Our Faculty and Staff Today
Teacher/Coach David Ream Passed Away
David S. Ream - 1963 Challenge
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We were sorry to here of the recent passing of David Ream on November 24, 2020 in Galena, Illinois. Many of us will remember Dave outside of the class room as our baseball, basketball and football coach. Click this link to read his obituary in a new window.
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Memorial for Coach Kerner....
From his obituary page on the Norris-Segert website:
A memorial visitation for Dick will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Route 59, West Chicago, IL 60185 beginning at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and then continuing the celebration of Dick's life from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
A memorial visitation for Dick will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Route 59, West Chicago, IL 60185 beginning at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and then continuing the celebration of Dick's life from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Richard A. "Dick" Kerner Passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Richard A "Dick" Kerner, 1963 Challenge
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Barbara Alm Mazzochi notified us that John Kent made this announcement on Facebook yesterday.
Coach Kerner was voted one of our favorite teachers and, as such, attended our 50 year reunion with his wife, Dorothy, in August 2013. For your convenience, his obituary, from Norris-Sergent Funeral Home, appears below. |
Richard A. “Dick” Kerner, age 83, lifelong resident of West Chicago, passed away on July 23, 2019. He was born on June 27, 1936 in Aurora, IL to Albert “Rosie” and Florence Kerner. He graduated from West Chicago Community High School and then went on to Northern Illinois University where he played football, basketball and track. Dick was united in marriage on June 11, 1960 to Dorothy Wimble. Sports were a great part of Dick’s life. He began his coaching career at West Chicago Community High School in 1961 until 1971 where he was Varsity Head Football Coach and PE teacher, then St. Charles High School from 1971 to 1975 and finally at Waubonsie Valley High School from September 1975 until his retirement. At Waubonsie High School, he was the first Athletic Director, first physical education/driver education department chair (five years) and coached football for 20 years. In 1995 the stadium was renamed “Dick Kerner Stadium”. He was a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Hall of Fame. Dick enjoyed anything outdoors, fishing, golfing, yardwork and going to his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and friend and a mentor to many.
Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy; children, Pam (Steve) Self, Sheri (Mike) Williams and Rich (Marci) Kerner; grandchildren, Wade, Camaryn, Layne, Justin (Ashley), Brittany, Morgan, Payton, Cooper, Halle and Eli; brothers, Tom (Nancy) Kerner and Jerry (late Beatrice) Kerner; sister, Sue (John) Kimball; nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held in the near future. Please check on the funeral home website for updated information for location and times of Dick’s service.
Contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631 or www.alz.org. For information, 630-231-0060 or www.norrissegertfh.com
Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy; children, Pam (Steve) Self, Sheri (Mike) Williams and Rich (Marci) Kerner; grandchildren, Wade, Camaryn, Layne, Justin (Ashley), Brittany, Morgan, Payton, Cooper, Halle and Eli; brothers, Tom (Nancy) Kerner and Jerry (late Beatrice) Kerner; sister, Sue (John) Kimball; nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held in the near future. Please check on the funeral home website for updated information for location and times of Dick’s service.
Contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631 or www.alz.org. For information, 630-231-0060 or www.norrissegertfh.com
John DeLap Passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019
John DeLap, 1962 Challenge
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Received this notice from Larry Stark this morning, May 29:
For those of you who remember John DeLap (counselor), I just received the following: |
Dear Wegones
With apologies to Patti for circumventing protocol, I felt it was necessary to get this news out to everyone who knew John DeLap. John passed away yesterday May 25. His memorial service will be Friday, May 31 at the Norris Segert Funeral Home, West Chicago from 3:30 pm until 7:00pm. The actual memorial service will be held around 5:30pm. This will be your chance to tell your story about John and what he meant to you. His family is requesting no flowers be sent. His family is still making final arrangements and memorials have not been selected yet. It will probably be Wednesday before his obituary will appear. I will send another email when I know more.
Tim Ritchhart
With apologies to Patti for circumventing protocol, I felt it was necessary to get this news out to everyone who knew John DeLap. John passed away yesterday May 25. His memorial service will be Friday, May 31 at the Norris Segert Funeral Home, West Chicago from 3:30 pm until 7:00pm. The actual memorial service will be held around 5:30pm. This will be your chance to tell your story about John and what he meant to you. His family is requesting no flowers be sent. His family is still making final arrangements and memorials have not been selected yet. It will probably be Wednesday before his obituary will appear. I will send another email when I know more.
Tim Ritchhart
Mrs. Wissing (nee Stahl) Passed Away on April 30
A text message from Barb Mazzochi, emails from Ron Anderson and Tom Overton brought Mrs Wissing's passing to our attention. Many of us voted her as one of our favorite teachers for our 50 year reunion and we sent her an invitation but she was unable to attend. Her Obituary follows here for your convenience:
Norma Jean Wissing (nee Stahl), born in Prairie View, IL on November 10, 1924, she went to her true home with the Lord on April 30, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Richard W. Wissing in 1962; loving daughter of the late Frank and Jenny Stahl; dear sister of Don, Harold, Robert and Marian. She is survived by her children Phyl, Mark and Rick; her grandchildren Rachael, Niki, Dan and Mike, her great-grandchildren Frances, Gillian, Megan, Amaya, Lily, Eliana, John, Noah, Katalina and Brianna.
In 1946 Norma received a BA in English at North Central College her favorite classes were Latin and Shakespeare. She earned her Master’s Degree in Guidance at Northern Illinois University and taught Latin and English for 35 years at West Chicago Community High School. Norma enjoyed music, sewing, writing, gardening and served as the recording secretary for The Kane Car Club for more than 20 years.
Visitation Monday May 6, 2019 from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11 a.m. at Faith Community Church 910 Main St. West Chicago, IL 60185. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery Geneva, IL. Info @ www.williams-woodward.com or (630) 231-1300.
Norma Jean Wissing (nee Stahl), born in Prairie View, IL on November 10, 1924, she went to her true home with the Lord on April 30, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Richard W. Wissing in 1962; loving daughter of the late Frank and Jenny Stahl; dear sister of Don, Harold, Robert and Marian. She is survived by her children Phyl, Mark and Rick; her grandchildren Rachael, Niki, Dan and Mike, her great-grandchildren Frances, Gillian, Megan, Amaya, Lily, Eliana, John, Noah, Katalina and Brianna.
In 1946 Norma received a BA in English at North Central College her favorite classes were Latin and Shakespeare. She earned her Master’s Degree in Guidance at Northern Illinois University and taught Latin and English for 35 years at West Chicago Community High School. Norma enjoyed music, sewing, writing, gardening and served as the recording secretary for The Kane Car Club for more than 20 years.
Visitation Monday May 6, 2019 from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11 a.m. at Faith Community Church 910 Main St. West Chicago, IL 60185. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery Geneva, IL. Info @ www.williams-woodward.com or (630) 231-1300.
What Happened to Our Teachers?
The following email, regarding the whereabouts of some of our teachers, was received from Larry Stark on March 29, 2019:
I have no information on Ms. Caliendo and I have heard nothing about her since we graduated.
Gil DeMay is still alive and is living in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. I receive a Christmas card from him every year (Gil and I team taught together for about 8-10 years). His wife passed away several years ago, so Gil is now alone.
Dick Kerner is in the Silverado Memory Care center in St. Charles, behind Culvers. I recently visited him and he looks well and did remember me and others in our class. He enjoys visits and remembers a lot from the "old days" at We-Go. Visiting Dick would be better in the Morning hours as he sleeps a lot during the afternoons.
I don't remember where I heard this, but I heard that Don Morrison was brutally murdered in Chicago.
I also heard that Mr. Johnson also passed away.
Dr. Murphy passed away while I was still teaching at We-Go along with Don Smith, Russ Severe, and of course Dick Howard.
Charlie Cowden is still around and living in North Carolina, I believe he may now be living a managed care center.
I haven't heard from Dave Dean for a while, but he was living in Colorado.
Norma (Stahl) Wissing is married to Dick Wissing and was living in West Chicago.
I haven't heard from Dave Ream for some time, but he was living in Galena in a restored Hillside home with a beautiful view of the rolling countryside.
Winnie Thomassen passed away recently and was living in Bloomington, Il.
That's all I know or have heard, not all of this has been verified. I hope this helps somewhat.
Gil DeMay is still alive and is living in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. I receive a Christmas card from him every year (Gil and I team taught together for about 8-10 years). His wife passed away several years ago, so Gil is now alone.
Dick Kerner is in the Silverado Memory Care center in St. Charles, behind Culvers. I recently visited him and he looks well and did remember me and others in our class. He enjoys visits and remembers a lot from the "old days" at We-Go. Visiting Dick would be better in the Morning hours as he sleeps a lot during the afternoons.
I don't remember where I heard this, but I heard that Don Morrison was brutally murdered in Chicago.
I also heard that Mr. Johnson also passed away.
Dr. Murphy passed away while I was still teaching at We-Go along with Don Smith, Russ Severe, and of course Dick Howard.
Charlie Cowden is still around and living in North Carolina, I believe he may now be living a managed care center.
I haven't heard from Dave Dean for a while, but he was living in Colorado.
Norma (Stahl) Wissing is married to Dick Wissing and was living in West Chicago.
I haven't heard from Dave Ream for some time, but he was living in Galena in a restored Hillside home with a beautiful view of the rolling countryside.
Winnie Thomassen passed away recently and was living in Bloomington, Il.
That's all I know or have heard, not all of this has been verified. I hope this helps somewhat.
Dick Kerner Fell, Broke 2 Ribs, Living in Memory Care
On Friday, September 7, 2018, Coach Kerner's wife, Dorothy, sent the following email:
Dear Friends and Relatives
Dick fell and broke two ribs on August 28. Without going into all the details he is now in a Memory Care Facility in St. Charles only 10 minutes away from our home. With his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and his two broken ribs I could no longer care for him.
HOWEVER....this facility is a GIFT FROM GOD. It has only been open three weeks, Dick is the third occupant, it’s built and looks like a resort, 24/7 aides, physical therapy, activities, two little dogs, and caring, loving people all specialists in memory loss.
Please pass on this information to family and friends. If I don’t respond right away please know I’m still getting “my ducks in a row”.
Dick is happy, content, has charmed everyone he’s around and they all love him.
He’s at Silverado Memory Care
4058 E. Main St.
St Charles, Il 60174. Across from Pheasant Run and behind Culvers on Rt 64 or North Ave.
VISITORS ARE WELCOME ANYTIME,!!!
Dick fell and broke two ribs on August 28. Without going into all the details he is now in a Memory Care Facility in St. Charles only 10 minutes away from our home. With his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and his two broken ribs I could no longer care for him.
HOWEVER....this facility is a GIFT FROM GOD. It has only been open three weeks, Dick is the third occupant, it’s built and looks like a resort, 24/7 aides, physical therapy, activities, two little dogs, and caring, loving people all specialists in memory loss.
Please pass on this information to family and friends. If I don’t respond right away please know I’m still getting “my ducks in a row”.
Dick is happy, content, has charmed everyone he’s around and they all love him.
He’s at Silverado Memory Care
4058 E. Main St.
St Charles, Il 60174. Across from Pheasant Run and behind Culvers on Rt 64 or North Ave.
VISITORS ARE WELCOME ANYTIME,!!!
Coach Howard Passed Away
Most of us will remember Mr. Howard as "Coach" Howard, even if we didn't play on his golf team. Many of us voted him our favorite teacher on our pre-reunion survey. He and his wife attended our 50 year reunion in 2013 as one of our guests of honor. He will be missed for his teaching skills and his wonderful sense of humor and contagious smile. The following copy of his obituary was provided by William-Kemp Funeral Home:
Richard (Dick) Leslie Howard, longtime resident and educator from West Chicago, passed away at home in the loving arms of his family. He entered this world on July 22, 1929 and joined St. Peter on the Lord’s front porch on January 2, 2018.
He was a loving husband and dedicated father. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fredericka (Krauss) Howard, Daughters Frieda (Bryan) McArdell, Tina (Uwe) Gsedl and five Grandchildren Ryan and Kyle (McArdell) and Ella, Nina and Wen Jin (Gsedl). He is also survived by his brother Robert (Joan) Howard, First Cousins Burt (Dorothy) Andrews and Jack (Carol) Andrews. He was the fond (Great) Uncle for many nieces and nephews.
Dick served in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean War and was a supporter of American Legion Post 300.
He served in the Lions Club, as a WC Park District Commissioner, WC Fire District Commissioner and Trustee, and as a member of the First United Methodist Church of West Chicago.
Dick was loyal to the Orange and Blue from the Oak Park River Forest High School (1947), to the University of Illinois and the Chicago Bears.
He was an avid outdoors man, golfer, enjoying hunting, fishing, gardening and porch sitting.
Dick was above all an Educator. Over the course of his professional career, he was a Teacher, Coach, Asst. Principal, Principal, Interim Superintendent, Business Manager in both West Chicago Districts #33 and #94, as well as SASED Finance Director, Finance Manager of ESC District 4, and after his retirement, as a Consultant. Dick donated his body to further medical research as his last act as a teacher.
There will be no formal services held at this time, as the family is planning to celebrate his life at a later date (to be announced), and in a manner that befits him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Community High School District 94 Foundation. Dick loved being an educator and helping students succeed.
https://d94.revtrak.net/D94-Educational-Foundation/#/v/D94-Educational-Foundation-DonationTo send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Richard Howard, please visit our Tribute Store.
Richard (Dick) Leslie Howard, longtime resident and educator from West Chicago, passed away at home in the loving arms of his family. He entered this world on July 22, 1929 and joined St. Peter on the Lord’s front porch on January 2, 2018.
He was a loving husband and dedicated father. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fredericka (Krauss) Howard, Daughters Frieda (Bryan) McArdell, Tina (Uwe) Gsedl and five Grandchildren Ryan and Kyle (McArdell) and Ella, Nina and Wen Jin (Gsedl). He is also survived by his brother Robert (Joan) Howard, First Cousins Burt (Dorothy) Andrews and Jack (Carol) Andrews. He was the fond (Great) Uncle for many nieces and nephews.
Dick served in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean War and was a supporter of American Legion Post 300.
He served in the Lions Club, as a WC Park District Commissioner, WC Fire District Commissioner and Trustee, and as a member of the First United Methodist Church of West Chicago.
Dick was loyal to the Orange and Blue from the Oak Park River Forest High School (1947), to the University of Illinois and the Chicago Bears.
He was an avid outdoors man, golfer, enjoying hunting, fishing, gardening and porch sitting.
Dick was above all an Educator. Over the course of his professional career, he was a Teacher, Coach, Asst. Principal, Principal, Interim Superintendent, Business Manager in both West Chicago Districts #33 and #94, as well as SASED Finance Director, Finance Manager of ESC District 4, and after his retirement, as a Consultant. Dick donated his body to further medical research as his last act as a teacher.
There will be no formal services held at this time, as the family is planning to celebrate his life at a later date (to be announced), and in a manner that befits him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Community High School District 94 Foundation. Dick loved being an educator and helping students succeed.
https://d94.revtrak.net/D94-Educational-Foundation/#/v/D94-Educational-Foundation-DonationTo send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Richard Howard, please visit our Tribute Store.
