Obituaries

Thomas W. Atherton, Jr.

Published by admin on Thu, 12/05/2024 - 9:40am

WILMINGTON—Thomas “Tom” Atherton, Jr., 82 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Sunday Dec. 1, 2024, with his family at his side. Born on June 7, 1942 in Chicago, Tom was the son of Thomas and Margaret (McKay) Atherton. He attended New Lenox grade and high schools. Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Army. In 1960 he married Sandra “Sandy” Stephens. He was an Operating Engineer and member of I.U.O.E. Local 150. Tom was also a 50 year member of the A.F. & A.M. Matteson Lodge No. 175.

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Lawrence Murphy

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 12:41pm

COLORADO—Lawrence “Larry” Murphy, 81, of Niwot, CO passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2024.
He was born to William (Bill) and Josephine Murphy on April 24, 1943 in Gary, IN. Larry grew up in Coal City and in high school received his Ham Radio License with call letters, NBA. Larry would string antennas all over his parent’s yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he obtained a masters degree in Electrical Engineering.

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Eugenia Palmer

Published by admin on Mon, 12/02/2024 - 12:37pm

MORRIS—Eugenia "Jean" Palmer, 88, of Morris, and formerly of Friendswood, TX, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Serenity Estates in Morris.

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Helen Hileman

Published by admin on Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:39am

GARDNER—Helen Louise Hileman, 78, a lifelong resident of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on Aug. 21, 1946, in Morris, Helen was the daughter of Harold Henry and Helen Loretta (Craver) Finch. Raised in Gardner, Helen graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School with the class of 1964. On July 30, 1966, she married Dick Hileman, at Asbury Methodist Church. Together, they built a beautiful life in Gardner, raising their family in the community Helen always called home.

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Francis J. Jirousek

Published by admin on Mon, 11/25/2024 - 12:57pm

CUSTER PARK—Francis J. Jirousek, 89, of Custer Park, passed away comfortably at his home on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.

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Marilyn Kerr

Published by admin on Mon, 11/25/2024 - 12:50pm

WILMINGTON—Marilyn Kerr, “Red,” 81, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning at her home on, Thursday evening, Nov. 21, 2024 with family at her side.

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Brenda Bumpous

Published by admin on Mon, 11/25/2024 - 12:48pm

BRAIDWOOD—Brenda Jo Bumpous (nee Evans), 75, of Braidwood, passed away Thursday, Nov, 21, 2024 at Morris Hospital.
Born Sept. 10, 1949, she was the daughter of Donald LeRoy and Virginia Rose (nee Taylor) Evans. Brenda previously worked as a manager at McDonald’s and also a receptionist at Dr. Milton's office.

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Jacqueline Kurz

Published by admin on Mon, 11/25/2024 - 12:47pm

MORRIS—Jacqueline Loretta Kurz, 89, of Morris, passed away Friday, Nov, 22, 2024, at Advent Health Hinsdale Hospital.
Born on Nov, 7, 1935, in Chicago, Jacqueline was the beloved second child of Elmer Arnold William and Rose (Antonelli) Harder. Raised in the vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood, Jackie often reminisced about her childhood adventures, from walking to the Lake Michigan shoreline to cool off in the summer heat to the unforgettable air raid drills during World War II, when the city would go dark. She attended Yale Elementary School and graduated from Parker High School.