The museum has more information on the individuals listed - pdf coming soon to this site
Maude Wilcox Frederickson
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George Lacy
George Lacy Obituary (excerpts)
George M Lacy, 100, of Gillespie, IL, died at Heritage Health of Carlinville, IL on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. He was born September 15, 1916, in Buxton, IA to Andrew Lacy & Elizabeth (Krupar) Lacy. He married Evelyn I. (Boyd) Lacy on May 1, 1940 in Carlinville, IL. She preceded him in death on April 15. 1996. He graduated from Benld High School, Class of 1935. He and his brothers, John and Andy, were owners/operators of Lacy's Appliance & TV in Gillespie. He retired from his business in 1985 after having worked since 1944. He was a tinkerer, inventor, artist, a general jack-of-all-trades and even an airplane pilot in his youth. There was little that he could not fix or create. His artwork includes many sketches, paintings and elaborately decorated Easter eggs, in the style of Eastern European "Pysanky." He was a master cabinet maker and made many pieces of furniture for himself, his family and others. He built custom kitchen cabinetry for his wife and a uniquely designed bedroom furniture for his oldest daughter. Visitors to his home were immediately drawn to a whimsical, one-of-a kind, play house built in the backyard that he built for his youngest daughter. His woodworking skills were recognized in a national publication for an attic room that he converted to a bedroom for his sons. George was a member of the SS Simon and Jude Church, Gillespie Fire Department, Holy Cross Cemetery Board, Welfare Park Association and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was an honorary member of SS Simon and Jude Altar Society. |
I introduced an 85 years old George to the World Wide Web. Being a jack of all trades he took to surfing the web like a duck to water and was soon connected to family in Eastern Europe. He also told me of earning his first airplane ride by hauling gasoline for a barnstorming Charles Lindberg. His stories were fascinating and often accompanied by a shot of Slivovitz.
Dave Tucker, Illinois Coal Museum |
Lillian Keupper
Lillian Keupper Obituary Lillian Marie Keupper, 102, of Gillespie, IL, died at Heritage Health of Gillespie on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 9:27 am. She was born February 25, 1920, in Litchfield, IL to Hugo W. Keupper & Marie Carroll Keupper. Lillian attended SS Simon & Jude Catholic School, Gillespie Community High School and Webster College. She was vice president for Peoples State Bank in Gillespie which later became United Community Bank from 1946-2000. She was the treasurer of the Gillespie Community School District 7 for 23 years, Secretary of the Gillespie Public Library, Secretary/Treasurer of Holy Cross Cemetery and was active in many other organizations. She was the recipient of the 2001 Civic Achievement Award from the City of Gillespie. She is survived by her cousin, Joseph (Cleo) Novak of Gillespie, IL and their children, Ann Marie Sullivan of Springfield, IL, Joseph B Novak II of Gillespie and cousin, Diane Ray of Tucson, AZ. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents and sister and brother in law, Dr. Rosemary K and Dr. A. Robert Valle. Friends may call on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. Funeral mass will be on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie, IL. Memorials are suggested to SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie Public Library or Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, IL is in charge of the arrangements. |