Kenneth Turner: October 19, 1930 ~ May 16, 2025

Kenneth Turner, a cherished family man and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 94, in Geneseo, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with a memorial mass immediately following at 11:00 a.m.  Father Daniel Gifford will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kenneth and JoAnn Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family, and online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Kenneth was born on October 19, 1930, in Dwight, IL, the son of James and Clara (Corrigan) Turner.  He was a proud graduate of Dwight Township High School, class of 1949. His high school years were filled with academic, athletic and theatrical achievements. Kenneth’s spirit of service was evident early on. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950. Following his military service, he joined his sister and brother in laws’ freight business and was employed as truck driver for Harper's Redline. Kenneth’s children adored his retelling of the adventures that he experienced during his Redline days.  Kenneth then embarked on a distinguished career as a Procurement Contracting Officer at the Joliet Arsenal and the Rock Island Arsenal, where he worked diligently for 37 years until his retirement in January of 1987.   

Kenneth lived a life marked by devotion to his faith and his family. He married the love of his life, Regina JoAnn Coughlin, his beloved “Jo”, on November 19, 1955, in Kinsman, IL.  Together they built a life based on family, faith and service that lasted nearly 60 years. JoAnn preceded him in death on June 8, 2015.  Those who knew him will remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a committed Catholic, a man extremely proud of his Irish heritage, one who enjoyed a great steak, an ice-cold beer and a game of euchre.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kenneth was deeply involved in his community. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was devoted to volunteering at St. Malachy Catholic Church, including serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus. An avid reader, he found solace in the pages of countless books, and his passion for woodworking allowed him to create beautiful holiday decorations for his family and friends. His love for sports was evident as he cheered on his beloved Cubs and Bears, and he passed on his love for the game by coaching Little League baseball and basketball.  A man of the outdoors, Kenneth enjoyed boating, fishing and going for walks with his much-loved dogs. He was a fixture at his children and grandchildren's events, always there to offer enthusiastic support and encouragement.   

Those left to cherish his memory include children, Colleen Turner of Naperville, IL, James (Karen) Turner of Geneseo, IL, Kenneth (Susan) Turner of Nags Head, NC, and Don (Sue) Turner of Glen Ellyn, IL; grandchildren, Erin (Joseph) Haluska, Patrick (Katelyn) Turner, Kevin (Jordan) Turner, Hannah Turner, Emmett Turner, Grace Turner, Caroline Turner, and Madeline Turner; and great-grandchildren, Harper Haluska, Jake Turner, Amelia Turner, Stella Haluska, Ryne Haluska, Connell Haluska, Eloise Turner, and Raegan Turner. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, James and Clara Turner; his loving wife, JoAnn Turner; and siblings, John Turner, Margaret Harper and Donald Turner.

Mary Carole Farrell: February 6, 1942 ~ May 19, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Carole Farrell on May 19, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and dedication touched the lives of many. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo, IL. Visitation will be held one hour before the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at St Malachy Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo in her honor.

Born on February 6, 1942, to Erwin and Elizabeth (Tenzinger) Negele, Mary grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where she attended St. Patrick Academy. She later married John Farrell in 1971 at St. Marcelline Catholic Church in Schaumburg, Illinois, forming a partnership of 54 years rooted in love and faith.  

During early adulthood, she served as a secretary at the Chicago Tribune and a supervisor at Teletype Corporation in Skokie. After moving to Geneseo in 1977, her dedication to education and community was evident in her volunteer work, where she served as a 4H leader, Southwest School PTA President and room mother, past president of the Geneseo Junior Women’s Club, Geneseo High School Choral Board member and a committed member of the Geneseo Public Library Board.

Mary had an enduring love for books and could often be found lost in their pages. Her passion for reading made her work at the Geneseo Public Library especially meaningful, where she dedicated her time until her retirement in 2009. Whether sharing recommendations, engaging in literary discussions, or simply savoring a quiet moment with a book, Mary’s love for stories was infectious, and she delighted in sharing her passion for books with family, friends, and library patrons alike.

A faithful parishioner of St. Patrick’s Parish in Colona, followed by St. Malachy’s Parish in Geneseo, Mary embodied kindness, generosity, and a genuine passion for helping others. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, John; daughter Cynthia Farrell and son-in-law Chris Wilkins (Evergreen, CO); son Michael Farrell and daughter-in-law Brooke (Jans) Farrell (Evergreen, CO); brother, Hilary (Fran) Negele and her cherished grandchildren, Aidan Patrick Farrell and Olivia (Wilkins) Ingalls.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Elizabeth Negele. 

Mary will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, learning, and service will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

2023 GHS graduate Eric Vergane receives $40,000 Sumners Scholarship

Abilene Christian University sophomores Eric Vergane and Haylee Newman have each been awarded $40,000 scholarships by The Sumners Foundation. They are among 36 undergraduate students nationally to receive a Sumners scholarship in 2025.

Eric Vergane. Submitted Photo

Vergane is a government major with minors in legal studies and public service from Miami, Oklahoma. He is a Pope Fellow, a member of the Pre-Law Society and the Honors College, and a volunteer with the Taylor Elementary School chess club. Newman, majoring in criminal justice and psychology, is a Presidential Scholar and has participated in the Honors College, ACU Study Abroad in Oxford, England; and Delta Theta sorority. She is from Jacksonville, Arkansas.

"Students at Abilene Christian University are dedicated to public service and making a real impact in the world. We are so pleased Eric and Haylee join ACU students from previous years who are recognized as Sumners Scholars," said Dr. Neal Coates, professor and chair of government and political science.

Sumners scholarship selections are based on civic engagement, academic excellence, a capacity for leadership and a desire to further democracy. The funds apply toward the students' junior and senior years.

"Our scholars are selected from the very best students at colleges and universities after a rigorous interview process," said Sumners board chair Scott Higginbotham. "To be selected as a Sumners Scholar is an honor that will remain with the Scholar throughout his or her lifetime. Over the decades Sumners Scholars have made significant contributions to their communities, their states and America."

Higginbotham said the foundation continues the legacy of Congressman Hatton W. Sumners by supporting students committed to improving the political system, addressing societal challenges through public policy, and educating citizens about civic engagement.

The Sumners Foundation promotes the study, teaching and research of self-government to help Americans understand the principles of democracy and shape effective government policy.

Sumners Scholar alumni include such notables as U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, Chief Justice Nathan Hecht of the Texas Supreme Court, and Joseph Foran, chairman of Matador Resources.

Learn more about Sumners Scholars or about ACU's Department of Government and Criminal Justice.

Eric is a 2023 Geneseo High School graduate. He is the son of Mike and Sheryle Vergane, formerly of Geneseo.

Ray Rogers: October 29, 1939 ~ November 1, 2024

 
 

Raymond Eugene Rogers, 85 of Geneseo, passed away on November 1, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at First Lutheran Church. Reverend Laura Kamprath will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Raymond Rogers Memorial Fund which will be distributed amongst Ray’s favorite charities.

Ray was born October 29, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois to MaryAnn Siembab and John Rogers. He graduated from Oak Park/River Forest High School in 1957. He then attended the Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT), graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree. He received his master’s in education from Bradley University. He did advanced studies at the University of Missouri Columbia.

Ray was a creative and innovative teacher who made learning interesting and fun. He was active in many organizations, including IEA, GEA, Kiwanis, the Chess Club, and Scoutmaster for Troop 139, he was on the Board for the Geneseo Library, and was very active in the Richmond Hill Players.

Ray was thankful to the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care Silvis, especially Kate and Yesenia for their excellent care and support.

Ray was blessed with three children from a previous marriage, Brant Rogers, Brad Rogers, and Jodal Howlett. He married Kathleen Lozinski Hast in December of 1984, and gained four bonus children, Kimberly Stadler, RJ Coleman, Traci Gale, and Kristi McKissack.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Kathy, of Geneseo; Sister Jacqueline (Ted) Johnson of Palos Verdes, CA; Brant (Gretchen) Rogers of Snowflake, AZ; Brad (Lily) Rogers of California; Jodal Howlett of Fort Myers, FL; RJ (Judy) Coleman, Geneseo; Traci (Chris) Gale, Sitka, Alaska; Kristi (Dave) McKissack, Greenfield, WI, 11 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and MaryAnn Rogers; and stepdaughter Kim Stadler.