Keith Rogers Passes Away

 

Keith Rogers was named the "Friendliest Boy" for the Class of 1965.

He was very active in Mac sports, participating for all four years in Football (one of the tri-captains as a Senior), all four years in Basketball and Track, as well. He played Baseball as a Freshman.

He was on Student Council as a Sophomore, Class Council as a Sophomore, Vice President as a Sophomore, Spanish Club as a Sophomore and Junior, French Club as a Sophomore, and in the Science Club.

Keith was on the Homecoming Assembly as a Senior, Float Committee as a Junior and Senior, and involved in Big Mac Day as a Sophomore.

After high school, Keith married Janet Malloy. 

For the 2011 reunion, Keith Rogers shared this: "Decatur, IL ~ Cabinetmaker. Southern Illinois University. First car: Triumph 4A."

(As of 2011, the reunion booklet contained misinformation about Keith's martial status.)

Good friend, Jerry Burgener, with Keith Rogers. Below, Jerry with his brother Kim, at the 2011 Mac '65 reunion, taken by Keith Rogers.

On September 1, 2022, his daughter Julie Rogers Castro shared the following posting:

"It is with great sadness that Susie has asked me to let y’all know that her husband and our father (Keith Rogers) passed away early this morning. He was in a rehab facility after a bout with pneumonia and died peacefully. Jack, Nikki, Katy, James and myself, and our children will be forever grateful of the love, kindness, faith and loyalty that Susie showed our dad for almost 8 years! Susie and her family persevered through many trying times with numerous health problems. He passed away knowing that he was so loved by her and so many others. Please keep Susie and the rest of our family in your prayers as we get through these hard times. Services are planned for Thursday, 9/8 in Weatherford, Texas."

Later:

"This is his wife, Susie, we had a truly blessed marriage. Almost 8 years! He had become a paraplegic due to faulty back surgery, but he still found humor and joy every day. We had an abiding love and strong faith. Run with the wind, my Heavenly Superstar! I love you eternally!"

Keith was overjoyed to be a grandfather.

Keith Rogers and Susan Lacey Rogers (below) were married on November 9, 2013.

The following brief but formal obituary was posted by the Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services | Weatherford, Texas:

Rick Friedman Has Passed Away

 

Frederick (or noted as Frederic later) "Rick" Gale Friedman was an active member of the Douglas MacArthur Class of 1965.

His accomplishments were National Honor Society as a Freshman and Sophomore; Monitor News Staff for all four years and the Editor as a Senior; Latin Club all four years and its President as a Senior.

Rick was a semi-finalist for the AFS as a Junior and AFS Club as a Sophomore; Member of the Law Day Assembly as a Junior; Junior Kiwanias as a Senior; Student Council as a Senior; Class Council as a Freshman; Alternate as a Sophomore; Senior Class Play; National Election Assembly as a Senior; German Club as a Junior; and finally the Latin Club Float Chair as a Junior.

Rick moved to Wisconsin in 1973, after his extended education was completed. He died at Fox Point, Wisconsin.

Frederic "Rick" Friedman

Fox Point - Frederic "Rick" Friedman died on February 6, 2022, at age 74. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth ("Lili") Lindert Friedman, and his adoring children Meggan (Sam Valenzisi), Carrie (Stephen Lloyd), and Andy, as well as his cherished grandchildren Delainy, Alex, and Adeline. He is further survived by brothers James (Linda) Friedman and Dr. Robert (Nancy) Friedman; cousin Jodie (the late Dr. Lionel) Bernstein; brothers-in-law Dr. Peter (Linda) Lindert and Dr. David (the late Theresa and the late Madeline) Lindert; sisters-in-law Penny (Bijay) Roy and Joann (the late Albert) Lindert; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Mary Zeldes Friedman and Dr. Harold S. Friedman; his in-laws, Ruth and Albert Lindert; and sister-in-law Polly (the late David) Olfe.

Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1947, Rick matriculated at Millikin University and later received his J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Northwestern University, where he is believed to have been one of the first students to combine the courses of study.

Rick spent his entire 44-year career with Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren and was a shareholder in the firm's Trusts and Estates Practice, which he chaired for 15 years. He was frequently named to various "Best Lawyers" lists for his work advising individuals, closely held business owners, and organizations on estate and succession planning issues. He was a founder of Leave A Legacy Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to promoting charitable giving through estate planning. He loved the law and loved learning, always. For years Rick led a regular "study group" of trusts-and-estates attorneys that he founded with the late Thomas Drought to continue to hone their understanding of the law.

Rick's clients considered him a close confidant and a trusted advisor, a responsibility that he viewed as sacred. He was often engaging with families at their toughest moments, bringing sensitivity and warmth to a process that could otherwise feel overwhelming in its cold finality. It was often noted that he was a great listener.

Rick was known for his sense of humor, which he employed to bring levity to dry topics and tough situations, and which was always rooted in kindness. That so many friends and colleagues loved his wit was a testament to the inclusivity of his humor. (Even if you were one of the friends he asked about "that rash" in a crowded elevator at work. Trust us, it was very funny pre-pandemic.)

Upon his arrival in 1973, Rick quickly became a champion for his adopted home state of Wisconsin, proudly supporting Milwaukee's world-class arts organizations in particular. Over the years, Rick served on many boards including the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Medical College of Wisconsin's Cardiovascular Center board, and was a founding member of the CAP Fund, fighting child abuse in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Ballet Company held a special place in his heart and as a board member and patron, he enjoyed watching the Company flourish under the leadership of Michael Pink. He was a dedicated supporter of the Milwaukee Art Museum, where he served for over 35 years in numerous capacities including as a board member and trustee, and he was very proud and grateful to have received the Jean Friedlander Award in 2009 for his service.

Rick was a gifted photographer and an inspired artist, working mostly in the milieu of shells he collected on Marco Island, Florida, and he leaves behind many collectors of his creations -- creations which are now sure to soar in value. He would no doubt have advised his collectors to insure these separately….and to invest in a hot-glue gun to keep them in top form.

Rick and Lili loved entertaining friends with themed parties including highly choreographed video montages. Rick even famously goaded his family into appearing on "The Family Feud" while he cheered from the audience. (Dates and times of episodes redacted.)

Most of all, Rick loved spending time with his family, all of whom are left with years of memories. He was principled and fair, and, together with Lili, instilled in his family a sense of empathy and a commitment to community. He never missed an opportunity to tell his wife and children how much he loved them, and how proud he was of them. While in his professional life he would talk about "leaving a legacy" to the community, as his family, we are grateful that his legacy to us was love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his memory to the Milwaukee Ballet Company, Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin Humane Society, or Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN for Neurological Diseases Research/Dr. Rodolpho Savica MD, PhD Parkinson's Research.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring, when conditions allow.

+++

Thanks to Millie Smith ('65) and Terry Miller ('66) for communicating the loss.

Patricia Suhomske Passes Away

 

Douglas MacArthur High School Class of 1965 graduate Patricia Jean Suhomske, Patricia Jean Hood (born January 5, 1948) died on July 15, 2022.

Patricia Jean Hood also known as “Pat or “Tish”, 74, of Decatur, IL, passed away at 5:47 A.M. on Friday (07-15-2022) in Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Pat was born on January 5, 1948 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Theodore Walter Suhomske and Ruth Jacqueline (Paye) Suhomske. She married Martin D. Hood on May 31, 1984 in Decatur, IL. He survives her.

She worked at the Clinton Power Plant, Decatur Memorial Hospital, for Dr. James Allen at Allen Chiropractic Clinic, Memorial Imaging Center, Forsyth, IL, and for Dr. Merle Schrodt, MD. Pat also enjoyed car racing.

Pat is survived by her husband Martin of Decatur, IL; son – Ted W. Wright and wife Lori of Forsyth, IL; step-sons: Tracy Hood and wife Lisa of Arthur, IL, Brad Hood of St. Charles, MO, Kevin Hood and wife Brandy of Maroa, IL, and Tim Hood of Peoria, IL, fifteen grandchildren; sister Cheri Sharp of Decatur, IL, and two nieces Terri Moore and Kristi Palmer both of Decatur, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Funeral Service was held at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home with burial at Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL.

Terry McKinney Has Passed Away

Terry Scott McKinney

Terry was a smart guy at MacArthur and some of us will remember him as politically active there and at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He was in Chess Club for three years, Class Council Alternate as a Sophomore, in Social Studies Club as a Junior and Senior, and as a Senior on the Executive Committee of Social Studies Club and the Mock Election.

One of Terry's favorites as a teen: Burger Chef.

Born on July 29, 1947, I've just learned that Terry McKinney has passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 8, 2022.

His daughter Darcy posted the following: "For those who knew my. Incredible, loving amazing father Terry McKinney, he passed away early this morning. Prayers and positive thought would be appreciated for me his daughter and his 2 grandson who were the light of his eyes. We are navigating through this very hard life lesson. If any one would like to know about funeral arrangements pls message and I will let you know once we have something in place. For all who knew him, knew he was kind, thoughtful, always willing to help, do that extra step. He always made sure my and my babies where loved so much. He made me feel as I was his baby girl forever. He was my first love, my most important love. He was my superman. Myself my husband and both my boys appreciate all the out pouring of love from friends, and my family members. Thank you Nancy and Kiley Hunter for always showing my dad love, respect. I know in my heart you both cared for my dad very much. I saw it, and I felt it."

For our Douglas MacArthur HS Reunion, from Phoenix, AZ, Terry McKinney wrote: "After Mac ’65, I headed down to Carbondale and in 1969 received my Bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University with a major in Government and minors in Psychology, Philosophy, and Education.  My mother claimed that all I learned at SIU was how to drink and smoke (cigarettes).  Well, I had done both in Decatur, but I did both better (or at least more frequently) thanks to SIU.  I later did graduate work in Public Administration at what is now the University of Illinois at Springfield and then completed all required course work for a Master's in Educational Psychology at Arizona State University. I retired from the City of Phoenix as the Personnel Test Analyst in October 2005.  While with the City of Phoenix Personnel Department, I directed the activities of the Research Section of the Employment Services Division. Before joining the City of Phoenix in 1972, I was employed by the State of Illinois Personnel Department for three and one half years.  I lucked out in the first Selective Service lottery and had number 277. I was very active in the personnel selection profession.  I was a former member of the Board of Directors for IPMAAC (International Personnel Management Association Assessment Council) and past President of WRIPAC (Western Region Intergovernmental Personnel Assessment Council).  In 1984, I helped formed and was the first President of the Personnel Testing Council of Arizona (PTC A).  I received the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration 1982 Superior Service Award for outstanding public service.  I was named an Honorary Lifetime Member of WRIPAC in May of 2004. In 1982, I formed the consulting firm of Resource Assessment Services.  Darcy, my only child, was born in 1978.  In 2000, I married my third and final wife (Debbie).  In 2005, Darcy gave birth to our grandson – Nathan (who is not spoiled at all). My dad passed away in 1998 and my mother died in 2008.  So, I am now an official orphan.  My politics are still left of center, but I am much less active in the campaigns these days." First car: A very basic 1969 green Chevelle.

Since Terry wrote this information in 2011, his family grew in the number of grandkids and he lived a wonderful life in the last decade.

We talked politics. I knew Terry very well in MacArthur high school and in college as we both were at SIU-C. We shared political views and survived the Vietnam War era. Condolences to all who loved him dearly and truly. More information will be added as it becomes available.

Allen Fouste Dies

 

Allen Fouste

As a freshman, Allen was involved with Football, as as a senior with Auto Mechanics.

For one of our reunions, it was mentioned that Allen E. Fouste was living in Franklin, Illinois.

 Allen Fouste passed away at 11:30 pm on May 4, 2022, according to his wife Mary.

Allen E. Fouste, 74, of Waverly, IL, passed away May 4, 2022, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Allen was born June 28, 1947, to Gaylord and Essie (Hamilton) Fouste in Decatur, IL. He graduated from MacArthur High School in 1965, and served our country for four years in the U.S. Air Force. Allen married Mary Dick on August 4, 1972.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; sons: Aaron (Angie), Jeff (Katie); grandchildren; two brothers; one sister; and numerous other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be June 11, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Knights of Columbus in New Berlin, IL. Donations may be made to Waverly American Legion, Waverly, IL, or Franklin Outing Club, Franklin, IL.

Milly Smith noted that Allen Fouste is the 87th member of the Douglas MacArthur High School Class of 1965 to have been lost.

 

Mac 65's Senior Class VP Richard K. Williams Dies

Richard K. Williams, MacArthur High School Class of 1965 Vice-President has died, on April 10, 2022, Palm Sunday.

Williams was very involved in student activities, including the chairman of the Homecoming while the Senior Class Vice President. He was in the Concert Band as a Junior and Senior, in the Student-Faculty Game as a Junior, German Club as a Junior and Senior, and on the Student Council as a Sophomore and Senior, and serving as the Student Treasurer as a Junior.

Williams moved to and lived in Greenwood, Indiana, where he died. The following obituary was published in the local paper there:

Richard Kent Williams

Richard Kent Williams, aged 75 years, 3 months, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 10, 2022 following a battle with metastatic bladder cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife, daughter, and step-daughter.

Rich was born in Decatur, Illinois Macon County on January 16, 1947, the first child of Harrison Richard ("Bud") Williams and Norma Deardorff Williams.

He graduated from MacArthur High School in Decatur, Illinois in 1965. While at MacArthur, Rich enjoyed and excelled at playing the trumpet, was involved in both the marching and jazz bands. He and his bandmates played at the World's Fair in New York City in 1965. He also played for the varsity baseball team.

Rich attended the University of Missouri-Rolla (now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology) in January 1970, having earned a bachelor of science in chemical engineering. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois' executive program.

Former employers included A.E.Staley Company, Kane Molass Laboratories, and Madison Chemical Company (Madison, Indiana). While at Madison Chemical, he developed a method for processing and treating oily wastewater, for which he was granted a United Stated Patent in 1993. Richard retired in Greenwood, Indiana, after owning and managing a successful sign company (Boomerang, Inc., affiliated with Sign-A-Rama).

Rich was a true American patriot and was proud to have served his country in the Army, Reserves from 1970-1976, earning the rank of sergeant (E-5).

Rich married his first wife, Suzanne Breed, in 1970. Two children were born during that 27-year marriage: Natalie Smith Williams and Justin Breed Williams.

Richard met his second wife, Sally Wood Moglia, in late 1998, while battling prostate cancer. Sally was Rich's nurse; following his hospital discharge, he sent a letter to the attention of his treating nurse at the hospital, which finally made its way to her. They were married October 27, 2001; a union that lasted until his death.

Richard was a brilliant man with characteristics that included humility, integrity, honesty, and strong beliefs. He had a fierce love of God, family, and country. He had a quick wit and terrific sense of humor. He was a lifelong, die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and was grateful to watch them (finally) win a World Series in 2016. He looked forward to annual family trips to the iconic Indianapolis 500 race (held each Memorial Day weekend). Rich was a passionate Purdue University men's basketball fan. He was a proud member of the Indianapolis German American Klub. Rich and Sally traveled the world extensively, and visited locations such as Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Scotland, and France. He had an eclectic taste in music, spanning several genres: country, jazz, blues, classic rock, hard rock, and classical. He particularly enjoyed live music and shared many concerts with Natalie (Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, Kenny Chesney, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, Kid Rock, and Jimmy Buffett) just to name a very few.

He was predeceased by his parents and his favorite pet, Codicat's Lord Geoffrey, a sable Burmese (please see additional information regarding Geoff's life, below).

Richard is survived by his wife, Sally as well as his children Natalie (Todd) of Brandenburg, Kentucky and Justin (Kendra) of Lumberton, Texas. Justin and Kendra share three children: Harrison Beckett, Jameson Trade, and Caroline Grace.

Rich was a proud grandfather and watched Harrison and Jameson's baseball games as well as Caroline's cheer competitions, via Facebook live, without fail.
Richard is also survived by two siblings, and four stepchildren: Michele Moglia Klempner (Mitch), Karen Moglia Maxwell (Mark), Frank Moglia, and Tom Moglia (Ashley).

Additionally, he had four step-grandchildren: Todd and Natalie's daughter Katie Barrow (Jon), Michele and Mitch's son Zachary, Karen and Mark's daughter Amanda as well as Emma and Charlie, and Frank's daughter Delaney. Rich also had a great-grandson, Katie and Jon's son, Jensen.

Richard's funeral was a private event and was held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

Codicat's Lord Geoffrey

Codicat's Lord Geoffrey "Geoff E. Kat" a sable Burmese feline, pranced across the Rainbow Bridge on March 1, 2017 at age 19. He died of old age, at his home in Greenwood, Indiana. Geoff was whelped on January 18, 1998; the son of Tilley of Codicat's Cattery, in Dublin, Ohio.
Geoff lived a long, happy life with his best friend and caregiver, Richard Williams. He brought joy and unconditional love not only to Rich and to Rich's wife Sally, but also quickly converted even people who previously thought they did not like cats into fast friends.

In his younger years, Geoff traveled America. He visited 14 states including Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

Geoff was a true "road warrior", riding in the car while the miles piled upon the odometer. He escorted Richard on multiple business trips, as well as visits to family and friends. Geoff enjoyed helping to navigate by perching on the dashboard, sitting in Rich's lap, or resting on his left shoulder. Geoff also watched where he and Rich had just been while resting in the rear window.

Later in his life, Geoff traveled to 2 additional states: Alabama and Florida. He loved resting in the sunbeams in a rented condo on Perdido Key, Florida.
Around Christmas 2015, Geoff became blind. Not long after that, he suffered a stroke, which limited his mobility, but not his appetite or his vest for life. Though blind, he maintained his sense of smell. He could always find his food, his water, and his potty box.

Geoff was preceded across the Rainbow Bridge by his mother, Tilley, Charlie Dickens, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (and Margaret Thatcher's litter mate) Also, Natalie (Rich's daughter's) cat Princess Haley Angelique of Cheruburm, a champagne Burmese.

Geoff was survived by his caregiver Richard Williams (who just died on April 10, 2022) and Richard's wife, Sally,
Additionally, Geoff was survived by several of his housemates (who have also since passed) including his canine friend and best animal buddy and protector Margaret Thatcher "Meg", a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Feline buddies Simon Peter (a black Persian) and Samson "Sammy)", a Norwegian Forest Cat, have also pranced across the Rainbow Bridge. Rich's daughter Natalie later acquired two other cats from Codicat cattery (who were not blood relatives of Geoff but who got along with him famously: Wrigley "Bob", a blue Burmese, and Maggie (a platinum Burmese). Wrigley and Maggie have also crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Geoff is survived by Natalie's cats Murphy (sable Burmese) and Frankie (Siamese mix).

Geoff has been missed by all who knew him. However, he left behind magnificent memories of the fabulous times, travels, companionship, and love that was shared between he and his caregiver, Rich. Geoff E. Kat was a special feline. He was a lap cat who preferred a human friend's left shoulder (always the left shoulder!) whose remains were cremated.

Geoff was interred with his master, Rich Williams, on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

Earl L. Hendricks Passes Away

Earl L. Hendricks 74, of Decatur, Illinois, died Thursday, January 13, 2022 at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Earl Hendricks was a member of the graduating class of 1965 of Douglass MacArthur High School. He was a member of the Science Club for all four years of high school, and I was a friend of his from that first year. As a fellow science nerd, Earl was a smart and thoughtful soul.


He as a member of the Freshman Chorus, Concert Choir, and Choraliers all four years, a member of the Stephen Decatur Exchange Assembly as a junior, and of Music Man as a senior.


Earl was in the Rifle Club as a sophomore and junior.

Earl was born in February of 1947 in Pasadena, CA; the first born son of Captain Lane S. Hendricks and Elizabeth Hendricks. He attended Decatur Public Schools, graduated from MacArthur High School in 1965, and attended Millikin University. Later, he graduated from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute. Earl served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was employed by Firestone, Mitsubishi Motors, and the Macon County Sheriff’s Department. 

Earl learned to be a hard worker early in life; he was a self-taught mechanic and found satisfaction in learning how things worked (or didn’t work). He enjoyed cars, drag racing, and anything aviation related. (On Facebook, Susie Justice recalled Earl as a racer back in the day, who "raced with [them] at Motion Raceway and Coles County.")

He was a proud spectator at Kristin’s many sporting events through the years. Earl loved all animals, especially dogs. 

Earl married Kathy Wickline in September of 1985, beginning a wonderful marriage journey. For over thirty-six years, they lived daily what many people only dream of experiencing. Earl was the epitome of integrity. He was loving, thoughtful and devoted. When you get to marry the best person you’ve ever known, thirty-six years isn’t long enough. “I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you; but instead, I am deeply honored knowing that you spent the rest of your life with me.”

Earl is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Kristin and Michelle, mother, brother Jim, mother-in-law Patricia Wickline, sisters-in-law Diane Hendricks, Brenda Hendricks, and Vicki (Steve) Wilson. He was proceeded in death by his father, brothers Charley and Lane, niece Samantha, father-in-law Bob Wickline, and sister-in-law Judy Wickline.

A memorial service to honor the life of Earl L. Hendricks will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at New Beginnings Church of God, Decatur, IL. Military rites and burial will be at a later date.

(Credit for obit details to Tanzyus Logan Funeral Service.)