt of Eva Johnston. Best friend of cousin Jennifer (Connor) Ford. Amy was preceded in death by her biological mother, Carole Brady. She was fond of her many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

    Amy was an attorney. She was a graduate of Valparaiso University and received her law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Amy began her law career as a Cook County Assistant States Attorney where she spent a great deal of time prosecuting cases in the domestic violence division. Eventually Amy branched into entertainment law, where she served as legal advisor to the Daytime Emmy Award winning "Judge Pirro" show, followed by her last positions where she served as legal advisor for ITV's nationally syndicated "Jeremy Kyle" and "Bill Cunningham" television shows in New York City.

    Amy enjoyed a number of close friends, many of which were law school classmates and former colleagues, who played an instrumental role in helping both Amy and her family cope with Amy's terminal diagnosis, and her 20-month courageous battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme.

    Services are being held privately. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the name of Amy Leonasto the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA.org), 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550, Chicago, IL 60631, and/or the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research (Virtualtrials.com) 1100 Peninsula Blvd, Hewlett, NY 11557. Arrangements by Gerardi Funeral Home, Frankfort, IL, 815 469-2144. Sign our guestbook at: gerardifuneralhome online.com

  • August 5, 2015 | People
    Robert E. Bradney 1923-2015

    Robert E. Bradney (“Brad”), born August 10, 1923, passed away after a brief illness on July 15, 2015. A lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Brad lived a life that transcended his humble roots.

    He was president of his senior class at both Jacksonville High School and Illinois College. During World War II, he served with the 76th Infantry Division, 1943-1946, in France, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany, and was awarded a Purple Heart. Back in the states, he  earned a JD at Harvard Law School in 1950, then returned to Jacksonville where he spent the next half century as a trial lawyer in the firm now known as Rammelkamp Bradney Attorneys at Law.

    A member of the Illinois State Bar Association, he served on many committees over the years, and earned multiple awards and honors, including the Illinois State Bar Association’s Board of Governors Award, induction into the first class of Laureates by the ISBA, and Pillar of the Bar in the Seventh Judicial Circuit for his distinguished professional and community activities. He was a sought-after lecturer to lawyer groups for his expertise in legal ethics and trial tactics.

    He served his community in a number of leadership roles at Trinity Episcopal Church, the YMCA, Morgan County Red Cross, Illinois College, and Passavant Hospital.

  • July 13, 2015 | People
    Robert C. Strodel 1930-2015

    Peoria attorney Robert C. Strodel passed away Monday, June 8, 2015, in Peoria, Ill. He was 84.

    Born Aug. 12, 1930, in Evanston, Ill., to Imogen (Board) Strodel and Carl F. Strodel, he was a 1952 graduate of Northwestern University, a 1955 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and was admitted to the Illinois Bar that same year.

    He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, and afterwards in the Army Reserves.

    Bob married Mary Alice (Shonkwiler) Strodel on June 17, 1956, in Monticello, Ill.

    He is survived by his wife and his three daughters, Julie Olson of Wilmette, Ill., Lindy Strodel of Tinley Park, Ill., and Sally Munn of Bethesda, Md.; plus three granddaughters, Kathryn Olson, Lindsey Olson and Taylor Munn.

    Strodel was a former Assistant State's Attorney, and his private practice focused on civil litigation and personal injury litigation. He authored and published two books on the acquisition and use of medical evidence.

  • July 1, 2015 | People
    Patrick F. Healy 1931-2015

    Patrick F. Healy, age 84 Veteran of U.S. Army, Korean War.

    Former Cook County States Attorney, Assistant U.S. Federal Attorney, member of C.B.A., I.S.B.A. and A.B.A. Former Executive Director of the National District Attorney Association and Executive Director Chicago Crime Commission. Patrick was a Eucharistic Minister and he also did hospice work.

    Devoted husband of 57 years to the late Della M. (nee Burns). Loving father of the late Colette, Patrick Jr. (Maureen), Colleen (Gregory) Gambla, Daniel, Beth (George) Vlahos and the late Baby John Healy. Cherished grandfather of Timothy, Thomas, Elizabeth, Sophia, Spiros, Patrick, and Jack.

    Dear son of the late Francis and Katherine Healy. Fond brother of Frank (the late Betty) Healy, Rosemary (the late John) Adams, Dudley (Nancy) Healy, Margaret Healy and the late Gwen Bucholz.

    In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The American Cancer Society, 17060 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477 would be appreciated.

  • July 1, 2015 | People
    William "Bill" Curtis 1947-2015

    William "Bill" Curtis, 67, passed away Friday, June 12, 2015, at St. John's Hospice.

    He was born Oct. 19, 1947, to William and Dora Curtis of Galva, IL. He married Carol Nieman Egbert in Elmhurst on April 20, 1980.

    He was preceded in death by his parents.

    He is survived by his wife, Carol; two daughters, Elizabeth Harlan (husband Rick) of Cincinnati, OH, and Megan Curtis of Elk Ridge MD; one stepson, Brent Egbert (wife, Jennifer) of Summerville, SC; three grandchildren: Josephine and Caroline Harlan, and James Egbert; two sisters, Gladys (Don) Hopper and Mary Libby; and several nieces and nephews.

    Bill graduated from Galva High School. He received a bachelor's degree from Augustana College and was a member of the Augustana Choir; a master's degree from Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago. He received a law degree from Chicago-Kent School of Law. Bill was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Sangamon County Bar Association.

    Bill was a member and past president of the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church. He worked for the State of Illinois and served as Chief Legal Counsel for the Department of Mental Health and for Children and Family Services. He also was in private practice.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62702 or St. John's Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702.

  • July 1, 2015 | People
    Carl O. Hoffee 1934-2015

    Carl O. Hoffee, 80, of Springfield, beloved husband, father and grandfather, cherished friend, and long-time attorney, passed away on June 5, 2015.

    Carl, the son of Emmitt and Ethel Hoffee of Fairfield, Ill., was born July 7, 1934. Raised in Wayne County, Ill., Carl married Dian Johnson on Dec. 27, 1959, in Fairfield.

    Carl received his law degree in 1958 from the University of Illinois School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and served on the law review. He was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1958.

    Carl served as law clerk to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Harry B. Hershey from 1961-1962. Carl also worked for Albert Harno, former Dean of the University of Illinois Law School, when he became Illinois' first Supreme Court Administrator. Carl began his private practice at Hoffman and Hoffman in Springfield, later joining Barber and Barber in 1968.

    At his death, Carl was the senior partner of Barber, Segatto, Hoffee, Wilke & Cate, having been with the firm for nearly 50 years. Carl was noted for his expertise in real estate matters. Carl was a member of the American, Illinois and Sangamon County Bar Associations, and a member of the Federalist Society.

  • July 1, 2015 | People
    Raymundo R. Luna 1933-2015

    Raymundo R. Luna, age 81, United States Army Vietnam War Veteran, went to be with the Lord June 2, 2015, at Morris Hospital.

    Raymundo is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Joan K. Luna; proud father of Raymundo Luna, Kirk (Holly) Luna, Timothy Luna and Jennifer (Phil) Harvey; loving grandfather of Thomas and Rangel Luna and Erika, Cameron and Ryan Harvey; dear brother of Jesus (the late Margarita) Luna, Severiano (Beatrice) Luna, Soledad (the late Ramon) Rodriguez, and Felipa (the late Aurelio) Garcia. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

    Preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Francisca Luna of San Antonio, TX; two brothers, Felix, Jr. and Cecilio Luna; and two sisters, Isidra Sanchez and Maria Rodriguez.