Dale Eilert Ellis

May 4, 1947 - November 19, 2010

Dale Eilert Ellis, 63, died Friday, November 19, 2010, in his home after a difficult fight with cancer.
He was born May 4, 1947, in Duluth, to Reuben and Lenora Ellis.  On March 10, 1967, Dale married Joanne Benson.

Dale graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1965 and then attended UMD.  In the 1970's, he worked for Western Weighing and Inspection Bureau as a loss and damage inspector.  In the mid-1980's, Dale went to work at Minnesota Power, where he worked in many capacities over 25 years, and retired from their Human Resources Department in May 2010.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Lenora Ellis; and many family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Joanne Ellis, sons Daniel (Tiffany) Ellis and Jeffrey (Naomi) Ellis; daughter Katherine (Keith) Tomaier; granddaughters Katerina Ellis and Elise Ellis; grandson Benjamin Ellis; and numerous dear family and friends.

Rich Smith
xx-xx-xx - xx-xx-xx

There are so many people who could stand where I am today, paying tribute to Rich.  I was humbled by the invitation and honored to do it.  

It is really a true testament to Rich and his impact to see so many people at the visitation yesterday and the service today.  We mourn our loss..but more importantly we should celebrate his Life and ALL that he meant to every one of us.  

Rich and I met close to 25 years ago… and honestly…the only thing we really had in common was our employer.  Rich, a big, tough, loud, opinionated guy from the South Side of Chicago…and me, a relatively quiet, go along to get along guy from the South.  But over 2 decades, a friendship cemented and those things that made us different worked for our friendship.  There are so many stories I could tell..things I cherish and I’m sure things you could all relate to.  But I would never tell under the roof of St. Patrick’s.

Rich was one of those individuals that a lot of people know. I was always impressed by just how many people knew him.  If you played the six degrees of separation, it wouldn’t take long for Rich Smith to be a connector.  He wasn’t someone who worked at networking necessarily…people just knew him.

His job, his community involvement…Pony baseball, 4 Seasons, Scouts…made him known to a number of people.  But, his personality was so big, people like me, like us, were attracted to him.  We felt comfortable with him… his confidence and assuredness made you want to listen and get to know him.

All of us have our own version of what Rich meant to us and our lives.  And as I thought about what I would say today, there is too much to convey….as I said before, so much I can’t because I can’t in church.

This is my version, but I’m sure if you knew him, a lot of these will resonate with you:

Rich was REAL.  He was genuine.

There aren’t enough real people in the world, but Rich was truly one of those people.  He wasn’t political, didn’t tell you what you necessarily wanted or expected to hear, didn’t sugar coat much…and wasn’t burdened by holding back what was on his mind.  He had the gift of saying what many of us would love to say if we only had the courage.

He used to make fun of me for quoting Emerson, but there is a quote that captures Rich perfectly:

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”

Maybe that’s why we were friends.  I know I lack that type of courage…and it was inspiring…if not funny at times to observe this about Rich.  He would say about himself…I can’t help it…I just have to say it.  Fortunately or unfortunately a lot of that came out at work.

He had a boss early in his career that, to put it mildly, Rich didn’t respect.  Rich being Rich, couldn’t hide this fact, and didn’t care to hide it.  Once after taking a CLU exam on Management…a test everyone, including his boss, knew he didn’t study for…he somehow passed.  Surprised, his boss askedhim in front of a unit meeting how he ever passed.  Always quick on his feet, Rich said that for every management scenario I was tested on, I thought about how you would handle it…and then I answered the exact opposite.  Rich kissed up to no boss.  We’ve all thought about saying something like that…Rich did it.

Later in his career we had an agreement.  He would send me memos/emails in advance of sending them to his supervisors.  Help me make it “nice”, Kevin.  I would read it, and it would go something like..”If you people think this decision is a good one, well I 

completely disagree.  Here you go again.  When will you learn to listen to someone who knows what’s going on!”  I would tell him, “That’s OK..but you might try something 

like..”While I know you have confidence in the decision, I do have a suggestion, based on 

my experience, that could enhance it”.  Well that’s horrible, I’m sending my version.

Rich was PASSIONATE.

He lived life wide open…with purpose, fun and emotion.  I’m very sad that Rich’s life was cut short by cancer.  But what I know is that he didn’t waste the time he was given.

Whether it was softball, bowling, cards, Bears, Hawks, Motorcycles, RV’s, restoring cars, drinking, eating, working…he did it 110% or not at all.  Last year he told me he never was a reader…he read Car magazines and I suggested he pick up a book and try it.  I gave him a title of a book…a day or two later…he asked for another..and another.  I think I read a lot, but I exhausted every book I think I’d ever read.  He would text me and want to debate the merits.  Arguing about certain points..He just didn’t do anything half way.

He lived by the mantra, if you’re going to do it, do it right!

I wish I had a dollar for every time he told me that because of his frustration he was going to stop caring so much about his job.  “I’m done” he would say…”I’m just going to coast”.  Until the day he left State Farm, he couldn’t coast..he couldn’t look the other way…He was passionately engaged.  It’s the only work ethic he knew.

Passionate people are fun to be around…at least most of the time.

Once when the Saints were playing the Bears in Chicago, Rich decided we should tailgate.  In the spirit of doing it right…weeks ahead of time he went to Chicago to buy Polish sausage and insisted I make Gumbo.  It was going to be a true Chicago v. New Orleans match up, starting with the tailgate.  Our kids were small at the time and so we used their youth helmets as center piece for the table.   Luke or Nick’s Bear helmet and my son, Matt’s, Saints helmet.  Prior to going in he said, let’s put on the helmets and take a picture.  Here are two grown men, in youth helmets, everyone gathering around and laughing…as they started to cheer Rich and boo me…he drew back and head butted me.  To the cheers of the Bear fans, he said…we are going to kill the Saints.

Rich was COMPASSIONATE.

This is a virtue that may have been hidden behind a tough exterior…but it was as big as his passion and genuiness.

He cared deeply for his family…and worried most about them.  How the boys were growing up..how Dawn was doing.  Her family, his Mom…His expecations for everyone was high, but if he worried about anything…it was their well being.

He always fought for the little guy and saw himself as a voice for those who sometimes go unheard.  That is why he loved HR.

He sincerely cared about his friends.  You might sometimes mistake his compassion because of his delivery…but it was there.  This weekend I went back and looked at every text message he and I shared over the last 2 years.  Every other text Rich was asking about me..my kids…Laura, my wife.  When he and I were together, I wanted to talk about him..he would turn the conversation.  How are YOU doing.  If I tried to change the subject, he would say NO, how are YOU doing.  What about how are YOU doing don’t you get?!

Finally, RICH Was HEROIC.  Real, Passionate and caring made him that hero.

There are so many lessons to be learned from him but the biggest is that you just don’t quit.  You battle. You compete.  

He didn’t necessarily have it easy as a kid or for that matter as a young adult.  He would joke about it, but it was never an excuse or crutch.  He knew he…not his circumstances…controlled his destiny.  And what a great example he’s given us as to how to live life.

Be REAL, LIVE with PASSION, CARE FOR THOSE AROUND YOU…and set an example for your family and friends to follow.  That’s rich in so many ways.

I mentioned before that Rich was a connector.  Through his life, love and friendship we have a connection and I think an obligation.  The connection is a special bond..and the obligation is to take those gifts he shared and keep them alive.  He would want that.
He was a great friend, a great father, a great husband…..I will miss him.

Aimee Niree Dowell October 9, 1990 - June 14, 2011 SCALES MOUND, Ill - Aimee Niree Dowell, 20 years of age, Tuesday, June 14, 2011, our family lost a beautiful young lady to renal cancer at her home in Scales Mound, Illinois. She was born October 9, 1990, in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Dean and Brenda (Fendley) Dowell.  She graduated from Scales Mound High School the class of 2009.  Aimee was very active in FFA and chorus. After graduation, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Wisconsin. Aimee enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and never missed a chance to encourage others. She loved her flower garden, doing artwork, crafts and playing cards with neighbors and friends. She was very active in Crossroads Church serving on the Crave Student Ministries Prayer team for the last two years. She is survived by her parents, Dean and Brenda Dowell; two brothers, Dean (Laura Dimmlich) Dowell Jr.; and Ben (Becky) Dowell; a nephew, Riley Dowell; special friend, Jeremy Madison; her paternal grandmother, Ramona Dowell; maternal grandparents, Virgil and Helen Carroll; her special grandparents, Steve and Jeanette Podnar; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and her loyal companion, "Buddy".  She was preceded in death by paternal grandfather Rollin Dowell; and her aunt, Norma Nelson.  A celebration of Aimee's life will be held Thursday, June 16, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church, Galena, Illinois, located at the Galena Convention Center, 900 Galena Square Drive, Galena, and where friends may gather after 3:00 p.m. at the church.  Officiating will be Pastor Todd Brewer and Pastor William Longmore. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to Hospice of Dubuque, Iowa, to help others like Aimee always wanted.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark Hermann and Tony Heier and their staff, Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care that she received.  In keeping with her wishes, Aimee's body will be donated to assist others. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Sarah Hughey

November 21, 2011

SPARTANBURG, SC-- Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth O'Shields Hughey, 66 years young, of 740 Union Street, Apt. 20, went home to be with her Lord, Monday, November 21, 2011, after an extended illness.
She was the daughter of the late Otis and Minnie Lee O'Shields and a member of Arkwright Baptist Church.
A wonderful wife and mother, she leaves behind her husband, best friend, her everything that meant the world to her, Mr. Kenneth Hughey of the home. She also leaves behind three children; her oldest daughter, Wanda Terry and husband Grady of Jonesville; son, Scott Hughey and wife Jenne of Roebuck; and her youngest daughter, Penny Hadden and husband Michael of Lyman; and a sister, Elaine Marr and husband Charlie of Moore. She was predeceased by a son, Terry Hughey; and two brothers, James and Otis O'Shields. She also had a special love for her grandchildren, Amanda Vaughn, Tiffany Felmet, Mathew Hughey, PFC Jonathon Farmer, Brandy Hughey, Tessa Hughey, Brandon Hughey, Justin Hughey and Stephen Hadden. She was always surrounded with the love and joy of her life, her five great-grandchildren, Kyrstin, Kaeden, Marcus, Brycen, Skylynn and Lucas, these were her pride and joy.
Visitation will be held 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday, November 25, 2011, at Forest Hills Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, November 26, 2011, at Forest Hills Funeral Home, in The Stribling Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Carrol Caldwell. Entombment will follow in Heritage Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society , 154 Milestone Way, Ste. A., Greenville, SC 29615.
An online guest registry is available at www.foresthillsfuneralhome.net
Forest Hills Funeral Home
Stribling Memorial Chapel

Written by Penny on November 24, 2011

This is my MOM she is and always will be my world my best friend and Now my angel... So mom to you as You always told me as a 'lil girl ... ANGELS TO THE EAST, ANGELS TO THE WEST ... PLEAZE WATCH OVER HER WHILE SHE REST. I LOVE YOU, MY HERO, MOM (GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE) SLEEP WELL TIL I AM WITH YOU .... LOVE ALWAYS PENNY (YOUR GEORGIE GIRL)

Deanann Louise "Dee" Clayton

12-2-1977 to 9-22-2011

Deanann Louise “Dee” Clayton, 33, of Shawneetown, died at her home on Thursday, September 22, 2011, 3:14 p.m. after a battle with kidney cancer. She was born December 2, 1977 in Eldorado, Ill, to Willard Dean and Margaret Ann "Margie" (Scherrer) Clayton. She worked at the family business, Shawneetown Harbor Service, as a secretary.  Dee was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shawneetown.  After she successfully lost one hundred and ten pounds of weight, she became a proficient athlete.  She cycled to victory at the TBRA Tennessee State Mountain Bike Championship, competed in the Hell of the South road race in the previous year.  One race was a hundred miles long, Dee completed it in four hours and thirty minutes.

She was very active in several charities and fund raising

 events, especially the Susan G. Komen Evansville Race for

 the Cure.  For the  last  four years including this year she

 was top individual fund raiser for the Race for the Cure.  She

 will greatly be missed by her friends, family, and the

community.  Dee is survived by her mother, Margie Clayton of Shawneetown; one brother, Gary Wayne and Hollie Clayton of Shawneetown; grandparents, Bill and Louise Scherrer of Shawneetown; one uncle, Bill and Chris Scherrer of Shawneetown; one aunt, Norma Gene and George Patton of Shawneetown; two nephews, Kaleb and Cade Clayton; and several cousins.  She was preceded in death by her father; and grandparents, C.L. and Josephine Clayton.  Visitation for Dee will be held on Friday, September 24, 2011, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  at  the  Vickery  Funeral  Chapel  in  Shawneetown, with  prayer service  at  6 p.m.   Funeral  Mass  will  be  held Saturday, September 25, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. at the St.  Mary Catholic Church in Shawneetown with  Father  Steven  Beatty conducting Mass.  Burial will follow at Westwood Cemetery in Shawnee.  Donations in Dee's memory may be made to the

Shawneetown Beautification Committee.  Internet condolences may be made at the website,

www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com

 Pamela Fiesler

April 28, 2011

Mrs. Pamela Fiesler of Newnan, GA, passed away April 28, 2011. She was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Wright and is survived by her husband, Steve Fiesler of Newnan; daughter, Casey Fiesler of Newnan; mother, Bertie Wright of Newnan; sisters, Becky Barden of Lincolnton; Barbara McDonald of Newnan and sister-in-law, Robin Lanton of Williamson. Memorial services will be held Monday, May 2, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Northside Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Carroll officiating. Those wishing may send an online condolence at: www.parrottfuneralhome.com. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 3516, Oak Brooks, IL 60522 (www.kidneycancer.org).

Memory

by Casey Fiesler

You don’t remember every time you’ve smiled

Or every meaningful embrace

You don’t remember every spoken kindness

Or the planes of every face

But the things that we forget, sometimes

Are the ones that stay recalled

By the ones who saw, and felt, and heard

We can’t forget it all

Your mother won’t forget the day

You came into the world

And most of the ones after that

Since you’re still her little girl

The man you chose to share your life

Remembers every touch

And the way that after all these years

You loved him just as much

Your daughter cherishes each lesson

All you taught is still worthwhile

And every person in this room

Well, they won’t forget your smile

Who sang with you, and walked with you

And prayed with you, and talked with you

And drove with you, and smiled with you

And sat with you, and cried with you

And loved with you, believed with you

Survived with you, and lived with you

The things that you can’t take with you

The memories we make with you

They’re still here, and so are you

In every person in this room

And I won’t cry, I’ll praise that truth

Until the day I’m mem’ry too

And all of us, we’ll live on through

The ones we leave behind… thank you.

And the memories we’ve yet to make

We know you have a view

And the old ones never fade away

We remember them – for you

 

Robert Eugene Wisehart

12/11/1939 – 05/01/2010

It’s been almost a year since my dad died; time flies by whether you want it to or not.  And a lot has happened in that year.  In the past year, I’ve seen a strong man grow weak and I’ve seen a young woman grow strong.  One of my best friends graced us with twins and my brother-in-law got engaged.  Other friends got jobs or got pregnant.  Everyone has managed to keep moving and at times, I’ve just floated along in their current without screaming, without crying and kept a smile on my face.  And I finally figured out that Dad would have genuinely smiled.  He would have loved all of it… so in his honor I figured that, as hard as it is for me to talk about at times, I should memorialize that funny, silly, wonderful and special guy. I don't often say out loud how much I miss talking to him but I do.

My dad was diagnosed with RCC in late January of 2010. As with a lot of kidney cancer patients, by the time they found the cancer there wasn't much that could be done. But I find that I don't want to talk about Dad's experience with cancer... I'd much rather tell you a little about his life. Talking about the cancer continues to give it power, I don't want to give it any more of that....

Dad was born on December 11th, 1939 to James and Thelma Wisehart. He was their second child and their first son. All told Grandma and Grandpa had 9 children. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his oldest sister (Jo) and his youngest sister (Terry). At last count there were enough "Wiseharts" to fill up a couple of movie theaters ... We're a big family.

Dad grew up in Indiana and upon graduating from high school, joined the Navy. He served four years aboard the USS Essex aircraft carrier as the ship's photographer. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1963. In 1965, he joined the Washington Township Fire Department. He was an Indiana State Certified Master Firefighter in Tactics, Arson and Fire Prevention. During his career, he served as an Arson Investigator and Assistant Chief. He retired as a Lieutenant after 32 years. I believe, in the truest sense of the word, my dad was a hero.

Dad loved Nascar and Colts football. He loved his family and he particularly loved playing jokes on all of us. He was an honorable man and he was a brave man. He was well loved and had a fantastic life... we miss him a whole, whole lot. 

Laura Sue Wisehart