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Obituaries

  • June 26, 2015 | People
    Elizabeth Jeane Dibble 1958-2015

    Elizabeth Jeane Dibble (Elsey), age 56, of Freeburg, IL passed away on March 2, 2015 at her home, surrounded by family and friends after successfully surviving colon cancer for several years. Jeane was married to John Taylor Dibble on June 7, 1980 in Kewanee, IL. He survives as do their children, James Taylor (Anna Beasley) Dibble of St. Louis, MO and Katherine Elizabeth
    Dibble of Austin, TX.

    Jeane was born on May 26, 1958 in Hammond, Indiana to Janet D. Lane Elsey and Harold Elsey and older brother James. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Kewanee, IL and was joined by second brother, Kenneth.

    After graduating from Kewanee High School in 1976, Jeane enrolled at MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois, earning a special education degree in three years. After a brief time teaching she enrolled at Southern Ilinois University School of Law, Carbondale, IL, graduating in 1983. Jeane welcomed her son, James, in 1983 and daughter, Katherine, in 1985. She was a devoted mother and confidant, spending much of her free time at her children's sporting events, relaxing at the family cabin and traveling with her family.

  • June 24, 2015 | People
    Charles Armstrong "Chick" Chapin 1921-2015

    Charles Armstrong "Chick" Chapin, 94, lawyer, scholar, decorated WWII Marine officer, civic servant, husband, father, horseman died Sunday, May 31 at his Chatham home, Windridge. He lived most of his life in Springfield. He attended and graduated from Carleton College, served in World War II as a Marine Artillery officer and studied law at the University of Michigan. He joined his father Roger E. and brother John R. in the family law firm of Chapin & Chapin. For the past decade he was Of Counsel at the law firm of Brown, Hay, & Stephens.

  • June 24, 2015 | People
    Hon. Howard Robert Kaufman 1930-2015

    Judge Howard Robert Kaufman, 84, went to the big courthouse in the sky 29 May 2015.

    A United States Marine; an Assistant United States Attorney General; First Chief of Consumer Fraud for the State of Illinois and finally a Cook County, IL Judge, he gave of his life in many ways. Through volunteering and mentoring youth, through sharing his wisdom, humor and his zest for life, he left a mark on all he encountered.

    Growing up in Brooklyn, NY his childhood was the beginning of his lessons of life. As a student at American University in Washington D.C. and at Purdue University, he developed his love for physical education. Following Purdue he joined the United States Marine Corps and led his group of men as a 2nd Lieutenant building a sense of duty, comradery and toughness that he carried throughout his life. Attending Law School at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL he received his J.D. being one of the first to receive a law degree with a BA in Physical Education.

    Proud of himself, yet not in a grandiose way, he was a self-made man. Practicing law as a Prosecutor in Elk Grove Village, IL; holding private practice in Elgin and in Chicago, IL, he believed in justice. He had many colleagues including those in the legal field, in politics and others that were involved in the justice system. A dear friend to many, he leaves many lives touched in many places.

    1 comment (Most recent June 26, 2015)
  • June 24, 2015 | People
    Robert Coleman 1944-2015

    Robert F. Coleman, 70, of River Forest, died on May 24, 2015. Born on Dec. 14, 1944 in Chicago to the late Clayton and Helen Coleman, he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and later enjoyed a successful career as a commercial litigator, first as an assistant Illinois attorney general and then in private practice. He ran for Illinois Attorney General.

    His generosity knew no bounds, particularly when it came to improving education. He served on the boards of trustees of Dominican University, Trinity High School, Fenwick High School and St. Luke Parish School. 

    Mr. Coleman served as chairman of Fire and Police Commission, and at the first village board meeting after his death, Village President Catherine Adduci called Coleman a River Forest institution.

    "He was a personal mentor to me. I used to talk to him quite frequently about village business because he knew a lot. He was a stalwart activist in our community," Adduci said.

    According to a comment on the village website, "His long-term commitment of service for the village of River Forest and its residents will be sorely missed."

    Bob Coleman is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Marcia (nee Nogal); his daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Sean Crotty; his grandsons, Brendan, Ryan and Colin Crotty; and his siblings, Carol (Roger) Brice and Richard (late Mary) Coleman. 

    Services have been held. Memorials to Misericordia are appreciated.

  • June 11, 2015 | People
    Jay Paul Hoffmann 1952-2015

    Jay Paul Hoffmann was born to Al and Marcy Hoffmann in Milwaukee, WI on June 3, 1952. He attended 21st Street School, Edison Junior High and Custer High School. During and after high school, Jay traveled the U.S. playing soprano bugle for the Chordalier and Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps before attending Marquette University. While pursuing his B.S. in Political Science, Jay played trumpet with the Marquette Warrior Pep Band and the Motown Band, Sheer Soul.

    After graduating from Marquette, Jay worked both in the foundry and as a security guard for Briggs & Stratton prior to enrolling in John Marshall Law School. In 1990, Jay graduated Cum Laude from that institution.

    He dedicated the next 25 years to keeping violent criminals in prison. His law career started with the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutors in Ottawa, IL before becoming an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois where he specialized in capital criminal appeals. In 2007, Jay was selected to serve as a National Association of Attorney Generals Supreme Court Fellow. His service in this position included writing the amicus petition for writ of certiorari filed by Illinois and 18 other states in “Allen v Siebert” to the U.S. Supreme Court.

  • June 11, 2015 | People
    Richard K. Decker 1913-2015

    Richard K. Decker, age 101, of Burr Ridge, peacefully passed away on May 6, 2015.

    Dick was born on September 15, 1913, in Lincoln, Nebraska. His parents were Georgia and Fred Decker. He received his B. A. in 1935 and his JD degree in 1938 from the University of Nebraska. After graduation, Dick's life immediately began to skyrocket, both personally and professionally.

    On June 12, 1938, Fern and Dick were married in Oakland, Nebraska. Dick then started in his lifetime legal specialty, joining the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice where he remained until World War II.

    Dick served with U.S. Naval Reserve until 1945, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Upon discharge, Dick returned to the Antitrust Division. In 1952, Dick came to Chicago as a lawyer with Lord, Bissell & Brook, of which he was a partner from 1953 to 1984, when he retired. During his partnership, Dick served as Chairman of the Executive Committee for several terms. He became one of the country's leading antitrust lawyers, serving as Chairman of the Antitrust Section of the American Bar Association from 1971 to 1972, after first serving as Chairman of the Antitrust Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association from 1956 to 1959 and Chairman of the Antitrust Section of Illinois State Bar Association from 1964 to 1966.

  • June 11, 2015 | People
    Walter L. Adams 1931-2015

    Walter L. Adams, 83 of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, May 8, 2015. He was born June 8, 1931 in Middletown, NY, the son of Walter L. and Gladys (Coburg) Adams.

    Walter graduated from Duke University with a BA and Michigan University with a J.D. Degree. He was a labor lawyer, and a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Walter was a US Army Veteran with the CIC.

    Walter began his career in Chicago with Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather and Geraldson. In the 1970's, he co-founded the law firm of Adams, Fox, Marcus, Adelstein and Gerding. Most recently, he was of counsel for Schuyler, Roche and Crisham. In addition, Walter was a long time volunteer with the VNA Hospice in Valparaiso, IN.

    Surviving are his children: Mark (Melissa) Adams of Moscow, ID, Lisa (Mark) Patton of Lagos, Nigeria and Samuel Adams of Valparaiso, IN and four grandchildren. He was preceded by his wife Eleanor Morgan Adams and his parents. Services will be held in mid-June at the Glencoe Union Church in Glencoe, IL. Memorial Contributions may be made to V.N.A. Hospice, 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

    Bartholomew Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

  • May 20, 2015 | People
    Seymour Tabin 1916-2015

    Seymour Tabin died peacefully April 27th at his home in Highland Park, Illinois just nine days short of his 97th birthday, following a short illness. Seymour is survived by his wife Frances Greenfield Tabin, by his son Lee and daughter-in-law Janet, by his three adored grandchildren Jennifer (Thad Q.) Bartlett, William and John and by his great-granddaughter Quincy Bartlett and great-grandson Silas Bartlett.

    He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Julius Tabin, who died in 2012 at the age of 92. Seymour was born May 6, 1918 in Chicago, IL to Sol and Lillian Tabin. He graduated from the University of Chicago Phi Beta Kappa and was first in his law school class, also at the University of Chicago. He of course was a member of the Law Review.

    During WWII, Seymour served as a Naval Officer, commanding both an LST and a sub chaser. It's believed there were 900 men on the LST including marines. He was 24 years old.

    Seymour began his legal career with the firm of Froelich, Grossman, Teton and Tabin. Although primarily a firm practicing business law, Froelich and Grossman had the distinction of prosecuting the Capone case. He continued to practice law well into his 80s. He also helped establish the First Bank of Highland Park and served on the board of the Bank of Elk Grove. He finished up his legal career as Counsel to Gottleib and Schwartz.

  • May 20, 2015 | People
    Roger Seibert 1946-2015

    Roger H. Seibert, 69, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 10:45 A.M., Monday, April 27, 2015 at his residence.

    Roger had been a practicing attorney for many years and was partner with Seibert, Bigham and Tanner. He had been attorney for the City of Pinckneyville since May of 2007 and was attorney for Pinckneyville Hospital, Pinckneyville Grade School and Oakdale State Bank. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Pinckneyville and was a church elder. Roger was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam. He was a member of Pinckneyville Optimist Club and Red Hawk Country Club. He was editor of Valparaiso Law Review, member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Perry County Bar Association, Southern Illinois American Inn Of Court and American Bar Association.

    He was born January 4, 1946 at Omaha, NE, the son of Harold and Katherine (Hansen) Seibert.

    He married Sylvia “Sunny” Carlson in March 7, 1970 at Kansas City, MO and she preceded him in death on July 14, 2010. He then married Marsha Morris on May 10, 2014 at Pinckneyville and she survives.

    He is survived by his wife, of Pinckneyville, children - Kim Edwards and husband John of Atlanta, GA, Becky Graciano and husband Ryan of Oakland, CA, Natalie Bishop and husband Charlie and Wayne Halstead and wife Lindsay, all of Du Quoin, grandchildren - Jack Edwards of Atlanta, GA, Everett Graciano of Oakland, CA, Maddie Halstead, Jackson Halstead, Lucy Halstead, Carli Bishop and Charlie Bishop, all of Du Quoin, three sisters - Carole Collyard of Kansas City, KS, Faye Boe of Ypsilanti, MI, and Pat Wrona of Omaha, NE.

  • May 20, 2015 | People
    Rex Carr 1926-2015

    Celebrated Belleville attorney Rex Carr passed away on April 27, 2015, at the age of 88 from cancer. 

    Rex was born Dec. 29, 1926 in Carbondale, Ill., to parents, Lloyd Carr and Madge Carr, nee Morgan. He passed peacefully at his residence in Belleville, Ill., with family by his side.

    Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Carr and Madge Carr, nee Morgan; his four brothers, Lloyd Carr Jr, Eugene Carr; Gerald Carr, and Glenn Carr; and his sister, Loylou Winters; his infant daughter, Peggy Jeanne Carr; and his former wives, Jeanne Carr, nee Bates, and Edna Carr, nee Hawkins.

    Surviving are his two sisters, Georgia Beaver and Marcheta Murphy; also surviving are his girlfriend and companion of 26 years, Patricia Schmidt; four sons, Dr. Rex G. (Beth) Carr, Bruce (Kathy) Carr, Eric Reeve, and Glenn (Angela) Carr; his daughter, Kathryn (Wayne) Wheeler; 14 granddaughters, Michelle Carr, Stephanie Doyle, Rebekah Brown, Rachel Cardona, Jessica Lamire, Erica Reeve, Chelsey Richards, Michelle Brockman, Shauna Chilton, Elizabeth Wheeler, Deborah Wheeler, Adrienne Carr, Alexei Carr and Alison Carr; grandsons, Rex Carr, Nathan Carr and Brandon Meyer. He also had twenty great-grandchildren.