Penny Kaler Smeltzer Passes Away on October 2, 2023

Penny Kaler Smeltzer passed away on October 2, 2023.

Her sister, Patricia, passed away in 2015 (see here).

When Penny Kaler married Robert Smeltzer in 1963, she became Penny Kay Smelzter.

Penny Kay Smeltzer, 77, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away October 2, 2023, at home.

Penny was born in Decatur on August 22, 1946, the daughter of Raymond and Fraudonna (High) Kaler. She married Robert Smeltzer on January 4, 1963, in Monticello, Illinois. Her chosen work was cleaning houses for others, which led to many of her clients becoming cherished friends. In her spare time, she was an avid reader, baker, and watcher of court-TV shows. She was a former member of the Early Idlers Car Club, a pastime she enjoyed with her husband Robert. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  

Penny is survived by her children Paula Burris of Decatur and Pamela (Michael) Card, both of Decatur; siblings Karen (Rodney) Beard and Raymond Kaler, both of Decatur; sisters-in-law Marilyn Merry and Karla Campbell; grandchildren Benjamin Smeltzer, Brandie Jones, Megan Burris, Abbey Burris, and Sunshine Zuber; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters Paula Rae Kaler and Patricia Michaels.  

Visitation for Penny will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Following the visitation, Graceland Fairlawn will provide cremation services, and burial will be held at a later date in Mt. Gilead Cemetery.  

The Yelverton Twins Have Both Passed Away

The adolescent Yelvertons enjoyed playing Football for the Douglas MacArthur High School Generals, as well as Donald being involved in Wrestling as a sophomore and Ronald in Orchestra as a freshman.

Back in 2015, we discovered that one of the Yelverton twins had died 40 years earlier.

Donald Gene Yelverton. Donald Yelverton, 28, of Santa Ana, Calif., formerly of Decatur, died Tuesday night November 18, 1975 in a traffic accident in San Jose, Calif. Don Yelverton was born in Decatur, a son of Buford and Katie Yelverton. Surviving are his wife, Jane; sons, Jimmy and John, at home; daughter, Julie, at home; brother, Ronald D., of Tustin, Calif.; sister, Linda Paschal of Burkley, MO.; mother of Warner, Okla. 

Now it has come to our attention that Donald's brother, Ronald died four (4) years ago.

Ronald D. Yelverton, age 72 of Highland, IL, died Sunday, January 20, 2019, at San Gabriel Memory Care in Highland, IL.

Ron was born January 13, 1947, in Decatur, IL, the son of Buford and Katie (nee Virden) Yelverton.

On October 05, 1996, he married Cynthia A. "Cindy" Buehne in Edwardsville, IL.

He was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. 

Ron was born in Decatur, IL and graduated Douglas MacArthur High School in 1965. He joined the US Marine Corps for 10 years in Aviation Management., with duty in Vietnam. He earned a B.S. degree from SIUE. He worked at McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft for over 10 years, C.S.C. in Champaign, IL from 1993 to 1996, and worked from 2000 - 2012 with Dept.. of Defense at Scott Air Force Base as a Contracting Officer. Ron loved the St. Louis Cardinals and fell 5 short of visiting all the major league ball parks. He enjoyed travel to Alaska, Panama Canal, and National Parks, especially the Grand Canyon. He loved spending time with friends, reading and was a presidential history buff, reading presidential biographies. 

Survivors include eight survivors:
Wife - Cynthia A. "Cindy" Yelverton nee Buehne, Highland, IL
Son - John J. "JJ" Yelverton, Saint Louis, MO
Daughter - Jodie M. (Tucker) Bauman, Madras, OR
Grandchild - Michael Bauman, Madras, OR
Grandchild - Becca Bauman, Madras, OR
Brother In-Law - Douglas F. Paschal, Highland, IL
Nieces and Nephews - Numerous.

He was preceded in death by :
Father - Burford J. Yelverton - Died 7/30/1974
Mother - Katie L. Yelverton nee Virden - Died 12/20/1993
Brother - Donald G. Yelverton (twin to Ron) - Died 11/18/1975
Sister - Linda Paschal - Died 5/22/2014

Interment was at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.

We are sorry
 these familiar faces 

of the Class of 1965

are no longer with us.

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.

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.)

Dianne Gustin Passes Away

Unfortunately, over Thanksgiving 2021, a third classmate passed away.

Dianne Elizabeth Gustin was an active member of the Douglas MacArthur Class of 1965. As a Freshman she was the Girl's Choir Treasurer; on the Girl's Choir as a sophomore; "Take Five" as a sophomore; and "Musical Montage," "Curtain Raiser," and Fall Concert as a junior. As a senior, Dianne was on the A Choir and Choraliers. She participated in the Christmas Programs, every year, from Freshman to Senior.

Dianne was a Class Council Representative, Student Council, and Homecoming Committee as a freshman; in the French Club as a freshman and sophomore; Art Club member as a sophomore and junior; and was in Music Man as a senior.

For the Mac '65 reunion, she noted her first car was a Mazda 626, and she went on to be the director of marketing as her career. She said she married "Steve Kirtley."

On Facebook, Dianne Gustin Kirtley listed herself as living in Mission Viejo, California, but then she added "Just moved back to Decatur Feb 2011! Had lived in Orange County, CA for 34 years. Have two grown daughters and three grandchildren. Married to my best friend."

Her obituary lists her as having moved again.

Dianne Gustin Kirtley 

(February 26, 1947 ~ November 14, 2021)

Dianne Elizabeth Kirtley passed away at her residence in Delta, Colorado on Sunday, November 14, 2021. She was 74 years old.

Dianne was born February 26, 1947, to JoAnne Faye (Allsup) and Dale Gustin in Decatur, Illinois. She graduated from MacArthur High School in 1965 and then attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

She was a “Total Craft Lady” that loved any and all crafts from jewelry to home décor. She was always on a search for “Pretty Little Things.”

Dianne is survived by her husband Malcolm Steve Kirtley of Delta, CO; two daughters Julie Baker-Sweet of Rancho St Margarite, CA and Betsy Johnson of Lake Forest, CA; brother Mark Gustin of St Charles, MO; and three grandchildren.

Dianne is preceded in death by her parents; sister Nanette “Nan” Smith and an infant son James.

This is a December 6, 2011 photograph in which Rita Ooton hosted a Christmas luncheon of MacArthur High School friends. In front is Rita, left to right is Millicent Smith, Dianne Gustin Kirtley, Judy Wayne Rexroad, Susan Wakeman Lemons, and Carol Carter Hill. A fun Christmas memory!

2010

2011

Di and her daughters ~ 2016.

Her obituary photo published in 2021. Di suffered from Alzheimer’s in recent years.

Our condolences to her family, and friends.

COVID19 Takes Danny Smith in 2020

 

Danny Paul Smith 

June 6, 1947 - November 12, 2020

Danny was a member of the MacArthur High School, Decatur, Illinois, Class of 1965. He was on the wrestling team as a sophomore and lived at 714 West Leafland, as a freshman.

Millicent Smith writes:

"To the Mac Class of ‘65……I am sorry to announce that I have just discovered that our classmate, Danny Smith of Decatur, IL, passed away November 12, 2020. I’m very sorry that I didn’t know before now. RIP Danny"

On November 26, 2020, Danny Smith's son posted the following:

"I just wanted to let his Facebook friends know that [Danny Smith] has passed away due to complications from Covid 19. There will not be any services, but he will be laid to rest at Graceland Fairlawn cemetery in Decatur, IL."

The Graceland Fairlawn obituary reads:

"Danny Paul Smith, 73, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Danny was born June 6th, 1947, in Decatur, IL to Paul and Marjorie Ruth (Goddard) Smith. He served in the United States National Guard for 4 years and was a tool designer for Caterpillar from 1972 until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, DIY projects, and traveling.
He is survived by his two children, Heather Smith and Robby Smith; his granddaughter, Abby Whipple; his sister, Janice (Jim) Harper; his brother Roger (Barb) Smith; and his dog, Molly.
Interment will be at Graceland/Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, IL."

Danny's beloved Molly

For Mac 1965's 50th Reunion, Danny shared this information:

"(Lived in) Decatur, IL ~ Worked for Federal government of the United States; Senior Designer at Caterpillar. Attended Richland Community College."

Danny had an appreciation for cars, and owned and sold some unique ones.

He would mention his trips to Cancun and Lake Tahoe after he retired from Caterpillar.

As a final tribute to Danny Smith, here is a link to the last song he posted late in October 2020, on his Facebook site: Fleetwood Mac's Dreams Live.

Fred Miller Goes To Heaven

Fred Louis Miller's family announced via Facebook, on September 1, 2021, that Miller had passed away.

In the Senior Yearbook of the Graduating Class of Douglas MacArthur High School, Miller was acknowledged as a transfer from Stephen Decatur High School as a sophomore. He is listed as participating in Cadet Band as a Sophomore and Junior, Vice President as a Junior, and in the Concert Band as a Senior. He is noted as in Concert Choir as a Junior; in Choraliers, Music Man as a Senior, and in the All-State Music Festival as a Junior and Senior. Miller was in the German Club when a Junior and Senior. In high school sports, Fred Miller was involved with Football and Baseball as a Sophomore, and then Wrestling as a Junior and Senior.

Fred Miller's hometown was Decatur, Illinois, having been born there on January 28, 1946. At the time of his death, he lived in Oswego, Illinois.

 

After graduation, Miller joined the U.S. Marines. He mentioned that his final location where he served was at the Moffett Naval Air Station, near San Francisco, before coming home. He never talked too much about his service to the country, but he would remember his fellow Marines frequently on social media. 

Fred Miller went on to a university education in Music at Millikin University (Class of 1973, Bachelors of Music Education) in Decatur, and then on to study Music Ed-Choral at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, receiving a Master of Science. 

Fred Miller was involved with ΑΦΑ at the national level.

Besides the Marines, the other great fraternity Fred Miller joined was Alpha Phi Alpha. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) is the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity. It was initially a literary and social studies club organized in the 1905–1906 school year at Cornell University but later evolved into a fraternity with a founding date of December 4, 1906. It employs an icon from Ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza, as its symbol. Its aims are "Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love For All Mankind," and its motto is "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."

Starting in August 1980, "Mr. Miller," as his junior high school students knew him, was to become an extremely admired and popular music teacher at Valley View Community Unit School District 365 in Oswego, Illinois, until he retired in June 2011. 

"One of the most influential teachers I've ever had," said one student who went on to be a published author and ordained minister.

Fred and Gwen Miller

Regina King

Fred married Gwendolyn Thomas-Miller on August 7, 1977. Some have commented on how much Regina King looked like Gwen Miller. The Millers raised a family (son Nicholas), and went on family outings such as to Cubs vs  White Sox games, and trips to Washington D. C. 

Fred Louis Miller was an active member of the Cathedral of Grace - St. John AME Church.

Fred immensely loved being a husband and father.

He also loved being a grand dad.

He is missed. 

Fred Miller's favorite quotes are:

"It is within my power to dream, to build air castles, to think great thoughts, to aim at the stars and grasp the moon...whatever I do I will strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet born can do it better." Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me," Philippians 4:13, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear; because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love," 1 John 4:18

The Mac Class of 1965 sends our deepest condolences.

.