Obituaries V
Helen VALENTINE
VALENTINE Helen nee SIPPEL, beloved wife of Donald L. VALENTINE 1022 Kelly Ave., Joliet. Passed away April 17, 1977, Saint Joseph Hospital after a brief illness. She was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church of Joliet where she was an assistant Sunday School teacher, she was also a volunteer at Sunnyhill Nursing Home, Joliet, besides her husband Donald she is survived by a daughter Sharon STANKUS (nee LANDAU)of Peotone, Ill., 3 grandchildren, David, Jackie and Daniel and a brother Alvin SIPPEL, Sr. of Rushville, Ind. Visitation will be Tues. April 19 at the Hirsch memorial Chapel, 183rd and Harlem, Tinley Park. Hours are 2-4 and 6-10 p.m. Services will be held Tues. eve. 8 p.m. from chapel, with Rev. Harold BOLM officiating. Burial Wed. April 20, 10 a.m. Peotone Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Helen VALENTINE Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Source: Joliet Herald News, 19 Apr 1977 Posted by Colleen Bettenhausen, May 26, 2004
Alexander (Elihu) VAN_ALLEN
The following is an obituary for my gg grandfather, Alexander VAN_ALLEN: VAN_ALLEN, Alex- died this morning at 5 o’clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Keltie at the Mound after an extended illness. He was an old resident of Joliet, having lived here for about 50 years. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. John KELTIE, Mrs. Charles DEWEY, and three sons, Robert and Charles, all of Joliet and Sidney of Chicago. The funeral will be held tomorrow from the home of his daughter, Mrs. KELTIE, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery.
Source: Joliet, Il. Herald News, Aug 29, 1911 Posted by Paul Horvat, Sep 1, 1998
Cornelius Covenhoven VAN_HORNE
Cornelius C. VAN_HORNE, deceased, formerly of Joliet Tp., was born in Hunterdon Co., NJ., April 13, 1794; shortly afterward, his parents removed to Amsterdam, NY., where his father, a widely-known clergyman of the Dutch Reformed Church, lived many years. In the spring of 1832, Mr.VAN_HORNE came to Illinois and located in Will (then Cook) Co. He died in Joliet July 7, 1854. In 1813, he married Elizabeth Veeder, who died, in Will Co., in 1838; in 1842, he married Mary M. RICHARDS, who is still living; by his first marriage he had seven children – Abraham C., born in 1815; Simon V., born in 1818; Anne, born in 1822; Cornelius P., born in 1824; Margaret C., born in 1826; Barney W., born in 1829, and Andrew J., born in 1832; by his second marriage he had five children – William C., born in 1843; Augustus, born in 1844; Elizabeth, born in 1846; Theodore C., born in 1849, and Mary, born in 1852 – all now living. He was a man of great force of character, and of liberal education, and had much to do with the shaping of events in the early days of Will Co., in the history of which his name occurs often and very prominently; he gave his name to the locality known as VAN_HORNE’s Point. He was successively a Postmaster and a Justice of the Peace, and, upon the incorporation of Joliet as a city, he was chosen its first mayor; after a long, active and useful life, he died in 1854, one of the victims of cholera.
Source: unknown newspaper and date; Date of Death: July 7, 1854 Posted by Lisa Smalley, Sep 1, 1998
Hiram VAN ALLEN
The following is an obit for my ggg grandfather, Hiram VAN_ALLEN: News was received here yesterday of the death of Hiram VAN_ALLEN, which sad event occurred at the home of his son in Chicago. Mr. VAN_ALLEN was well and favorably known in Joliet, having located here in 1848, and lived here from that time up to a couple of months ago, when he and his wife went to Chicago to live with a son. He was born in Monham, N.Y., August 23, 1806, and was married to Eliza HILDRETH June 18, 1829. Twelve children were born to them, of which number four are living. His wife survives him to mourn his loss. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, at the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church. Contact with the sexton of Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet, Il., reveals that he was interred to lot 53, block M on 07/02/1893. His death certificate says that at the time of his death, Hiram was 87 years, 6 months, ? days old. He died of old age. He was living in the 5th ward in Chicago at 2233 Wentworth Ave. His listed occupation is a farmer. His actual death date was June 30, 1893 at 10:00 P.M.
Source: Joliet, Il. Herald News, date unknown; Date of Death: Jun 30, 1893 Posted by Paul Horvat, Sep 1, 1998
John D. VAN ALLEN
This is an obit for my gg grand uncle – brother of my gg grandfather and son of Hiram VAN_ALLEN and Eliza HILDRETH: John D. VAN_ALLEN born 1840, died December 29, 1904. He was interred in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet, Il., Dec. 31, 1904. His cause of death was heart exhaustion, a contributing cause being pleuro-pneumonia. At the time of his death, John D. was living at 3932 Prairie Ave., Chicago, Il. His listed occupation was a watchman. John D. has the only stone on the VAN_ALLEN plot. On it’s concrete base is marked 20th Illinois Infantry, Lincoln Post, Chicago, Il. His obituaries are interesting and read as follows:
Source: unknown newspaper and date; Date of Death: Dec 29, 1904 Posted by Paul Horvat, Sep 1, 1998
John D. VAN ALLEN
john D. VAN_ALLEN Died In Chicago Was Formerly City Marshall of Joliet- Funeral Saturday John D. VAN_ALLEN died today, December 29, at his residence, 3932 Prairie Avenue, Chicago. He had reached the age of 74 years. The funeral will take place from the Eastern Avenue Baptist church, Joliet, at 10 o’clock Saturday morning, Dec. 31. Mr. VAN_ALLEN was at one time city marshall of Joliet and enlisted as a soldier in the civil war in 1863 from Joliet.
Another obit: Early Day Marshal Of Joliet Is Dead John D. VAN_ALLEN, a Brave Soldier Passes Away At The Age Of 74 Years Pioneer of the “Stone City”. Heeded Lincoln’s Call and Enlisted in 1862 in This City- Distinguished Himself by Bravery and patriotism- Funeral Here Tomorrow Morning. John D. VAN_ALLEN, many years ago city marshal of Joliet, died yesterday at his home, 3932 Prairie avenue, Chicago, aged 74 years. Mr. VAN_ALLEN enlisted in the union service in Joliet in 1862 and served until the end of the war, distinguishing himself for his bravery and patriotism. The funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock at the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church in the city.
Another obit also appeared: Pioneer Of Joliet Dies In Chicago John D. VAN_ALLEN Succumbs To An Attack Of Pneumonia John D. VAN_ALLEN, one of Joliet’s old residents, died Thursday of pneumonia at his home, 3932 Prairie avenue, Chicago. The remains will be brought to Joliet tomorrow morning, and the funeral services will be held at 10 o’clock in the Eastern Avenue Baptist Church. The VAN_ALLEN family lived in Joliet forty years ago, and one or two of the boys were conductors on the C & A railroad. Mr. VAN_ALLEN was an old soldier and a member of the G.A.R. He entered the army as a member of Co. 23, * Twentieth Ill. Volunteers at Joliet, April 22, 1861 and served until June 13, 1864. Mr. VAN_ALLEN was at one time city marshal of Joliet.
Source: unknown newspapers and dates Posted by Paul Horvat, Sep 1, 1998
Lawrence VAN ALLEN
My grandfather, Lawrence VAN_ALLEN’s obituary: Lawrence C. VAN_ALLEN, Sr. Age 75. Suddenly at St. Joseph Hospital. Tuesday, July 17, 1979. Late of 1214 Bellview Ave., Rockdale. Born in Joliet and a lifetime resident. A barber in Joliet for 60 years, retiring in 1979. Member of the Barber?s Union Local No. 46. Preceded in death by his father Charles C. VAN_ALLEN. Surviving is his wife, Louise, two sons, Lawrence C. (JoAnn) VAN_ALLEN of Channahon and Martin (Mary) VAN_ALLEN of Joliet, five daughters, Charlotte (Ronald) DIRENZO of Joliet, Joan (Ronald) WARNELL of Schererville, IN, Louise (Zani) PIOTES of Joliet, Mary Agnes VAN_ALLEN of Joliet and Dolores (Raymond) PATTERSON of Oregon, IL. 16 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, his mother, Frederika (Lanier, sic) VAN_ALLEN of Joliet. Uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Nephew of Leona GARDNER of Joliet. Remains are resting at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Center and Campbell Sts. Funeral services for Lawrence C. VAN_ALLEN, Sr. will be Thursday at 9:30 A.M. to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rockdale for a mass at 10:00 A.M. Visitation, Wednesday, 6 until 9 P.M.
Source: unknown newspaper and date; Date of Death: Jul 17, 1979 Posted by Paul Horvat, Sep 1, 1998
George Livermore VANCE
George Livermore VANCE, son of Aaron and Lucinda Ann TUCKER VANCE, was born 13 Mar 1839 in Groton, Caledonia, Vermont. He “acquired a good education and was educated in the common school”. He “was only 12 when he began working through the summer. By age 18, he began as teacher in district schools, where he taught for four years. At age 22, he entered Newbury Academy/Seminary, in Vermont and it is said he read a great deal. In 1862, he went to Rutland and conducted a boot and shoe business for two years.”
“We next find him in the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., where he was a clerk from the spring of 1864 to 1870.” He was a clerk in the War Department in Washington, and by 1867, was made corresponding clerk in the law department of the Internal Revenue Dept. He studied law during his “leisure hours” and graduated from Columbia College Law School in Washington, D. C. in 1867, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of the District of Columbia.
While in Washington, D. C., he met Elizabeth K. FOWLER, who was employed in the U. S. Treasury Dept. They attended the E Street Baptist Church, close by the Capitol, where they were married on 29 Apr 1868. Descendants relay that each had saved the sum of $1,000, which money was used to purchase a grocery store after their move to Money Creek, MN in 1870.
An interesting tradition regarding George L. Vance is that the night Lincoln was shot, 14 Apr 1865, George had been working late in his government office and heard of the news. He left to run home to tell his landlady, and while running to his rooming house, he was arrested for the shooting since he was dark and tall and looked somewhat like Booth. Found to be who he said he was, he was released.
George and Betsy’s son, George A. was born in Washington in 1869. G. L. resigned his government position in 1870 and emigrated with his family to Minnesota, where he had planned to practice law, but instead engaged in business until 1 Jan 1873. He was Postmaster in Houston Co., MN, for three years and served as Justice of the Peace there for two years.
Seeking his fortune in Will Co., IL, Mr. Vance and his family left Houston Co., MN early in 1873. With a partner, he opened a furniture business in Joliet, IL as early as May 1873. G. L. and Betsy’s second child, Grace, was born in September, 1873, just two months before Betsy’s untimely death. The children were sent to MN to live with George’s parents. Within the next year, as the country “became involved in a financial panic”, he lost all that he had invested. Undeterred by these obstacles and regarding the difficulties only as an impetus for renewed effort, he bought his partner’s interest and again started in business, which this time was eminently successful.” He became one of the most prosperous merchants of Joliet.
G. L. Vance married 2) Jennie LEWIS in 1877, and they were parents of two children, the first child who died early and a daughter, Beulah, born in Aug 1881. During this time, he was a Mason, a Knight Templar and a Prelate therein, and belonged to the Royal Arcanium. He was Vice President of the Will Co. National Bank and on its Board of Directors.
Mr. Vance was extremely active in the Baptist Church. He was a deacon, church clerk, trustee, Sunday School Supt., in charge of lay missions and was a teacher of Sunday School classes at the Joliet penitentiary for 19 years. He served as a school inspector, and for three years, was V. P. of the School Board. He served three years as president of the Y.M.C.A. and thereafter as Vice President.
In 1895, G. L. Vance traveled abroad, visiting various points of interest in Europe, Asia and Africa, making a trip up the Nile and through the Holy Land.
He was described as a pronounced Republican, who was in sympathy with the principles of the party until 1896, when he espoused the cause of free silver, and became known as a “Free Silver Republican”. He was a candidate for Congress in the November 3, 1896 election, running against Joseph G. Cannon, late Speaker. He ran on the National People’s Party ticket with William JENNINGS BRYAN, who ran as presidential candidate. Although Mr. Vance failed to win election, he polled more votes than the other men on his ticket.
Death took G. L. Vance at the family home on 19 Aug 1905. He had one of the largest funerals ever witnessed in Will County, and four of his brothers were the pallbearers. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet, IL.
Sources: – “History of Ryegate, Vermont” by Miller and Wells, pgs. 542-544; – “1878 History of Will Co., IL”, pg. 722; – “Past and Present of Will Co., Illinois,” by W. W. Stevens, published in 1907 (pages 586-590); – “Joliet, A Pictorial History” by Robert E. Sterling, published in 1986; – “History of Newbury, Vermont” (pg. 717); – “The Portrait Biographical Album of Will Co., Illinois” (pages 306-307); – “History of Barnet, VT” (pages 648-649); – “Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will Co.”, published 1900 (pages 355-356); – Will and probate records of G. L. Vance, on file in Will Co., IL; – Death certificate of G. L. Vance; – “Joliet News” paper of 19 Aug 1905; – “Daily Republican” papers of 20 and 22 Aug 1905; and – “Evening Herald” paper of 22 Aug 1905.
By Marge Rice, of Joliet, IL Posted by Marge Rice, Jul 16, 2001
Mary T (nee WALOWSKI) VERCELLOTTI
Age 92, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2000 at Meadowbrook Manor Nursing Home, Naperville. Born in Chicago, IL, she was a member of C.C.W. of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish, the Auxiliary of St. Joseph Medical Center, Third order of Sacred Heart and a very dedicated hospice volunteer. She was a choir member for many years at Sacred Heart and St. Anthony’s Parish’s. She held a position of Election Judge for the Will County Republican Party for over 40 years, and was a member of the National Republican Party. She was also a very dedicated volunteer and captain of the building fund campaign for the St. Joseph’s Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Joseph F. VERCELLOTTI (1978); her parents Frank and Stella (nee KOPCZYRISKI) WALOWSKI; two brothers and three sisters; two sons-in-law, James BABCOCK and John PLUTH; and her granddaughter Karen VERCELLOTTI. Mary is survived by her nine children; Joseph (June) VERCELLOTTI, Dr. John (Sharon) VERCELLOTTI, Dr. Leonard (Marita) VERCELLOTTI, Rosalie VODA, Mary BABCOCK, Margaret (Gunther) HOFFMAN, Grace (Andrew) KOTOWICZ, Gloria (Bruce) McCONNELL and Dr. Gregory (Jane) VERCELLOTTI. Grandmother of 35 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 25 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held from the Grant-Tapella-Freitag Westwood Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at 9:15 AM to the Cathedral of St. Raymond for a concelebrated Funeral Mass at 10 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Monday from 3-8 PM. Memorials to the Cathedral of St. Raymond building fund in her memory would be appreciated. Grant-Tapella-Freitag Westwood Memorial Chapel, Jefferson St. at Essington
Source: Herald News, Joliet, IL, Dec 17, 2000 Posted by Lawrence B Peet, Dec 28, 2000
Frederic E VIEREGG
VIEREGG — The Funeral of Frederic E. VIEREGG, who died at his home, 126 Akin avenue, yesterday, will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock from the home, Burial in Elmhurst.
Source: The Joliet Evening Herald-news, Joliet, IL, Feb 8, 1917 Posted by Lawrence B Peet, Jun 19, 2000
Charles VIMPENY
Charles VIMPENY Struck By Automobile – Loses Life Old Joliet Soldier Killed In Quincy Charles VIMPENY, for forty years a resident of Joliet and for the past two years living at the Soldiers’ Home at Quincy, who died Sunday because of injuries received in an automobile accident, will be buried tomorrow at Oakwood. The body arrived this morning at 6:22 on the Santa Fe railroad and was taken to the residence of the veteran’s son, Arthur R. VIMPENY, 1305 Highland avenue, from which place the funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. The accident which cost him his life occurred Thursday night in front of the Empire theater, Quincy, at 9:30 as he was on his way to hear Benjamin Fay MILLS deliver a speech for the Progressive party. There were several automobiles in front of the theater, and as he started to cross the street to enter the building, he did not notice the approach of a car driven by Clat ADAMS, a merchant. He stepped off the curb directly in front of the car. Before Mr. ADAMS could stop, the automobile had passed over the soldier’s body, breaking three ribs, and crushing out an eye. Mr. VIMPENY was taken first to the station in the police ambulance and then to the Home. There survive the deceased: Four sons, Arthur, 1308 Highland avenue; Harry, Lemont; George, Englewood; Charles, Cleveland; two daughters, Mrs. Mary WAGNER, Washington street; Mrs. J. M. TEETS, New Jersey. (The Civil War Veteran is buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet, Illinois)
Source: Joliet News, Oct 14, 1912 Posted by Norma Meier, Sep 1, 1998
Fred VIMPENY
Fred VIMPENY Dies Of Internal Injuries Sustained Friday When He Was Thrown From a Stone Truck. Fred VIMPENY, who was thrown from a stone truck Friday morning, died of internal injuries at St. Joseph’s hospital the same afternoon about 3:30 o’clock. His leg was broken, but the more serious injuries were caused by the horse, which stepped on his chest. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock from his late home, 613 Florence avenue, Rev. Ben N. MITCHELL, of the Christian church, officiating. He leaves besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles VIMPENY, four brothers and a sister. They are Mrs. Howard WAGNER, Arthur, Harry and George, of Joliet, and Charles, of Oak Park, Ohio. Mr. VIMPENY was driving the team and heavy truck down Washington street near Spring creek. The neck-yoke broke, the horse ran into the curing and the unfortunate man was thrown from the truck. (Buried Oakwood Cemtery, Joliet, Illinois)
Source: The Joliet News, Thur, 14 Aug 1905 Posted by Norma Meier, Sep 1, 1998
Milford VIMPENY
Smothered To Death In The Gravel This forenoon about 11 o’clock, a fatal accident ended a morning’s sport for three young boys in Rowell’s gravel pit, east of the Driving Park. Milford VIMPENY, a young boy aged 7 years, with an older brother and another companion, were playing in the pit, when, without warning, the gravel bank suddenly caved in upon them, covering all three. Milford was found to be nearly gone and died soon after being rescued. The other two were bruised somewhat, but not seriously injured. The little boy was removed to the home of his father, Chas. VIMPENY, on Second Avenue in Brooklyn, and an inquest was held this afternoon which returned a verdict of accidental death. (Buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet, Illinois)
Source: Joliet News, Oct 4, 1888 Posted by Norma Meier, Sep 1, 1998
Dorothy M. VOLLRATH
Dorothy M. VOLLRATH Age 89. Passed away Sunday, November 9, 2003 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center. Survived by two nieces, Karen (Tom) STAFFORD of Frankfort and Jean (Bruce) KYLES of Belvidere; one nephew Edward VOLLRATH of CO. Two special cousins Joyce (late William) HECHT and LeAnn (Robert) KOLAR. Numerous other cousins also survive. Preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lydia (HANSEN) VOLLRATH; one sister, Betty VOLLRATH and one brother, Lambert VOLLRATH. Born in Blue Island, IL, a Frankfort-Joliet resident most of her life. Retired from G.A.F. in 1978 as a payroll clerk. Member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. Lying in State Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Frankfort until time of services at 10 a.m. Interment Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday 3-7 p.m. at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. Memorials to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ would be appreciated. Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag 1500 Black Rd. near Midland 815-744-4444
Source: Joliet Herald News, 12 Nov 2003 Posted by Colleen Bettenhausen, Nov 11, 2003
Henry E. VOSS
Henry E. VOSS Age 71. Passed away Saturday, April 7, 2001 at his home in Mokena after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by his loving wife, Arline (nee SCHWACHTGEN) loving father of Jeffrey (Marianne) VOSS of Frankfort, and Lisa Ann (David) HAIDLE of Wheaton, one granddaughter Madeline VOSS, brother-in-law of Leanne (Richard) LYSHOLM of Galesburg, IL and Neal (Judy) Schwachtgen of Westville, IN. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents Henry and Henrietta (nee Mohr) VOSS. Born November 29, 1929 in Harvey, IL. Resident of Mokena; former resident of Tinley Park and Blue Island. Formerly employed as a Stationary Engineer at Wyman and Gordon of Harvey, IL and Palos Community Hospital, Palos Hts, IL. Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Air Force. Life member of the American Legion, Post #50, Blue Island. Past Charter member of the Blue Island Jaycees. Charter member of the Lincoln Way Area Chorale. He was an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Mokena, IL; also a member of St. John’s Church Choir as well as volunteering at the Shepard’s Table, Joliet for many years. Lying in state Wednesday from 10:00 AM until time of service 11:00 AM at St. John’s United Church of Christ 11100 Second Street, Mokena. Int. St. John’s Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home. 19604 South Wolf Road, Mokena. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John’s United Church of Christ,appreciated,(708)479-1210 Vandenberg Funeral Home 19604 S. Wolf Road Mokena, IL 60448
Source: Joliet Herald News, 10 Apr 2001 Posted by Colleen Bettenhausen, Apr 10, 2001