Raymond L. Hanson: February 14, 1950 ~ April 18, 2025

Raymond “Ray” Leslie Hanson, 75, of Osco, IL, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025, at his home.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Deacon Dr. Tom Wachtel and Michael Ward will be assisting the family.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation will be held from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the Geneseo Youth Football program and the Osco-Andover Fire District.

Born on February 14, 1950, in Geneseo, Illinois, to Carl and Mary (Yohe) Hanson, He graduated from J.D. Darnell High School in Geneseo in 1969 and attended college at Iowa Central College, Fort Dodge, IA.  He went on to build a successful career as an independent farmer for over 50 years, embodying hard work and resilience.  On December 15, 1973, Ray married the love of his life, Kristine Hanford, at First Congregational Church in Geneseo. Together, they built a life centered on family and community.

Ray’s dedication extended far beyond his farm. His contributions on the field for the “Green Machine” earned him well-deserved place in the Geneseo Athletics Hall of Fame. His athletic achievements included being named Wool Bowl MVP at Iowa Central College in Fort Dodge. For over 50 years, he poured his heart into Geneseo Little League football, serving as president and coach of the Lions. He also served as president of the Osco/Andover Fire District Trustees for over 30 years, leaving a lasting mark on his community.

Beyond his leadership roles, Ray’s passions included his love of muscle cars, his membership at Geneseo Country Club since 1973, and his unique distinction as an inaugural member of the "Osco Ski Team." He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including watching classic Western movies, boating in the Ozarks ("Captain Radar," as he was known), teaching children to ski, and sharing fishing and hunting trips with his friends. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears and Bulls.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Kristine Hanson of Osco, IL; children, Clayton (Jackie) Hanson of St. Paul, MN, and Seth (Mary) Hanson of Pleasant Valley, IA; grandchildren, Henry and Theodore, Finnegan and Parker Hanson; sisters, Sharon Hoaglund and Mary Christine (Larry) Ward.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Hanson; sister, Carol Hanson Klavon; brothers-in-law, Charles Hoaglund and Russell Klavon; and two nephews, John Hoaglund and Kyle Klavon.

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.

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Mildred (Millie) Scales ~ September 20, 1927 - March 15, 2025

   A memorial service for Mildred (Millie) Scales, 97. formerly of Geneseo, will be held in Geneseo on Saturday, April 12.  Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St., with the service at 11 a.m.   The Rev. Dan Seibert, church pastor, will officiate.  

   A luncheon will be held at the church after the service, with burial in North Cemetery, Geneseo, after the luncheon.

   Cremation has taken place.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

   Millie passed away on March 15 at the home of her daughter, Lisa Swanigan, Canton, Ohio, with whom she had resided for the last several years.

   A memorial service also was held earlier in the Church of the Lakes in North Canton.

   Millie was born Sept. 20, 1927, in Staunton, VA, the daughter of the late Albert D. and Ollie Kathleen Sutler. 

   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Steve Scales and Ron Scales; a brother, Houston D. Sutler, and her husband, William Scales.

   Millie loved God, family and her many dear friends.  She was always ready to help anyone in need. 

   She met and married Bill Scales in Hagerstown, MD.  After Bill’s discharge from the U.S. Army, the couple moved back to his hometown of Geneseo, where they raised their family and enjoyed many family vacations across the country.

   She worked as head cashier/bookkeeper at the former A&P Grocery Store in Geneseo for many years before retiring, and after realizing she wasn’t ready for retirement, Millie became a school bus driver for Pinks’ Bus Service for 29 years.

   As a labor of love, Millie became the custodian at her home church, Grace United Methodist Church, in Geneseo, where she was employed for 12 years before retiring in March of 2013.

   She was a member of Geneseo Eastern Star where she and her husband served as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron in 1980.

   Millie was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo for 64 years where she attended Bible studies, Violet Circle, and sang in the church choir.

   After moving to North Canton, Ohio, to live with her daughter, Lisa Swanigan, Millie became a member of the Church of the Lakes in North Canton where a memorial service also was held on March 23.

   She was very loved by her faith family.

   Millie enjoyed cooking, baking and traveling, and she often stated her middle name should have been “go,” as she visited many states as well as Okinawa, Japan; Germany, Austria, France, Italy and Greece, Mexico, as well as taking numerous cruises.

   She is survived by a son, Mike Scales, Westminster, CO; daughter, Lisa Swanigan, Canton, Ohio; a sister, Linda (Ted) Leech-Towner, Lynchburg, VA; seven grandchildren, Todd, Andy, Tammy, Nicole, Tanja, Chip, and Rebecca, numerous great-grandchildren, as well as other loving friends and family.

Sharon K. VanKerrebroeck: September 19, 1942 - February 28, 2025

Sharon K. VanKerrebroeck died peacefully with her husband by her side on February 28, 2025, after a brief illness with sinus cancer.

Sharon was born September 19, 1942, at Kewanee Public Hospital to Clyde W. Salzmann and Josephine L. (Whipkey) Salzmann.  She graduated from Annawan High School in 1960 and Graham Hospital School of Nursing, Canton, Illinois in 1965.  Sharon received her BSN from the University of Illinois on June 10, 1990.

She worked as a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Moline, a physician's office, and Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo on the Medical-Surgical Unit, the Coronary Care Unit, and later as the Education Manager.  She retired from Hammond-Henry Hospital in 1999.

Sharon married her best friend, Richard L. VanKerrebroeck in Sheffield, Illinois on May 30, 1965.  They have two children, Shalee (Dean) Johnson and Drew (Amy) VanKerrebroeck and four grandchildren: Trace (Grace) and Ty Johnson, and Aubrey and Callie VanKerrebroeck.

She enjoyed her family, friends, traveling, flower gardening, and photography.  She enjoyed visiting Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and New Zealand, where she visited her pen-pal of 70 years.  In addition to visiting all 50 states, she most recently enjoyed a trip to Europe with her daughter and her family.  She looked forward to hosting her annual holiday party for her golfing and nursing friends. 

She volunteered for numerous organizations during her lifetime as well as the Annawan Library Board.  She was in charge of creating Annawan’s bi-centennial book and welcome packages for new village residents.  People enjoyed the village’s flower gardens that she planted and cared for throughout the town.  Sharon also has over 1,500 volunteer hours at Hammond-Henry Auxiliary including a term as president.

She was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by one sister, Marilyn Lovestrand of Minnesota and one brother, Earnest (Nancy) Salzmann of Mineral.  Also, brother-in-law Robert (Janet) VanKerrebroeck, Geneseo, and sister-in-law Sue (Robert) Lanxon, Sheffield, and many nieces and nephews.

Her wishes were to be cremated.  Visitation will be held at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory in Atkinson on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.  There will be a graveside service at Annawan Township Cemetery on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM.  Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate. Following that service, we welcome all to join us for a luncheon at the Annawan Community Center at 11:30.

Memorials may be made to Annawan-Alba Library, HHH Auxiliary, or 3 ABN, PO Box 220, West Frankfort, IL 62896.

Warren E. Hadley ~ January 22, 1938 - February 14, 2025

Warren Edward Hadley passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 87. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Reverend Barry Wynveen will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Grace Episcopal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Geneseo Education Foundation,  https://geneseoeducation.com/contribute-to-gef

He was born January 22, 1938, to Gilbert and Lucille (Balluff) Hadley, and grew up on the family farm between Geneseo and Cambridge, IL, graduating from Geneseo High School in 1956. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1961 with a BS in Agriculture. After graduation, he served as a field secretary for Delta Chi Fraternity traveling the country in his corvette. While working out of the national office in Iowa City, his fraternity brothers set him up on a blind date with a nursing student, Catherine Kemp. On December 23, 1962, he married her in Cedar Falls, IA. They had two children, Karen Hadley Lyman (Alan) and Pamela Hadley (Matthew Rispoli). Warren was blessed with 5 grandchildren – Andrea Lyman DeMent (Jamie), Lauren Lyman Brown (Brandon), Justin Lyman (Kira Sisson), Ellen Rispoli (Peter Russel), and Grace Rispoli (Izel Smith). In addition, he lovingly interacted with his 5 great-grandchildren, Caileigh and Martha DeMent and Ezekiel, Micah, and Noah Brown, making or choosing gifts to delight them. Caileigh and Martha DeMent and Ezekiel, Micah, and Noah Brown. He is loved dearly by his sister, Patricia Duensing, his nephews Dean and David, and their families.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Lucille. 

After marrying Cathy, Warren returned to the family farm in 1963. With his father, and later his daughter and son-in-law, Warren farmed 540 acres and fed more than 2,000 cattle annually in Henry County.  He spent a great deal of time developing and adopting modern ways of feeding and finishing beef cattle in the Midwest. He was a partner and vice president of Empire Equipment, NA, and a member of the Henry County Beef Association, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Beef Council, National Livestock Feeders Association, and National Cattleman’s Association. Warren was civic-minded, serving as a Director of Geneseo Cooperative Gas and Oil, the State Bank of Osco, and the Hammond Henry Hospital Foundation. He deeply valued education, serving on the Black Hawk Community College Board, Geneseo Board of Education, and was a founding member of the Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Geneseo. 

In retirement, Warren and his wife finally had time to travel. They cruised the Rhine, the Mediterranean, saw fall leaves in Canada and glaciers in Alaska, and marveled at the wonders of Machu Picchu. Warren enjoyed playing golf, reading, and his morning coffee group.  He also took up wood turning and became a member of the Quad Cities Woodturners. His works were displayed at art shows and RutabagA Art.

Murray N. Singbush ~ September 24, 1933 - February 8, 2025

Murray N. Singbush, 91, of Chandler, AZ, formerly of Geneseo, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 8, 2025.  Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/)

He was born September 24, 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to John and Blanche Singbush. Murray was a great lover of hockey and his talent led to a position as a defenseman in the farm league for the Montreal Canadiens.  He served a brief enlistment in the Royal Canadian Navy and married his wife, Marilyn, in Vancouver, British Columbia in July 14, 1954.  

Murray moved to the United States in 1957 where he began a career in industrial equipment sales.  He retired from Deere & Company, Moline, IL in 1986 as Manager of OEM Sales, an organization he was responsible for establishing.  He was cited as a pioneer in the development of what became a major diversification program for the company.  Upon retiring, Murray and Marilyn sold the family home in Geneseo, IL and enjoyed many years traveling throughout the U.S., Canada, and Costa Rica.  Murray’s “second retirement” was to Casa Grande, Arizona.

Murray did not want to be remembered for his career accomplishments, but for what he most valued:

• His devoted and adventure-filled, 70 years of marriage to his wife, Marilyn

• His love of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

• His many friendships

• His 42 years of sobriety 

Murray was preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen, and brother Gary.  He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his children Lynn (Kevin), Kim, Norm (Becky), Robin (Rick), and Ford (Andrea). Grandchildren, Paige, Brittani, Rayce, Quinn, Ryan, Reid, Blake, Lauren, Drew, Broc, J.P., Tony and many beautiful great grandchildren!

Murray strove to live a life of meaning and purpose, not in grand gestures, but in everyday moments that uplifted those around him.

Condolences may be expressed in Murray’s obituary at www.stackhousemoore.com.

Art For The Canal

The deadline is March 29th. Get your creative cap on now!
Contact the Geneseo Art League for more details.
geneseoartleague125@gmail.com

Edward A. DePauw: October 15, 1962 ~ January 11, 2025

Edward Anthony “Eddie” DePauw, 62, went to be with the Lord and his parents on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Allure of Geneseo. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, January 17, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rapids City, IL, with a rosary being prayed at 3:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church where he was a proud altar server for several years. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Rapids City, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a memorial to be determined. Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron, IL, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Eddie was born on October 15, 1962, to Julian and Jeanette (Thomas) DePauw. He was welcomed by four siblings. To know Eddie was to love him, and if he knew you, you know you were also loved. Born with Down Syndrome, his family never treated him any differently which allowed him to thrive on so many levels. Given an expectation of 30 years with limited physical capabilities, he proved everyone wrong. He had numerous trophies, ribbons, and awards for Special Olympics, Citizenship, and his hard-working attitude at Abilities Plus, Kewanee, Illinois. Eddie was a master rosary maker, and his rosaries were sent all over the world. He was so excited to throw the first pitch at a River Bandits game. He was also a seasoned prankster.

He started school at Riverdale Schools, Port Byron, and later graduated from Black Hawk Area Education Agency. His final years were spent at Abilities Plus, Kewanee, IL, and Allure of Geneseo, IL.

Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings, Joe (the late Marilyn) DePauw, Geneseo, Rosemary (Ed) Osborn, Rock Island, Bob (Pam) DePauw, Port Byron, and Peggy (Byron) Walker, Rock Island; nephews and nieces, Alex (Karelis), Ben (Steffanie), Abby, Christine, Phil, Kate (Steve), Tom (Julia), Mary (Jesse), Jake (Barb), and Sarah (Adam); great nephews and nieces, Maison, Ember, Penny, Julia (Alex), Ethan, Rosie, Brendan, Rachel, Eleanor, Myranda, Theo, Evan, Nate, Jack and Mara; and great-great nephews and nieces, Ryker, Esme’, Haeman, and Layla Grace. He is also survived by very special friends, Scott Speaker, Mark Grigsby, Steve and Cheryl Bingamon, Mike and Donna Rieman, and his many friends at A+.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, godparents, Ed & Antoinette Urbaniak; uncles and aunts, Duke and Kathy Tyler, Bill and Dorothy DePauw, and Oscar and Patricia DePauw; sister-in-law, Marilyn; and niece, Rachel, as well as friends Ricky Bruce, Lynn Reschke, and Craig Smith.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Abilities Plus and Allure of Geneseo for their care and compassion. For the final time from Eddie, “My mame in the paper!”

Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com

Richard R. Sturm: March 30, 1945 ~ December 10, 2024

Richard R. Sturm, 79, of Atkinson, IL, passed away on December 10, 2024, at Richard Owens Hospice House in Peoria. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel with Pastor Terry Lancaster officiating. Visitation will be held from 9-11 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Liberty Cemetery-Atkinson. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in his name to local charities of the donor’s choice. Condolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com

Richard was born in Geneseo, IL, on March 30, 1945, the son of Orville and Dorothy (Dawson) Sturm. He graduated from Geneseo High School Class of 1963. Richard married the love of his life Lynn Mallinson in June of 1965, and she still survives. Richard loved to farm the family farm and that’s where he devoted much of his time. He also worked at the Rock Island Arsenal as a machinist until retiring in 1990. He was the Past-President and current Secretary/Treasurer for Liberty Cemetery in Atkinson. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory are loving wife, Lynn Sturm of Atkinson, daughter, Jen Sturm of Lakeland, MN, grandchildren; Ethan and Megan Howard, brother, Bill (Marg) Sturm of Geneseo and his beloved dog, “Ruger Sturm”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Dorothy Sturm.

Soup Supper at the AETA

Soup Supper at the Antique Engine and Tractor Association. See the graphic for more details.

A Thank You from the family of Kirk Blackert

There aren't enough words of thanks for all of the memorials, cards, food, flowers, and expressions of sympathy in the recent death of Kirk Blackert.

His care at the various health facilities was also greatly appreciated.

He will be missed.

His family and Ann Hutchinson

Raising the Flags on Veterans Day 2024

Photos by Claudia Loucks

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.

Kirk D. Blackert ~ June 28, 1958 - October 7, 2024

Kirk D. Blackert, 66, of Prophetstown, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, IL. A funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel. Pastor Terry Lancaster will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10-11 A.M. prior to the funeral. He will be laid to rest at Annawan Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of your choosing or to the family of Kirk Blackert to be distributed amongst local charities.

Kirk D. Blackert was born on June 28, 1958, in Morrison, IL, the son of Vernon “Red” Jr. and Betty Jane (Pont) Blackert. He graduated from Annawan High School in 1977. Kirk worked for Blackert Construction. He previously was employed by IBP and Columbia Feed. Kirk was a fan of watching sci-fi movies and old westerns. He loved attending western music concerts at county fairs and rodeos to watch horseback riding.

Those left to cherish his memory include significant other, Ann Hutchinson; sisters, Cheryl (John) DeRycke and Angela (Dean) Cantrell; brother-in-law, Jerry Kostner; aunts, Adrianna Kleckner and Linda Billet; uncles, Ralph Blackert and Walt Blackert; nephews; Cory, Adam and Dusty DeRycke, Matt Kostner; Ethan, Jacob, and Seth Cantrell; niece, Lisa Marshall; 6 great nieces and 1 great nephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Betty; sister, Pam Kostner; several aunts and uncles; and great nephew, Noah DeRycke.

Timothy Dean Thornton - July 24, 1965 ~ August 27, 2024

Timothy Dean Thornton, 59, of Cary, Illinois, passed away on August 27, 2024 after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. From a double lung transplant in 2019 to a bone marrow transplant in 2023, Tim met his complex medical journey with optimism, hope and a heart full of faith. He pushed hard to beat the odds through each challenge with strength and fortitude, surrounded by a loving and supportive network of family, friends and community. The family is forever grateful to the incredible teams at Loyola Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and Northwestern Medicine for their exceptional care.

Born on July 24, 1965, to James and Carolyn Thornton in Davenport, Iowa, Tim's early years were filled with fun growing up in the Hazelwood subdivision outside Geneseo, Illinois. Hazelwood was a magical place, brimming with the love of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. After graduating from J.D. Darnall High School, Geneseo in 1983, Tim went on to study at Illinois State University.

Tim's professional life began as an overnight aircraft cleaner, which launched a 25-year career in the airline industry at America West Airlines, Frontier then Virgin America. Through his work, he met great people as he lived across Phoenix, Sacramento, Sun Valley, San Francisco, Moline, St. Louis, and Denver. He learned the value and impact of every role and person in a company, which he’d take with him as he transitioned to a career in technology in Chicago (Grubhub & PayPal/Venmo/Braintree). He cherished every new opportunity, not just for the professional growth, but for the chance to meet new people, hear their stories, and support them.

Tim was a man of many passions. He loved boating, racquetball, skiing, wakeboarding, hiking in the mountains, and traveling, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He shared a great enthusiasm for life and adventure with those around him. He met the love of his life, Malea, in Denver in 1993. Together, they built a beautiful family with their children (Daniel, Lexi, and Nicholas). Tim’s life was filled with joy, laughter and a genuine passion for inspiring and guiding loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Tim is preceded in death by his son Nicholas Thornton (2005), his mother Carolyn Thornton, and his grandparents Robert and Hazel Pettit, and B.E. and Vivian Thornton. He is survived by his loving wife Malea; son Daniel (Heather) Corrie and granddaughter Cienna of Colorado; daughter Lexi Thornton (Lukas Kerstein) of Chicago; father James Thornton Sr.; sister Julie Remkus; brothers Tom (Nikki) Thornton and James (Beverly) Thornton Jr.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

A memorial visitation and service will be held on Tuesday, September 3, from 10am until a service at 11am, followed by a luncheon and open-mic opportunity to share stories at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Respiratory Health Association, https://resphealth.org/ or to Children’s Hospital Colorado, https://www.childrenscolorado.org/ ...organizations the family cares deeply about. They also encourage those who qualify to donate blood in honor of Tim and others who have benefited from blood transfusions.

Let's remember Tim for his bright spirit and the love he shared with everyone he met. His legacy of positivity, strength, and caring will continue to be with us all.

Please visit www.davenportfamily.com to leave an online condolence or for more information. 

From the Loving Family of Grace Loftus

From the Loving Family of Grace Loftus