Obituaries
U/V
UNDERWOOD, Phineas, Virginia Enquirer, October 14, 1909
Phineas Underwood was born in the year 1763 in Vermont. His father and two brothers had served in the American Revolution and when Phineas was eighteen, he enlisted at Putney, Vermont, in March, 1781, serving under Josiah Fish. He served ten months. As a widower in 1826, he came to Illinois with his son, Phineas, Jr. and family, headed for the Military Tract between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, where he intended to enter government land with his soldier land warrant. While passing through Morgan County, he was so pleased with the land here that he concluded his journey, going no further. On November 24, 1826, he settled two and one half miles northwest of Virginia, in Cass County. The Underwoods came ten years before Dr. Hall laid out the town of Virginia, in Cass County. The old soldier lived on this land until 1844 when he died at the age of eighty one, leaving a son, Phineas, Jr., and a daughter, Rachel. The body was laid to rest in the old Halsey Smith burial ground, three miles west of Virginia. Phineas Underwood, Jr., his wife, and one of their sons were also buried in this old cemetery. Other members of the family were interred nearby, buy when a granddaughter, Rachel Anderson, died April 3, 1901, at the age of sixty-seven, her children purchased a lot in Walnut Ridge cemetery in Virginia.The children of Rachel Anderson consented to the body being removed to that plot. The head of the DAR in Springfield, IL manifested a great interest in his removal and agreed to apply for a U.S. Government marker for the grave. The Virginia GAR contributed to the cost of the removal. The remains now lie in Walnut Ridge cemetery. (Halsey Smith cemetery is better known as Powell cemetery.)
UNDERWOOD, Phineas, Jr. - Virginia Gazette, June 4, 1884
Last Monday, Phineas Underwood was struck by a tree and died a short time later. He was 85 years old. Three children survive, Rachel Anderson of here, Susan Cowan, who resides on the homestead, and Thomas Underwood, of Missouri. He was a Mason for 60 years and a member of the Methodist E. Church. He buried in Powell Cemetery. (Thomas is buried in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia, IL.)
Note: The submitter or the newspaper account was incorrect in reporting that Phineas Underwood was struck by a tree. Roger Whitaker reports that Phineas Underwood, Jr. was killed after being struck by a train. His obituary can be seen at http://www.whitakergenealogy.us/phineas_underwood_jr.htm.
UNLAND, Geneva - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, September 30, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Geneva Unland 1913-2006, Beardstown
Geneva Viola Unland, 92, of Beardstown, died Wednesday evening, Sept. 27, 2006, at her daughter's residence in Savannah, Ga.
She was born Oct. 17, 1913, in Beardstown, the daughter of Edward G. and Evalee Wubker Wessel. She married Clarence William Unland on Aug. 6, 1939, at First Evangelical Church in Beardstown, and he preceded her in death in 1981.
She is survived by one daughter, Janet (husband, Larry) Burnette of Savannah, Ga.; one grandson, Gary (wife, April) Johnson of Perry, Ga.; one granddaughter, Michelle (husband, Mark) Harless of Paducah, Ky.; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Christy Burnette Eldridge; one great-grandson; and three brothers, Edward, Harry and Paul (surviving wife, Rosalie of Beardstown) Wessel.
Mrs. Unland graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1932. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown, where she served in various church organizations. She was a former member of Beardstown Woman's Club. She was previously employed at Illinois Glove Factory in Beardstown and as a bookkeeper at John Deere in Beardstown.
Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Beardstown City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Thursday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Memorials are suggested to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
UNLAND, Hubert E. - Airsman Hires Funeral Home Website
Hubert E. Unland February 4, 1911-April 27, 2011
Hubert E. Unland, 100, of Beardstown died Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. He was born February 8, 1911 in Meredosia, the son of Frank and Lula Schaefer Unland. He married Perle Wessel on December 2, 1934 in Eureka and she preceded him in death April 22, 2000. Surviving is his son Jeffrey (wife Delia) Unland of Springfield; three grandchildren Lori Unland Baez of Ashland, Matt (wife Tonya) Unland of Beardstown, and Kelly (husband Wes) Snow of Virginia; and four great grandchildren Kylee and Austin Unland and Garrett and Ryan Snow. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one grandson Timothy D. Unland, two great grandsons Derek and Wyatt Snow, four sisters Allene Wills, Edythe Hagel, Frieda Rhodes, and Laverne Chamberlain, and one brother Alvin Unland. Mr. Unland graduated from Meredosia High School in the class of 1929. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown and a member of B.P.O. Elks Club #1007 in Beardstown for over 50 years. He retired in 1975 as vice president/general manager of Grant Contracting/American Aggregates in Greenville, OH. After his retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending winters in Fort Meyers, FL and summers in the Ozarks. He just recently enjoyed celebrating his 100th birthday with family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Burial will be in Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 11:30 AM until the time of services Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials have been suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his wife Perle. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.
VALLERY, Harlan Charles - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 13, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Harlan Charles Vallery - 1922-2003 - Rushville
Harlan Charles Vallery, 80, of Rushville, and formerly of Beardstown, died early Sunday morning, Jan. 12, 2003, at the Culbertson Long Term Care Facility in Rushville.
He was born August 10, 1922, in Cass County, the son of Charles and Agnes Hale Vallery. He married Mildred L. Rohn Oct. 3, 1942, in Palmyra, Mo., and she survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Nancy Gish of Beardstown and Janie (husband, Jim) Malcomson of Rushville; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one brother, Clyde (wife, Peggy) of Tucson. He was preceded in death by one son, John; and two sisters, Edith Danner and Jean Cody.
Mr. Vallery was a World War II Navy veteran. He was the 16th man assigned to the new ship USS Intrepid. He retired from General Dynamics Freeman United Coal Mine in 1984 after 10 years of service. He was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown, the Beardstown Moose and the Beardstown American Legion Post 605. He enjoyed woodworking and making items from metal.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery with military rites by Guthrie Pierce VFW Post 1239. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Wood-Roby Funeral Chapel in Rushville and one hour prior to the service at the church Wednesday. Memorials are suggested to the Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent online to the family at [email protected].
VANITER, Mary Margaret (Miller) - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois
Mary Margaret (Miller) Vaniter, May 13, 1928-October 21, 2014
Mary Margaret Vaniter, 86, of Beardstown, died Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at Heritage Health in Beardstown.
She was born May 13, 1928, in New Berlin, the daughter of Elza Bethel and Mary Margaret Middleton Miller.
She is survived by one son, Tim Vaniter of Waverly; three brothers, Buddy (Elizabeth) Miller of Pittsfield, Mike Miller of Virginia, and Jim (Rose) Miller of Beardstown; two sisters, Rosemary (Charlie) Homer of Beardstown, and Candy (Butch) Cooper of Virginia; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, William Vaniter; and two brothers, Thomas Miller and James Dennis Miller.
Mrs. Vaniter worked as a nurse's aide at Holy Cross Hospital in Jacksonville and as a housekeeping supervisor at the Holiday Inn in Jacksonville and the State House Inn in Springfield.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. There will be no formal visitation. Memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.
VELTEN, Donna Rae, Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home and Crematory Internet Website
Donna Rae Velten, October 19, 1937-April 11, 2013
Donna Rae Velten, 75, of Petersburg, IL and formerly of Virginia, IL died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
She was born October 19, 1937 in Literberry, IL; the daughter of Joseph Harold and Vera Ellen Freeman Petefish. She married Nicholas Lee Velten on April 24, 1955 in Quincy and he preceded her in death on May 31, 1986.
She is survived by eight children, Renee Hardwick (companion, David Harris) of Springfield, Sherrie Kesterson (husband, Richard) of Virginia, Julie Blaise (husband, Robert) of Springfield, Nick Velten (wife, Chris) of Girard, Rick Velten (wife, Deborah) of Gainesville, GA, Marisa Gerdes (husband, Gary) of Petersburg, Tony Velten (wife, Christy) of Virginia, and Cathy Lucht of Petersburg; 20 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren, April Young and Rich Kesterson; and a brother, Harold Lavon Petefish.
Mrs. Velten was a 1955 graduate of Virginia High School. She worked at Rossi's Restaurant and Dr. Jack Hollada Chiropractic Office prior to owning and operating, with her husband, Velten's Shoe and Clothing Store and Shoe Repair Shop in Virginia. She was a member of St. Lukes Catholic Church in Virginia. She enjoyed reading, playing solitaire, and spending time with her family.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 pm Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends from 12:30 pm Saturday until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in memory of April Young and Rich Kesterson, American Diabetes Association, or American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent online at www.buchanancody.com.
VENZ, Margaret Emilie- Journal-Courier, July 21, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Margaret Venz, 1921-2007, Beardstown
Margaret Emilie Venz, 86, of Beardstown, died Thursday evening, July 19, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
She was born June 12, 1921, in Seward, Neb., the daughter of Fred and Wilhelmina Mailand Ritterbush. She married Norman E. Venz on June 25, 1944, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, Neb., and he preceded her in death Dec. 25, 1986.
She is survived by three children, Curtis (wife, Karen) and Carol (husband, David) Miller, both of Beardstown, and Keith (wife, Janet) of Burbank; seven grandchildren, Megan, Nathan (fiance'e, Mindy Roller), Mark and Pamela Venz, Sara and Sean Miller and Jennifer (husband, Jason) Herrmann; and two sisters, Edith Volzke of Seward, Neb., and Leona Ruether of Staplehurst, Neb. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Tonniges and Hertha Carr.
Mrs. Venz was baptized on July 17, 1921 and confirmed on May 26, 1935 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, Neb. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville. She was actively involved in many organizations of St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Beardstown and she was very committed to blanket making for Lutheran World Relief and Christian Love in Action. As a woman with a strong faith in God, she enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and was devoted to her children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville, with burial a St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School in Arenzville or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
VICKERY, Lisa Kaye Edwards - Buchanan Funeral Home website
Lisa Kaye Edwards Vickery, 40, of Ottawa and formerly of Beardstown, died Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.
Lisa was the daughter of Vern (wife Freda) Edwards of Barry and Bette (husband Frank) Farwell of East Dundee and the sister of Glen Edwards of Jacksonville and Roger Edwards of Springfield. She married Randall Vickery and he survives along with three children, Allison, Mary Ann and Samuel, all of Ottawa. She is also survived by five step-siblings, Todd Phillips of Rushville, Alicia Phillips of Perry, and April Voss, Amber Kemp and Freda Hull, all of Barry.
Lisa loved life, her family and her friends. To know her was to love her. She WILL be missed
The family will meet friends from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday for a Celebration of Life gathering at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia. Memorials are suggested to the funeral home to help with expenses. The online memorial book may be viewed at www.buchanancody.com.
VINCENT, H. Gene - Cass County Star Gazette, Beardstown, Illinois, January 5, 2012 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
H. Gene Vincent, July 8, 1938-December 26, 2011
H. Gene Vincent, born July 8, 1938 in Beardstown, passed away on Dec. 28. Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served aboard the USS Sierra. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and was retired from AT&T. He enjoyed photography, scuba diving, and many outdoor sports. He was a memver of the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Rosalie, and was a loving father to Susan Vincent-Rawn (Dan), and doting grandfather to granddaughter Kelsey Rawn and grandson Kyle Rawn, all of Knoxville, Tenn.. He is also survived by a stepson, Nicholas McCubbin, and a step-grsndson, Kurtis McCubbin, both of Riverton, five half-sisters, a half-brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a half-brother and half-sister.
The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to Big Bend Hospice (Tallahassee, FL.), and the physicians and nurses involved in his care.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, at St. Alexis Catholic Church in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials in his memory may be made to: the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More (Tallahassee, Fla.), Big Bend Hospice (Tallahassee, Fla.), St. Alexis Catholic Church (Beardstown) or Masses.
Beggs Funeral Home, 3322 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Fla., (850)942-2929 is in charge of arrangements.
VINCENT, Kenneth Dale - Submitted by Ernie Launer
Kenneth Dale Vincent 1938-2000 BEARDSTOWN
Kenneth Dale Vincent, 61, of Beardstown, died early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2000, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
He was born Oct. 13, 1938, in Beardstown, the son of Cecil and Pauline Anderson Vincent. He married Ruth Ann Harris April 13, 1962, at the First Evangelical Lutheran' Church in Beardstown and she survives.
He is also survived by a son, Kenneth Dale Jr. of Petersburg; a daughter, Penny Sue Huston of Beardstown; four grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. George (Debbie) Brown and Mrs. John (Joyce) Reichert, both of Beardstown. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Larry.
Me Vincent was a 1956 graduate of Beardstown High School. He was a pilot for Logsdon Tug Service for the past 10 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Lutheran Cemetery in Beardstown. An informal visitation will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the American Red Cross.
VINCENT, Richard Lee - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, June 12, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Richard Lee Vincent, 1941-2007, Beardstown
Richard Lee Vincent, 66, of Beardstown, died Monday afternoon, June 11, 2007, at Heritage Manor East in Beardstown.
He was born Jan. 12, 1941, in East Alton, the son of Vernon and Isabelle Kirchner Vincent. He married Judith Lee Spencer on Dec. 25, 1969, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown, and she survives.
He is also survived by one son, Vernon (wife, Angela) of Springfield; and one granddaughter, Theresa Nichole Vincent.
Mr. Vincent graduated from Beardstown High School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 until 1967 during the Vietnam era and received a Bronze Star for her service. He was a lifetime member of Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post 1239 in Beardstown where he formerly served a term as Vice-Commander and he was a member of B.P.O. Elks 1007 in Beardstown where he assisted with the Fourth of July Fireworks. He was previously employed with Naples Terminal then Bohn Aluminum and Schultz-Baujan Mill, both in Beardstown, and retired from E&M Corporation in Beardstown. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Veterans' Section of Oak Grove Cemetery in Beardstown, where military services will be conducted by Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post 1239 in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Following the visitation, cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials are suggested to the Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post 1239 in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
VINING, Nancy - Virginia Enquirer, Nov. 1, 1879
Died Monday last at her residence in Virginia, Nancy Vining, formerly Mrs. Nancy Hutchings.
VIRGIN, Eli Horace - Gazette Times, Virginia, Illinois, March 16, 1978 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Eli H. Virgin
Eli Horace Virgin, retired famer in the Virginia-Arenzville area, died March 8 at Norris Hospital in Jacksonville, He was 87.
A member of a pioneer family, Mr. Virgin was the son of John W. and Lou Margaret Stribling Virgin. He was born in Ft. Craig, New Mexico, on Sept. 7, 1980.
He was married to Rachel Rexroat of Virginia on April 21, 1920. Survivors include five children; Robert, of Virginia; George (Jim) of West Palm Beach, Florida; Alice Lou (Mrs. Leland Schnake) of Beardstown; Dorothy (Mrs. Byron McGinnis) of Arcadia; and Margaret (Mrs. Russell Thorell) of Macomb. Also surviving are two sisters, Dorothy and Louise Virgin of Santa Fe, New Mexico. One son, Louis W. preceded him in death. A sister, Norma (Mrs. Benjamin Swearingen), and a granddaughter, Joyce Ann McGinnis, preceded him in death. Mr. Virgin is survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. Virgin graduated from Virginia High School and attended University of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in France during World War I and was a charter member of the Walter Reed Post of the American Legion.
Mr. Virgin farmed many years in the Virginia-Arenzville area and was a breeder of pure bread Shorthorns.
He served a number of years on the school board in the Union Community. He also helped organize the 4-H club there and served as leader for many years.
VIRGIN, Robert H. "Bob" - Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home Website - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Robert H. "Bob" Virgin, May 13, 1921-August 8, 2014
Robert H. Virgin, 93, of Virginia, IL died Thursday, August 8, 2014.
He was born May 13, 1921 in Jacksonville, the son of Eli Horace and Rachel Rexroat Virgin. He was united in marriage to Kathleen L. Hempler on August 1, 1948 in Johnston City, IL and she preceded him in death on December 15, 1998.
He is survived by a son, David Virgin (wife, Becky) of rural Arenzville; two grandchildren, Sarah Reedy (husband, Kyle) of Tuscola and Zachariah Virgin (wife, Anna) of Windsor; a great grandchild, Maddox Reedy; a sister, Alice Lou Gramman (husband, Art) of Beardstown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a great grandchild, Eli Reedy; two brothers, Louis and George Virgin; and two sisters, Dorothy McGinnis and Margaret Thorell.
Bob was a 1939 graduate of Virginia High School and attended Blackburn College. He served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII with the 355th Fighter Group based in Steeple Morden, England. He returned to the Virginia area where he has been a grain and livestock farmer since 1946. He had a special love for Shorthorn cattle on the farm.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia and formerly served on the Cass County Soil and Water District Board and the Cass County Farm Bureau Board. He had served 42 years as the beef superintendent for the Cass County Fair. He enjoyed square dancing and supporting any activity involving his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia with burial and military honors at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Cass County Fair Foundation for Livestock Events, Passavant Hospital Foundation for the Transitional Care Unit, or Cass County Food Pantry. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.buchanancody.com.
VON ROHR, Delvina - Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home Website - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Delvina von Rohr, 88 years, of Virginia, IL died Sunday afternoon, February 11, 2007 at the Walker Nursing Home in Virginia. She was born February 24, 1918 in Highland, IL; the daughter of George and Mary "Molly" Ims von Rohr.
She is survived by a cousin, Sophia Giloman of Highland. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Roman and Florian von Rohr.
Miss von Rohr was employed at Walker Nursing Home from 1953 until her retirement in 1983. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Virginia.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, February 15, 2007 at the Walker Nursing Home in Virginia with the Rev. Jill Flynn officiating. There will be no visitation. Private committal services will be held later at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Memorial gifts are suggested to Grave Lutheran Church of Virginia. The Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home of Virginia is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.
VOTSMIER, Henry Patrick - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, October 10, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Henry Patrick Votsmier, 1934-2007, Ashland
Henry Patrick Votsmier, 73, of Ashland, died Monday evening, Oct. 8, 2007, at Capitol Care Center in Springfield.
He was born April 9, 1934, in Springfield, the son of Henry Patrick and Cecilia Velten Votsmier.
He is survived by one brother, Tom Votsmier of Ashland.
Mr. Votsmier was a graduate of Ashland High School. He worked for Newell's Insurance in Ashland for many years. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved shopping for bargains and enjoyed taking care of his fish and birds.
Funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ashland, with burial at St. Augustine Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church one hour prior to Mass, Memorials are suggested to St. Augustine Catholic Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.buchanancody.com.
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