Obituaries

Stockton

Dennis L. Hamilton, 82

Dennis L. Hamilton, 82, of rural Stockton, IL passed away peacefully April 9, 2024, at home with his wife by his side.

Dennis was born in Waterloo, IA on September 26, 1941 to Mary E. Reynolds and Edward G. Hamilton. He grew up in Clinton, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, graduating from Regis High School in 1959 and Loras College in 1964.

Dennis married Jane Hogan in 1967. They have one son, Daniel, born in 1983 who now lives in Fort Collins, CO.

After serving in the Air Force, Dennis earned a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from Trinity University. He was Vice-President of Columbus Hospital in Chicago, Chief Operating Officer at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, then President and CEO of Freeport Health Network from 1986-2005 when he retired. Golf, fly fishing, fly tying, and establishing a hardwood tree farm kept him busy in retirement.

In addition to his wife and son, Dennis is survived by two brothers; Richard (Mary Ellen) Hamilton of Salida, CO and Robert (Diane) Johnson of Cedar Rapids, IA; and two sisters, Skip Andersen of Hendersonville, NC and Mary Beth Johnson of Iowa City, IA.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother and step-father, J. Theo Johnson. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lanark

Kenneth L. Giesz, 86

Kenneth L. Geisz, of Lanark, passed away Tuesday, April 9, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL. A celebration of Kenneth’s life will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Manny’s Pizza in Savanna, IL. A Memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. during the celebration of life at Manny’s Pizza. Burial will take place at a later date at the Lanark Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in Kenneth’s name.

Kenneth was born March 8, 1938, son of Reuben and Dorothy (Volz) Geisz. He grew up in Chadwick and attended Chadwick Schools. Kenneth graduated from Chadwick High School with the class of 1956. On January 12, 1958, Kenneth married the love of his life, Doris Edwards. Together they raised three children and celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Kenneth worked for the United States Postal Service in Lanark for a total of 36 years; 24 years as a letter carrier and 12 years as the postmaster. Ken also worked part time driving truck for Glenn Wall and later Keith Cheeseman. He retired in 1992. In retirement Kenneth worked for Cleary Building and Christian Farms, both of Lanark. He was an active member of The First Brethren Church and his community. Kenneth was a Lions Club member for five years and a Volunteer on the Lanark Fire Department for 24 years.

In his spare time Kenneth loved a good game of pinocle and uchre. His favorite sport was bowling. At the center of his life was his family. He loved watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, and when they would show cattle at the fairs. He often volunteered as ringman for those cattle shows.

Kenneth will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Doris; three children, Deborah (Dennis) Earnest of Blue Grass, IA, Irvin (Audrey) Geisz of Elizabeth, IL, and Kimberly (Wayne) Van Raalte of Shannon, IL; one grandchild, Codie (Nate) Koester; one great grandchild, Kate Koester; several step-grandchildren, several step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his grandson, Rhett; his parents, Reuben and Dorothy; his brother, Richard; and his sister, Gloria.

Lena

Joan Elizabeth (Cox) Howe, 84

Joan Elizabeth (Cox) Howe, 84, of Lena, IL died April 16, 2024, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and faithful dogs. Joan was born April 30, 1939, on the family farm to Dean and Mary (Barnhizer) Cox of Polo, IL.

She is survived by her children- Barb (Randy) Loomis of Lena, Martha (John) Irak of Hobart, IN, Burnham (Judi) Martin of McConnell, Marybeth (Joe) McConkey of Winona, MN, Fred (Laurie) Martin of Bloomington, IL, Devan (Juanda) Howe of Merrill, WI, Debby (Rod) Schiffman of Orem, UT; 16 grandchildren; 19 greats and one great great granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norm, her parents and two brothers.

Joan was a very determined and strong woman. Her talents were many, she was an accomplished photographer, her beloved Springers being her favorite subjects. To say she loved dogs her entire life would be an understatement. She started competing with dogs at age 9. Joan spent years training, showing, and accumulating winnings in obedience as well as agility and rally all around the Midwest.

Joan was a founder of Green County Humane Society along with starting a dog park in Monroe. She wanted dogs to know the thrill of running off leash. She was active with Green County Pregnancy Center, serving as board member and treasurer. She made countless sewing and personal care kits sent to Haiti with veterinarian Dr. Thayer from Broadhead. Joan was an avid knitter, making everything from potholders and slippers to sweater coats. She could knit, watch TV, and carry a conversation all at the same time. She was a devoted fan of Kevin Costner and had the thrill of meeting him at his premiere of “Open Range”. When Joan wasn’t busy with her many interests, she was a dedicated career woman working at First Federal of Monroe for 27 years. She enjoyed being Bank Manager and loved her many customers.

Joan was a member of Martintown Community Church and Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport serving as Sunday School Teacher. In her later years she was a member of the Monroe Bible Church. She also was a Girl Scout, Betty Crocker’s Homemaker of Tomorrow, and member of the D.A.R.

In her recent homebound years this determined woman printed hundreds of clippings of encouragement and sent mailings weekly to people in need of an uplifting word. Joan held a special place in her heart for great granddaughters McKenzie and Savannah, she appreciated their help caring for her these past few years.

A graveside service will be held at Fairmont Cemetery in Polo, IL on Wednesday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m. Her son-in-law Pastor Joe McConkey will officiate.

If so desired, memorials may be given to Green County Humane Society in Monroe, Wisconsin.

The family would like to express thanks to Kelli at Monroe SSM Health/Hospice for the loving care she showed us all.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com