WWII

WREX-TV Call Letters Honor WWII Hero, Rex Caster, 1953

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Bronze Dedication for WREX-TV Call Letters to commemorate the loss of Rex Caster, the son of WREX-TV President, Lou (L.E.) Caster.

These images were attained by donation at RPL’s Community Scan Day event on December 17, 2022.

The following article provides more historical information:

 

Veterans Who Have Passed–Howard James Bannen, Jr.

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Source:  Rockford Register Star, Aug. 15, 2021.

Veterans Who Have Passed–Milton Conrad Lindquist

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Source:  Rockford Register Star, Oct. 9, 2021.

Veterans Who Have Passed – Marguerite “Marge” E. Hevrin, 1923—2021

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Obituaries in Rockford, IL | Rockford Register Star

Marguerite “Marge” E. Hevrin 1923—2021

Marguerite “Marge” Evelyn Hevrin, 97, of Rockford passed away Thursday, July 29, 2021. Born October 12, 1923, in Little Falls, MN, the daughter of Bernard and Hilma (Broberg) Kisting. Graduated the first class from West High School, Class of 1941. Attended Hunter College and graduated from Hamilton School of Business. Proud veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy (Waves). Married Earl F. Hevrin on September 22, 1944, in Rockford. Employed by Mattison Machine Works for 18 years, retiring in 1977. Longtime member of Church of the Holy Spirit in Roscoe. Member of St. Prisca Society, Catholic Women’s League, Jolly 31 Club of Durand and Illinois Village Hatters. Lifelong Cubs fan. Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen “Kathy” (Jim) Wilson; son, William “Bill” (Kady) Hevrin; grandchildren, Joanna (Alfonso) Gulley, Sara (Joe) White, Lindsey (Bill) Piggott, Edward Wilson (Elena Ten), Kyle Hevrin, Whitney Waldsmith and Julia Waldsmith; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Shirley Hevrin, Dolores Raine and June Kisting; brother-in-law, Stan Wentland; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her parents; husband; brothers, Robert “Bob” (Roseann) Kisting and Raymond Kisting; sisters, Mary Dolores Kisting, Bernadine (Lewis) Sisti and Dorothy Wentland; daughter-in-law, Pat Hevrin; and great-grandson, Gabriel White. Thank you to Dr. A. Rone; nurse, Karen; Mercy Health Home Hospice nurse, Jen; and the staff at Independence Village.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 3, 2021, in St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, with visitation from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Special Olympics. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., Loves Park. For complete obituary, visit delehantyfh.com.

 

Added note: Marge’s Navy uniform is said to be donated/on display at Memorial Hall.

Source: Published in Rockford Register Star on August 2, 2021.

Women Who Supported the WWII Effort – Georganne Hinchliff Eggers, 1928—2021

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Georganne Hinchliff Eggers 1928—2021
“A Remarkable Woman Leader”
Georganne Hinchliff Eggers, 93, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 28, 2021. She was married 65 years to her dearest childhood friend Gordon, who was described as “a true gentleman.” Together they taught what devotion looks like.
Georganne was one of a kind. When asked what the key to her successful life was, she replied, “being born a happy girl.” Even so, she overcame much adversity, including the death of her father at a young age. She balanced home life raising three children, and being an effective “community giver.” Her priorities were always family, friends, community and church.
Georganne attended Keith School, founded by her great aunt, before graduating from West High School where she later served as chairwoman for multiple reunions. After attending West High School, she volunteered during the polio epidemic and made supplies to support the WW2 war effort. She attended Rockford College and graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY as class President.
Following the heritage of her mother she was a lifelong volunteer and was a gifted natural leader. Georganne never complained. She just rolled up her sleeves and put her strong work ethic, integrity, and wonderful sense of humor to work. No task was too small or too large for her. She was on the Rockford College Board of Trustees for 25 years and on the Keith School board for an extended period. Since childhood she volunteered at the Goldie Floberg Center, and, following in the footsteps of her mother and mother-in-law, was on its board for decades. Georganne was the first female president of the United Way of Rockford and of the Rockford Community Trust. She was a lifelong member of Second Congregational Church, which her family was instrumental in organizing. She was past president of the Junior League of Rockford, the Rockford Garden Club and the Monday Club of Rockford.
Georganne loved Rockford and was very proud of her family heritage in the area. The community thanked Georganne by bestowing multiple awards on her, notably the Chuck Uram Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rotary “Service Above Self” Award, the Talcott Cross from Rockford College, and being an Excalibur Award finalist. Even in her 90’s, Georganne never stopped looking after others and smiling.
While her community accomplishments were many, her true love was her family. She was a fabulous cook and loved to entertain. Always inclusive, her table always had room for extra friends who might be alone for the holidays. Watching her children, grandchildren and “great grands” grow gave her endless joy. Her smile and positive attitude was the glue that bonded the family. She was a caring friend, volunteer, gardener, philanthropist and mother extraordinaire. She will be missed by all.
Georganne is survived by her sons, Gordon Garrett Eggers, Jr. (Rose) of Rockford, Edward Hinchliff Eggers (Vicki) of Sycamore, IL, and daughter Elizabeth Eggers Lind (Robert) of Winnetka, IL. Eight grandchildren, Jarrett Eggers (Alyssa) of Broomfield, CO, Ross Eggers (Jannet) of Niwot, CO, Hillary Eggers Shedd (Taylor) of Ft. Collins, CO, Jon Lind (Stephanie) of Chicago, Julia Lind of Chicago, Emily Eggers Scott (Taylor) of Ft Collins, CO, Peter Lind (Mary Frazier) of Chicago, and Emerson Eggers of Denver, CO; in addition to seven great grandchildren; Garrett, Maya, Edward, Mackenzie, Gordon, Noelle, Hazel. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Garrett Eggers, and brother, Edward Collins Hinchliff.
The family wishes to thank Georganne’s many lifelong friends who loved and supported her and the wonderful Morning Star Village for their care and friendship, especially Chrystal, Georganne’s guardian angel.
A celebration of Georganne’s life is scheduled for 11 A.M. on Thursday, June 10 at the Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church in Rockford with visitation starting at 9:30 AM. Family prefers memorials may be made to the Goldie Floberg Center (58 W. Rockton Rd, Rockton, IL 61072), Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church (318 N. Church, Rockford, 61101) and the Natural Land Institute (320 S. 3rd St, Rockford 61104). SecondFirst Zoom is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83473162746?pwd=NXYwVlZaYlN1QUlsaS9MOGZnZjVLUT09Please visit www.olsonfh.com for Covid 19 limitations or to express a condolence.
Source: Published by Rockford Register Star from May 29 to Jun. 6, 2021 and found on Legacy.com.

Women Who Supported the WWII Effort – Josephine Lucille “Jo” Morrissey, 1926—2021

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Josephine Lucille “Jo” Morrissey 1926—2021
Josephine Lucille “Jo” (Nana) Morrissey, daughter of Lorenzo and Catherine Matranga, passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 29, surrounded by family, with a Rosary in her hands.
Josephine grew up in an Italian neighborhood in Southwest Rockford. Her father, Lorenzo, emigrated to the United States from Sicily, served in the U.S. Army and later worked at Camp Grant. Her mother, Catherine, was born in Mississippi and moved to Rockford as a child.
Although her family came from modest means, she learned the importance of discipline, frugality, perseverance, and being “rich” in spirit. She was incredibly proud of her Italian heritage, her neighborhood, and her community. She was a staunch advocate and defender of Rockford. Her father was a master gardener, raising incredible fruits and vegetables and making his own wine. Jo’s mother turned grapes into jelly and made awesome sugo (pasta sauce) with fresh tomatoes from their garden. They passed on their faith, values and heritage to their children.
During her high school years, Jo worked in local factories, doing her part as a “Rosie the Riveter” to help the WWII war effort. Her brother, Joe, fought in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. Her brother, Cosmo, fought in the Pacific. Her 3 other brothers died by the time they were 3 years old. Josephine was the youngest of the six children. As such, she was the “baby” and family members called her “Babe,” with some nieces and nephews calling her “Aunt Babe.” Grandchildren called her “Nana.”
Her family could not afford a car, so she rode the bus or walked until she was 40 years old when she took driving lessons. She worked hard in school. She dealt with significant prejudices that existed against Italians and women at the time. She did what was needed to contribute to the support of the family.
Josephine’s Catholic Faith was a vital part of her entire life. She was a member of St. Anthony Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She attended West High School. After graduation, Jo entered OSF St. Anthony Nursing School where she became a Registered Nurse. During her nursing career, she worked for St. Anthony’s Hospital and later for Dr. Paul T. Johnson.
Jo was a strong, independent woman, passing those traits on to her children and grandchildren. Prior to getting married, Jo traveled extensively throughout the United States with her girlfriends. Jo even survived a revolution! While vacationing in Cuba, Fidel Castro overthrew the prior government. Not much of a vacation! We thank God that Jo survived!
In 1960, she met a local attorney, Joe Morrissey, at the Saddle and Cycle. While initially turned off by the loud lawyer, she gave Joe a second chance since he had a brother who was a priest, a sister who was a nun and he grew up in a large, Catholic family. Joe was enamored with Josephine’s strength and independence. Her mother’s cooking and dad’s garden were a plus!
For the first 9 years of their marriage, Jo, Joe and their two oldest children lived a few blocks south of St. Anthony’s Church in Rockford in a busy household that included Jo’s parents as well as her brother, Cosmo, sister-in-law, Antoinette, and their 4 kids. There, Jo’s dad, Papa Matranga, taught husband Joe how to garden the Italian way and Joe embraced the many Italian traditions and culture of Southwest Rockford.
In 1969, Jo & Joe moved into a home that they built on Spring Lake, former swamp land in Rockford’s east side. As the kids grew up, the vacant lot to the west of the home was a great location for Wiffle ball, football games and family gatherings. Their garden to the east covered an entire lot and became an abundant source of fresh vegetables for family and friends. Jo was an incredible cook and her family was blessed with her many great dishes, especially during the harvest. She found many creative ways to include giant zucchinis from the garden in a variety of soups, cakes, breads, lasagnas, etc.
As their kids grew up, the Morrissey home seemed continuously filled with friends, cousins, food, and laughter. Outside, animals included frogs, toads, fish, turtles and an occasional leech latched onto one of the kids after playing in the creek. Racoons, muskrats, mink, birds, flowers, and butterflies filled the neighborhood, as well. Josephine was also known to counsel and mend her kids’ friends from time-to-time who sought out their home for comfort and encouragement.
Josephine stayed true to Joe through thick and thin. Joe’s 18 years of active alcoholism blossomed into 39 years of blessed sobriety. During the toughest times, Josephine’s strength and faith held the family together. Josephine was a long time member of the Alano Club and other Al-Anon support groups for relatives of alcoholics.
During their marriage, Jo and Joe took many wonderful vacations and made great friends along the way. They enjoyed cruises, especially to Alaska. They also had great times vacationing in later years at their condo in Siesta Key, Florida. She especially enjoyed walking along the beach at sunset with Joe and family friends.

Josephine worked 16 years as a nurse and many more years as a volunteer. She helped out at Holy Family Parish, Meals on Wheels and St. Anne’s Nursing Home, to name a few. Yet, she was always present for her children and grandchildren and was a passionate advocate for them — whether attending a parent-teacher conference, defending her son Larry on the campaign trail or calling the newspaper to correct a story about one of her grandchildren. She was a constant source of encouragement to her kids and grandkids. She would say, “You can do it!” and she was always there to lend her love and support.

During the Pandemic, Jo lived with her daughter, Eileen, and son-in-law, Joe, at their home. Nana was blessed to receive the best possible love and care from Eileen, who kept her healthy and safe. Nana also had great pals in Eileen’s dogs, Rocky, Coco, and Skipper, who loved and supported Nana as part of their “pack”. Rocky was especially close, spending each night snuggled up with Nana as she slept. Rocky continued to comfort Nana into her final hours, nestling with her in bed.

Nana had an incredible caregiver, Deborah, who is also a great friend. Nana and Deborah made meals together and worked on projects. They made recipe books which Nana gave to her family. They even began making cookies for the firefighters at each of the Rockford fire stations. Nana was so proud of the work and assistance the paramedics had given her and her family over the years.

In recent weeks, with the help of Eileen and Deborah, Nana was able to return to her own home. Nana had a favorite spot in her living room where she could look at Spring Lake and enjoy the ducks, geese, birds, butterflies and sounds and sights of nature. She called it her “little corner of the world”. She read, prayed and colored many coloring books. Amid a crazy world, here she enjoyed a simple peace. She was content and happy. She was vibrant until the very end.

Prayer was an intimate part of Josephine’s life. She was devoted to her faith, including the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each day concluded with praying the Rosary. She carried this tradition into her final hours, as memories, prayers, and love were shared. Her oldest son, Bill, led a final afternoon prayer session and provided incredible spiritual support and leadership for Nana and our family. As her body was letting go, Nana found comfort through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, holding and praying her Rosary like she had done every evening for years. Her heart stayed strong until its final beat. While it’s so hard to say goodbye, we are comforted by warm memories and the blessed gifts of faith, hope, and love that she gave us. She showed us how to live a vibrant life and to die with faith, dignity, perseverance, and courage.

Josephine entered Heaven’s Door at the age of 94. She is survived by her children, Bill (Melissa) Morrissey, Eileen (Joe) Carlson, and Larry (Stacy) Morrissey; grandchildren Larissa, Joseph, Josh, Matt, Andrew, Grace, Seanna, Sophia, Dillon and AJ. Also surviving are sister-in-laws: Rita Glenn, Lois Considine, Frances Carroll, Monica Scorby, Colleen Koch, Corrine Morrissey and Linda Morrissey and brother-in-law, Larry Morrissey; many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Morrissey; parents, Lorenzo and Catherine Matranga; grandson, Michael Joseph Morrissey; brother and sister-in-law Cosmo and Antoinette Matranga; brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Marge Matranga; three brothers all named Samuel Matranga, who died as young children; sisters-in-law Rosie Hawks, Bette Wilhelm, and Barb Goy; brothers-in-law Robert Morrissey, John “Tiny” Morrissey, Rev. William Morrissey, Leroy Goy, Doug Koch, George Hawks, Louis Wilhelm, Alvin Glenn, Gene Carroll, Lloyd Considine, and Jack Scorby; nephews Tim Considine, Jay Hawks, and Brian Goy.

Visitation will be Friday, June 4, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Mulford Road. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Visitation will also take place on Saturday, June 5, from 10 am to 11 am at Holy Family Church with Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection celebrated at 11 am. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Please bring a mask or face covering to follow COVID-19 protocol at the Visitation and Mass. Special thanks to Fr. David Beauvais and Fr. Kaim, Pastor of Holy Family Church who provided counsel, comfort, and support.

Source: Published by Rockford Register Star from Jun. 1 to Jun. 4, 2021 and found on Legacy.com.

Veterans Who Have Passed–Edwin E. Moser

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Source:  Rockford Register Star, July 14, 2021.

 

Veterans Who Have Passed–Willard J. Johnson

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Source:  Rockford Register Star, Feb. 28, 2021.

Veterans Who Have Passed — Harold Donald Johnson

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Harold Donald Johnson 1926—2020
Harold Donald Johnson, 94, of Dixon, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at Liberty Court Assisted Living & Memory Care, Dixon, IL. He was employed by the Illinois Northern Utility Co., which merged with Public Service Co., then with Commonwealth Edison Co. for 36 prior to his retirement.
Harold was born May 15, 1926, in Dixon, IL, the son of Harry and Jennie (Steinbeck) Johnson. He had several nicknames, mainly “Goozle” which was passed on from his father and “Swede” which was from his time with the Utility Company. Harold graduated from Dixon High School, class of 1944. He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1944-1946 including duty in the European Theater of Operations. Also served in the Illinois National Guard and Korean Conflict from 1949-1952. Harold was proud to have received three Honorable Discharges. He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Dixon, was a member of the American Legion Post #12, a Charter Volunteer at Dixon Rural Fire Dept for 11 years (1946-1957), a member of the World War II National Museum in New Orleans, and a special Deputy Sheriff under John Stouffer, Robert Burrs and his good friend Quest. During the Depression Era he delivered newspapers for the Dixon Evening Telegraph and Rockford Morning Star. Harold had the pleasure of being Grand Marshall of the 2017 Memorial Day Parade. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and the many trips they took. He is survived by special friends, Terrie Sloan, Kathy Gridley, and Leonard Jerrells; cousins and many friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond and brother, Richard who passed away in infancy.
Private graveside service will be on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, IL, with, Pastor Jack Briggs, officiating, with full Military Honors by the combined Veteran’s Military Groups.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be mailed to Midland States Bank in C/O Connie Bontz directed to Oakwood Cemetery for the Veterans Platform to install a ramp or the Dixon Veterans Memorial Park.
Harold expressed his thanks and blessing to go to Terrie Sloan, a great friend and a devoted neighbor for over the last 30 plus years especially since living alone at home and then at Liberty Court, for the many visits and helping hands, may God put many stars in your crown.
Harold’s special friends would like to extend a thank you to nurse Andrea and all the staff at Liberty Court for taking such good care of him during his stay. As well as the combined Veteran Military Groups in the local area for all they do for Veterans.
“There is never a total loss,
But what there is a small
Gain somewhere,
If you look at it Right”
~Harold D. Johnson
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, 2020, and found on Legacy.com.

Veterans Who Have Passed — Ernest C. Mowers

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Ernest C. Mowers 1926—2020
America has lost another from its greatest generation. Ernest C. Mowers, 94 of Belvidere, IL died, December 7, 2020 in Belvidere, IL. Ernest was born to Amos J. and Agnes (Mahle) Mowers May 16, 1926 in Genoa, IL. He graduated from high school in 1944. He married Charmeine Whitehead in 1947 and upon her passing he married Gloria (Schmidt) Greenhow in 2001 in Belvidere. Ernest was employed with Barber-Colman in Rockford, IL and Giddings & Lewis in Janesville, WI for many years. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, The American Legion and VFW. Ernest proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1944 to 1950 then reenlisted and was honorably discharged again in 1954. He served in WWII and the Korean Navy Reserves as a Gunner’s mate. He served on Motor Torpedo Boats, the USS Barr and USS Gosselin/Destroyer Escorts totaling 6.5 years accredited. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, woodworking, bowling, and the Green Bay Packers.
Ernest will be loved and missed by his wife, Gloria; daughters, Michele Pospeschil, Josette (Bradley) Parsch and Denise (Ronald Vike, Jr.) Poindexter; stepchildren, Cindy Collins, Susan (Steve) Dalhstrom and Greg (Sherlene) Greenhow; grandchildren, Jason and Tom Pospeschil, Leah and Clinton Parsch, Kirsten Peterson, and Chelsea Packer; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; previous wife of 53 years, Charmeine Mowers; and grand-son, Casey Poindexter.
The walk-through visitation will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere IL 61008. Funeral service will be private. Live Stream of the funeral service will be Tuesday December 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Highland Garden of Memories. Pastor Braun Campbell will officiate. Due to state guidelines social distancing and facemasks required. Memorials in his honor can be made to the family to establish a memorial at a later date. If you would like to leave a memory for the family, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13, 2020, as found on Legacy.com.