This page is a tribute to our fallen classmates and teachers. If you have a picture or some words that you would like to say about them, e-mail it to the webmaster and he will put it on here to share with all.
At construction, I am not sure who has passed and who hasn't, so I am listing the names only of those I know of. Please send me the birth and death dates if you know them, as well as the additional names of anyone I have missed. Also, please feel free to notify me of any inaccuracies in spelling or dates. Many thanks to classmate Jim Enz who has given us most of this information.
Classmates:
Debbie Benn (cancer?)
Madonna Berry (car accident)- Born? Died?
Brent Curtis (motorcycle accident) - Born: July 1, 1957 Died: May 1982
Michael Rennewanz (massive sinus infection) - Born? Died: 1977
Mike Zelinski (diabetes related) - Born: September 12, 1956 Died: July 2, 1999
Mark Gall, Sr.
Mark Gall Sr. -- Kankakee Mark D. Gall Sr., 51, of Kankakee, died Tuesday (Dec. 11, 2007) at Riverside Medical Center, following a sudden illness. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Evergreen Cemetery, Chebanse. Memorials may be made to the family wishes. Mr. Gall worked at J.R. Short Milling for 26 years. He was born Sept. 16, 1956, in Kankakee, the son of Joseph and Marcelene Drazy Gall. He was a handyman that could fix things and loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He enjoyed gardening. He was an avid bowler, and a member of the Monday and Wednesday night bowling leagues. Surviving are his wife, the former Bonnie Ducharme, whom he married Oct. 5, 1976, in Kankakee; one son and daughter-in-law, Mark Jr. and Sarah Gall of Bradley; one daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Aaron Mason of Kankakee; five grandchildren; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and JoAnn Gall of Aroma Park, and Joe and Teri Gall of Limestone. Deceased are his parents and two sisters, infant Sheri Lyn and Krystyne.
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Teachers:
Mr. Joe Bellephant...Heart attack, at the school I believe.... Mrs. Margaret Beinor (English) Mrs. Marie Burch (French) Mrs. Barbara Chace (English) Mr. Elwood Crawford (Driver's Ed) Mrs. Emagene Efnor... Mr. Jamie C. Gibson....Dist. 111 board of education president... Mrs. Marge Godfroy (English Mr. Grogan (History and Geography) Mrs. Ruth Haley (Business Teacher) Mrs. Althea Huber (English) Mr. Louis Kick (heart attack), Geometry Teacher - Born? Died 1975? Mr. Jerry Lemon... Mrs. Beatrice Offerman (school secretary) Mr. Nate Richmond (Principal) Mr. William Slavin (Math)... Mr. Jim Thorne (this was the head custodian, and JR Black was the one that found him at the school – he died on the job.) Mr. John White (Chemistry)
Obituaries
Barbara Chace ST. ANNE - Barbara J. Chace, 76, of St. Anne, died Sunday (Oct. 22, 2000) at her home. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Kankakee Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes, where services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Donald Linnell will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Mrs. Chace was a teacher for 30 years for the Kankakee and St. Anne School districts. She was the sponsor of Kankakee and Kankakee Westview high schools' newspaper, yearbook and student council. Under her direction the newspapers and yearbooks won numerous All American awards.
She was born Feb. 20, 1924, in Kankakee, the daughter of Tom Z. and Mabel Wertz Jones. Surviving are her husband, Newell N. Chace, of St. Anne, whom she married July 27, 1946; two daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis and Bill Gillis of Bloomington, and Peggy and Mark Rieke of Reddick; two sisters, Geraldine O'Donnell of Crescent City, and Julia Hoskins of Richmond, Va.; one brother, Tom W. Jones of Crescent City; and seven grandchildren. One sister, Lois Linden; and an infant son, Norman Leslie Chace, are deceased.
She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta at the University of Illinois, where she graduated in 1946, with a bachelors in English education. She went on to receive her master's at U of I. She was active in the Agriculture Women's Group, 4-H Program, and the American Guernsey Association. She enjoyed flowers, working with her students, guernsey cattle and was a dog lover.
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MRS. CHACE FROM MR.EDWARDS-----
My Friend
Dear friend of many years, Here we stand at that time of life, You have gone beyond where I can go, At least for now. But the memories we have accrued Linger with me yet. The times we sat and talked And compared things as they were And what we would have them be; The successes that crowded our days; The little things that seemed to fly away And leave no mark at all. The people who managed an influence That changed the course of things; Those who refused to budge And gave the opposition a nudge To overthrow an otherwise great idea. Oh, friend, steadfast and sure You always had a way of listening And dispelling the fears and deceptions. You led the way to understanding and peace. I will miss the chance conversations. I will miss the insight given. I will miss your laugh, Your investigation, The smile, The walk to the car, The conference table, The play reviews, The pictures scattered all over. You will be missed my friend But certainly not forgotten.
BY: Ric Edwards
Written Tuesday, Oct. 24, upon the death of Barbara J. Chase, Oct. 22, 2000 in Kankakee, IL.
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Thu. June 2, 2005
Marie Burch (Westview French Teacher)-- Kankakee Visitation for Marie B. Burch, 93, of Kankakee, will be from 10 a.m. Saturday until the 11 a.m. funeral service at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes. Rev. Deborah Harris will officiate. Burial will be in Elderidgeville Cemetery in Cabery. Memorials may be made to Riverside Medical Center Foundation or First Presbyterian Church, where she was a deaconess and elder.
Mrs. Burch died Sunday (May 29, 2005) at Riverside Medical Center.
She was born Aug. 24, 1911 in Wichert, the daughter of Paul and Sophie Berger Bonvallet. Her husband, Claire A. Burch, whom she married Aug. 24, 1950, died in 1956. She was a teacher at Kankakee High School for 32 years. She also taught at Gallagher's Business School. She began her teaching career in the Cabery schools. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and received her 50-year pin from the organization. She also was actaive was in her church choir.
Surviving are three nephews, Gordon and Patricia Bonvallet of South Carolina, Mark Bonvallet of New Jersey, Jeffery and Laura Bonvallet of Wisconsin; one niece, Debbra and Ross Bowser of Florida; great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Three brothers, Paul Jr., Armand and Alexis Bonvallet, are deceased. Please sign her guestbook at schrefflerfuneralhome.com.
From her colleagues:
'She was an outstanding lady as well as a wonderful teacher.' Ben Peyton
'Marie Burch was indeed a French teacher at Westview, and an excellent one at that.She was an exceptional teacher and person. Very professional and very demanding of her students.When I look back at the staff at Westview back in the 70's,I marvel at some of the excellent people that were there, and what a progressive school that we had.' J.Leveridge
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Leonard Kozlowski -- Kankakee Leonard J. Kozlowski, 75, of Kankakee, died Thursday (Nov. 2, 2006), at Sugar Creek Nursing Home. Cremation rites have been accorded by Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Crematory, west Kankakee. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements are by Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, west Kankakee. Mr. Kozlowski was a teacher at the Kankakee Area Career Center, and previously at Kankakee Community College. He was born Feb. 9, 1931, in Detroit, Mich. He was a U.S. veteran, a member of St. Teresa Church and enjoyed home audio, cars and teaching. Surviving are his wife, Kathy Luth Buikema of Momence, whom he married at St. Teresa Church in Kankakee; two sons, Christopher and Daniel; four daughters, Kathy, Lori, Jennifer and Rachel; one stepson, Erik Buikema of Bourbonnais; one stepdaughter, Amy Buikema of Momence; and a special friend, Michael Randles Jr. of St. Anne. His siblings are deceased.
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Westview High School Principal Passes Away
Rev. Nathan Richmond Sr. Visitation for Rev. Nathan N. Richmond Sr. 73, of Kankakee, will be from noon-8 p.m. Monday at Caldwell Chapel AME Zion Church in Kankakee, where he was Pastor for 27 years, with funeral services at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Rev. Claude Christopher, Presiding Elder of the Chicago District AME Zion Church, will officiate. Entombment will be in Mound Grove Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caldwell Chapel AME Zion Church. Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home.
Rev. Richmond died Wednesday (March 2, 2005) at Provena St. Mary's Hospital.
He was a retired administrator with Kankakee School District 111. He was born March 18, 1931 in Fulton, Mo., the son of Elvin H. and Bessie L. Hubbard Richmond. His father is deceased. Surviving are his wife, the former Etta Mae Harris of Kankakee, whom he married in Fulton, Mo.; one son, Nathan N. Richmond Jr. of Bolingbrook; one adopted son, Richard Powell of Kankakee; his mother of Fulton, Mo.; one brother and sister-in-law, Lavore L. Sr. and Barbra Richmond of Fulton, Mo.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. One sister, Billie R. Taylor, is deceased.
Rev. Richmond served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55. He held many community positions, including: District 111 School Board member, Kankakee County Housing Authority Commissioner, Kankakee County Training Center Board of Directors, Duane Dean Behavioral Clinic Board of Directors and Kankakee Public Library Board.
He was also a member of the River Valley Clergy Association, Northeast Side Ministers Alliance, Illinois Association of Retired Teachers (where he was past president and a member of the State Board), Chicago District AME Zion Ministerium, Lincoln University (Missouri) Alumni Association, University of Illinois Alumni Association, the Kankakee County NAACP and Kankakee Kiwanis
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Ramon LaCoste
Ramon E. "Ray" LaCoste, 84, of Bourbonnais, died Friday (Feb. 22, 2008) at Riverside Medical Center, following a short illness. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. The Rev. John Antczak will officiate.
Entombment will be in All Saints Cemetery Mausoleum.
Mr. LaCoste was a retired music education teacher and band director from Kankakee School District 111, where he taught at Kankakee High School and previously Kankakee Junior High School and Westview High School. He was born July 27, 1923, in Kankakee, the son of Elmer E. and Florence Holland LaCoste. He received his bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan and his master's and advanced degree from the University of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army, in the 41st Division, the first group to occupy Hiroshima after the bomb. He earned three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. He was director/drum major for Kankakee Blackhawks Drum and Bugle Corps in the 1950s, played 40 years with the Community Band in Kankakee and taught private music lessons at Veronda's. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge, a member of the Bradley VFW and the Kankakee American Legion. He was honored with "Grandfather of the Year" for the state of Illinois in 2001.
Surviving are his wife, the former Velma F. Palmer, whom he married June 25, 1949, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kankakee; one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Bruce and Mary LaCoste of Bourbonnais; one daughter, Julie LaCoste of Bradley; and three grandchildren, Brian and Kathryn LaCoste, and James "Bobby" LaCoste.
Here are some tributes to Ray from former Students and Staff
From: Dan Micha (Class of 75)
Former Band Student at Westview High School 1975
Dear LaCoste Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Ray. Ray was a significant influence in my development, and ultimate enjoyment of percussion music! I can recall his constant reminder of: "Band you are only as good as the least talented individual here today". Those words resonated with me because if you think about it, we each had to better ourselves, in order for the whole band to perform better. I also have very fond memories of our annual vists to Northwestern college campus for what was known as band day. One day I recall there were over 6,000 band members from across the country in attendance. Bruce, I recall how proud your father was of all your accomplishments, and reminded us as band members of the commitment of time and resources it took to make that college experience happen for you. I trust and hope your dental career has been treating you well over the years. In parting, your fathers kind, and when needed stern reminders have stayed with me for the past 35 years, and I will always cherish them. Dan Micha, Westview Class of 1975 (Drum Section)
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From: John & Mary (Otten) Thomson (Fellow Staff members)
John and I both taught with Ray at West Jr. & Westview. We know how sad his passing is for you so we pray God's loving embrace to hold you and give you comfort and peace. May your fond memories help ease your loss.
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From: Steve and Debbie Busch (class of 75)
Former Students
Mr. LaCoste was both of our band instructor for 6 years (1969 - 1974). He played an instrumental part in our growth and love of music. He was one of our favorite teachers and we have nothing but fond memories of him. In fact, due to his influence of the love of music, both of our daughters were involved in band. He will be missed greatly by both of us.
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From: Lisa Maass (Class of 74)
Former Student
Mr. LaCoste became my band instructor in 7th grade at West Junior and continued throughout my 4 years at Westview. I have many fond memories of Mr. LaCoste. I have thought of him often throughout the years and will continue to remember him with great respect. He certainly will be missed.
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From: Ric & Sonia Edwards (Fellow Staff member)
Relation: Fellow Educators
Tribute: Velma and Family: Our teaching years at Westview are remembered fondly when we think of Ray. He worked hard to give his students the best they could get, but he was also a great associate who had much to contribute to any project under way. Those memories linger on and make his passing a time to celebrate the accomplishments he experienced and the contributions he made to the musical scene here in the Kankakee area. We add our prayers to those of many others who knew Ray for his repose and for the family members who will miss him most. God bless you all as you move ahead. With deepest appreciation. Ric Edwards & Sonia Baspineiro-Edwards
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Kenneth E. Hearn, 73, of Kankakee, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at Riverside Medical Center. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. The Rev. Randy Van Fossan will officiate. Burial will be in Mound Grove Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for the Derek Hearn Scholarship Fund at Kankakee High School, 240 Warren Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901; or to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, 482 Main Street NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914. Mr. Hearn was an educator in Kankakee School District 111 from 1970 to 1993. He had been an English teacher and assistant principal. He had been the 4th Ward alderman in Kankakee since 1997. He was born June 10, 1935, in Ivesdale, the son of Raymond and Alice Cotter Hearn. He was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and received his master's degree from Governors State University. He enjoyed playing golf and reading. Surviving are his wife, the former Paula Jean Dixon, whom he married June 30, 1957, in Pana; one son, Gary Hearn of Streamwood; one brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Donna Hearn of Mount Zion; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Hearn of Mahomet; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are one son, Derek Hearn; and one brother, James Hearn. Please sign his guestbook at schrefflerfuneralhome.com.
Ken Hearn, 73, a Kankakee 4th Ward alderman for nearly 12 years and a former longtime Kankakee High School teacher, coach and administrator, died Wednesday at Riverside Medical Center. "This will be a big void to fill," Mayor Donald Green said today. "Ken was always a voice of reason on the council. He would research an issue from all angles before making a decision. He represented his ward very well." Hearn worked in Kankakee School District 111 from 1970 to 1993. A Republican, Hearn had been a council member since May 1997. Green said Hearn was always a team player and earned the respect from his fellow council members as well as the city employees. The mayor noted that many employees referred to Hearn as "Coach Hearn," from their days at Kankakee High. "His passing hurts very deeply," Green said.
(DEDICATED TO OUR CLASSMATES-) “Oh Hell!” I said to myself the other day as I was walking past the cemetery gate kicking leaves up in to the breeze and thinking of winter and the cold and how as each year before I had come with my friends to make angels in the snow on all the graves without evergreen blankets . . . I didn’t really know where the “Oh, Hell!”, had come from or how it had jumped out and sat so in the frosted air peering – Asking me what hidden thoughts and troubles had brought me down this freshly earthed road – Don’t think I cared either – It was more of a sign than an expression – One like the leaves, and the snow, and the granite . . . Like a Whip-Poor-Will gliding through the night I wandered about past the forgotten markers – Past the thoughtless “Oh Hell’s!” and yesterdays Towards the bridge of “Oh Well’s!” and tomorrows – Over the oak planks and the muddied water- Looking back one more time at the rusted iron gates – Knowing one day I would return and they would open And not for me to make angels in the snow . . . . . Wgmaass 1977
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 From The Holy Bible (King James Version) Attributed to King Solomon To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sow; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war; and a time of peace.