Obituaries
Br

BRASEL, Edna -Virginia Gazette, February 24, 1905 - Submitted by Carol Orwig
   Edna, the three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brasel, died at the family residence in Ashland Monday. The remains were brought to this city and funeral services were held from the M.C. church Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Frank Lucas officiating, and interment was made in Walnut Ridge.

BREWER, Richard - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, March 9, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Richard Brewer, 1951-2008, Beardstown
   Richard "Dick" Brewer, 56, of Beardstown, died Friday morning, March 7, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
   He was born March 14, 1951, in Peoria, the son of Jackie R. and Helen L. Richards Brewer.
   He is survived by two brothers, Rudy and Kevin, both of Peoria; six sisters, Sue Putman and Karen Wilson, both of Peoria, Lu Ann Hersman, Jill Ford and Kristi King all of Creve Coeur, and Peggy Brewer of Oklahoma; and numerous nieces and nephews.
   Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial gathering will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the home of Bob Pherigo, 1001 E. Fourth St. in Beardstown. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

BRIGGS, Donna Mae - Buchanan Funeral Home Internet Website - April 23, 2009
   Donna Mae Briggs, 72, of LaFeria, Texas, and formerly of Virginia, died Thursday morning, April 23, 2009, at the home of her son in Champaign, Illinois. She was born November 2, in 1936, the daughter of Leo and Leta Hawkins. She married Dean B. Briggs, June 13, 1954, in Virginia, IL, who preceded her in death.
   She is survived by two sons, Steve Briggs (wife, Janice) of Jacksonville and Mark Briggs (wife, Janet) of Champaign: one daughter, Pam Hamilton (husband, Tom) of Quincy; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her sister Virginia Conner Purnell (husband Frank) of Bloomington.
   Dean and Donna Briggs relocated to Texas 30 years ago after her husband's early retirement from the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in LaFeria, Texas, and enjoyed traveling with her husband, gardening, and playing games with family and friends.
   The family will meet friends 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia. A private graveside service will be held prior to the visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Carle Hospice in Champaign, Illinois or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.

BRIGGS, W. Wayne - Cass County Star-Gazette, Beardstown, Illinois, May 15, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
W. Wayne Briggs, November 28, 1936-May 7, 2008
   W. Wayne Briggs died Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at his home in Virginia. He was 71.
   Wayne was born Nov. 28, 1936 in Versailles, the son of Wendall C. and Beulah Baker Briggs.
   He is survived by his wife, Judy; three daughters, Sally Ann (husband, Byron) Stock of Arenzville, Sue Ann (husband, Nozomu) Ishimori of Irmo, South Carolina, and Jill Ann Briggs of Arenzville; six grandchildren, Wendy and John Love, Aika and Koji Wayne Ishimori, Lydia Reither, and Isaac French; four step grandchildren, Aaron French, Becky Holt, Jennifer Stock, and Amy Covington; and many nieces, nephews, two aunts, two uncles, cousins, and countless friends.
   He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dean (surviving wife, Donna).
   Upon graduation from Virginia High School, Wayne attended The Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri where he studied civil engineering. He worked as an appraiser for the Illinois Department of Transportation until 1966, when he began appraising commercial real estate independently. He attended specialized appraisal classes throughout the United States and was designated Member of the Appraisal Institute as well as an Accredited Rural Appraiser through the Society of Farm Managers. Wayne was a partner in the firm of Kienzler, Briggs and Company in Springfield until 1966, when he became the sole owner of Briggs Appraisal Associates in Jacksonville. A gifted professional whose services where always in demand, he was fondly known by his peers as the appraising guru of central Illinois.
   His destiny as a family man was sealed the moment he saw Judy Terwilliger. They were married on September 11, 1959 and began a memorable partnership of equals that endured nearly a half a century and continues even now in the hearts of those it blessed.
   A sense of beauty, as well as humor, permeated his life. A skilled arborist and gardener, Wayne enjoyed planting trees and flowers - and occasionally did so in unsuspecting yards. An imaginative native artist and talented builder, he was known for constructing patios, play-houses, and arbors to better enjoy the outdoors. A backyard gazebo he built for Judy in 1982 was later the backdrop for several weddings. Wayne was also known for the many signs he carved for family, friends, and various organizations.
   Wayne's willingness to serve extended well beyond his professional career. Soft-spoken and hardworking, he was an active member of the United Methodist Church, where he had served as a teacher and committee member locally as well as in the Central Illinois Conference. Always willing to help, he was a "verb" in Cass County where he worked on various boards and filled volunteer needs. with Wayne, fun just naturally happened. He had a quick sense of humor and was an open door to the feelings of others.
   The family met with friends at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia Friday.
   A memorial service was held 11 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Beardstown. A private family ash committal service will be held later at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia.
   In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or the Cass County Food Pantry.
   Condolences may be sent online to www.buchanancody.com.

BROCKHOUSE, Rojean L. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 18, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   Rojean L. Brockhouse, 74 years, of Virginia, IL died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at her residence.
   She was born October 29, 1931 in Chandlerville, IL; the daughter of Forrest and Mary Duckwiler Largent. She married Alan Armstrong and later married Gene Brockhouse on May 29, 1958 in Chandlerville, IL and he survives.
   She is also survived by her mother, Mary Largent of Virginia; three sons, Bruce Armstrong of Metropolis, Robert Armstrong (wife, Sharon) of Metropolis, and Ronald Brockhouse (wife, Mary Ann) of Virginia; two daughters, Mary Wienhoff of Chatham and Leigh Ann Allen (husband, Tom) of Ashland; 10 grandchildren, Brandi Siders (husband, Cary) of Virginia, Jared Armstrong (wife, Krystal) of Metropolis, Blake Armstrong of Los Angeles, CA, Ross Brockhouse of Industry, Brett Brockhouse of Virginia, Zachary and Jacob Wienhoff, both of Chatham, and Margaret, Quinn, and Julianna Allen, all of Ashland; and a great grandson, Logan Armstrong of Metropolis. She was preceded in death by her father and a step-uncle, Garland Armstrong, who was raised with her in the family home.
   Mrs. Brockhouse was a 1949 graduate of Chandlerville High School and a homemaker. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia where she formerly served as an Elder, Deacon, Trustee, and Sunday School superintendent. She was active in the church's Service Guild, K.O.G.G., and Christian Women's Fellowship. An avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, she enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchild.
   Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, January 22, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Saturday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia. Memorial gifts are suggested to First Presbyterian Church or Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com

BROCKMAN, William - The Cass County Historian, December 1999, originally printed in Central Illinoian, February 3, 1870
   William Brockman who married Lizzie Haywood of this city last fall died of consumption in Pana last week.

BROCKSCHMIDT, Mary V. - Cass County Gazette, July 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Mary V. Brockschmidt - March 27, 1944 - July 6, 2006
   Mary V. Brockschmidt, 62, of Beardstown, died Wednesday, July 26, 2006, at St. John's North in Springfield.
   She was born March 2 7, 1944, in Atlantic City, NJ, the daughter of Richard Leon and Mary Virginia Petros Stephenson. She married Terry L. Brockschmidt on September 17, 1959, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown and he preceded her in death on March 4, 2001.
   Surviving are one daughter, Lynette (husband, Tony) McLain of Gifford; two sons, Troy (wife, Missy) Brockschmidt of Beardstown and Michael "Shaun" Brockschmidt of Anna; four grandchildren Tyler, Taylor, and Tanner McLain of Gifford and Breana Brockschmidt of Beardstown; and one brother, Mike (wife, Liz) Smith of Pennsylvania.
   She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
   Mrs. Brockschmidt attended Beardstown High School. She tended the bar at the Rod-n-Gun in Beardstown for 35 years and she served as an LPN at the Beardstown Hospital for over ten years. Mary was a very loving, adoring, and passionate daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and she appreciated having her many close friends and family sharing together in her home.
   Memorial services for Mary Brockschmidt will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the funeral home.
   There will be a private burial at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery at Beardstown.
   Memorials have been suggested to the Arthritis Foundation or the Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to the family at sagergh@casscomm.com.
   Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of arrangements.

BROCKSCHMIDT, Nellie - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 19, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Nellie Brockschmidt, 1917-2007, Beardstown
   Nellie Brockschmidt, 89, of Beardstown, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 16, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
   She was born Dec. 12, 1917, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Clifford and Olive Dean Jump. She married John H. Brockschmidt in Beardstown, and he preceded her in death Dec. 22, 1979.
   She is survived by two daughters, Kay (husband, Rich) Weimer of Beardstown and Linda (husband, Bob) Carlton of Springfield; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Walt and George Jump; and one sister, Lillian Murphy.
   Mrs. Brockschmidt graduated from Beardstown High School in 1935 and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She was a homemaker and enjoyed doing yard work and growing red geraniums.
   Private family graveside services will be held. Memorials are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown or Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

BROWN, Eula D. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, August 7, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Eula D. Brown - 1903-2003 - Chandlerville
   Eula D. Brown, 100, of Chandlerville, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2002, at Havana Healthcare Center.
   She was born April 26, 1903, in Lynchburg Township, the daughter of Eugene Daniel and Alice Sarff. She married D. Ernest Brown on Aug. 25, 1932, and he preceded her in death Oct. 14, 1992.
   She is survived by several cousins.  Mrs. Brown was a teacher for 22 years in Bath, Kilbourne and Havana. She was a member of Fairview Methodist Church in Bath, AARP and Mason County Retired Teacher's Association.
   Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana with burial at Fairview Cemetery in Bath. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Fairview Cemetery Fund or Chaddock Boys School.

BROWN, Iva Lee - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, June 11, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Iva Lee Brown, 1923-2007, Beardstown
   Iva Lee Brown, 84, of Beardstown, died Sunday morning, June 10, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
   She was born March 21, 1923, in Willow Shade, Ky., the daughter of Olis Reed and Maudie May White Carey. She married Robert Harry Brown on Nov. 7, 1942, in Nashville, Ind., and he preceded her in death July 25, 1988.
   She is survived by one son, Bob (wife, Janet) of Virginia; two daughters, Connie (husband, Don C.) Piper of Beardstown and Anne Brown (companion, Les Boston) of Springfield; four grandchildren, Andrea (husband, Travis) Schroll of Beardstown, Bill (finacee, Dr. Adriana Roman) Piper of Springfield;Keith (wife, Tammie) Brown of Beardstown and Mark Brown of California; three great-granddaughters; three brothers, John Carey and Melvin (wife, Doris) Carey, both of Rushville and James (wife Dianna) Carey of Beardstown; three sisters, Alma Allison of Springfield, Mary (husband, Dave) Peterson of Avon and Pat (husband, Roger) Wellenkamp of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Thelma Ann Carey and Helen Louise Brown; and two brothers-in-law, William Brown and Bob Allison.
   Mrs. Brown attended school at Hickory School in the Sangamon River bottoms and Virginia High School. She was a member of Bluff Springs United Methodist Church. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, cooking and traveling. She loved cooking for and entertaining her friends in her home.
   Funeral services will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with private burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 4:30 p.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Bluff Springs United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

BROWN, Owen L. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 4, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Owen L. Brown, 1925-2007, Virginia
   Owen L. Brown, 81, of Virginia, died Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 2, 2007, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
   He was born Feb. 17, 1925, in Burkesville, Ky., the son of Charlie G. and Ada Taylor Brown. He married Legora Cary and they later divorced. He later married Marjorie "Margie" Jockisch on Sept. 2, 1956, at Eckman Chapel Church in rural Ashland, and she survives.
   He is also survived by one son, Ricky Lee (wife, Lu Ann) of Jacksonville; three daughters, Nancy Kay (husband, Richard) Sapp of rural Virginia, Cathy Sue (husband, Lloyd) Bulman of Buckner, Mo., and Lori Ann (husband, Guy) Robson of Uvalde, Texas; three grandchildren, Brandy Michelle Huber of Quincy, Ben (wife, Sara) Sapp of Stoutsville, Mo., and Chyann Robson of Uvalde, Texas; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles (wife, Charlotte) of Jacksonville; one sister, Ina Trenter of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lynn (surviving wife, Doris of Virginia).
   Mr. Brown was a life long farmer in Cass County and served as Philadelphia Township Road District Commissioner for 22 years. He was a former member of the Cass County Sherriff Auxiliary.
   Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia. Friends may call one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or Walker Nursing Home Resident Activity Fund. Condolences may be left at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.

BROWN, Patricia Ann - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 6, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Patricia Ann Brown, 1938-2007, Beardstown
   Patricia Ann Brown, 68, of Mustang, Okla., and formerly of Beardstown, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
   She was born Dec. 15, 1938, in Beardstown, the daughter of Eugene J. "Kelly" and Velma Lucille Campbell Brown.
   She is survived by one sister, Sharon LeFaver of Mustang, Okla.; and one brother, Gary (wife, Louella) of Yakama, Wash.
   Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Williamson Funeral Home, with burial at Jacksonville East Cemetery. The family will meet friends one hour prior to service Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left at www.airsman-hires.com.

BRUNK, Gail Robert "Bob" - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, September 15, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Gail Robert 'Bob' Brunk, 1921-2007, Virginia
   Gail Robert "Bob" Brunk, 86 of Virginia, died Thursday evening, Sept. 13, 2007, at the Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.
   He was born Jan. 25, 1921, in Cass County, the son of Charlie "Dick" and Sidney Armstrong Brunk. He married Rosie Mae Farmer on July 29, 1945, in Jacksonville, and she survives.
   He is also survived by two daughters, Frances (husband, Ed) Smay, of Bunker Hill, and Delores "Dee" (husband, Bob) Fair of Virginia; five grandchildren, Tammy (husband, Dan) Maggert, Teresa (husband, Gary) Mason, John (wife, Michelle) Moody, Rob (wife, Jennifer) Smay and Lisa Winnett (Companion, Dan Fairfield); 12 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by two brothers, Glen and Bill Brunk; two sisters, Alice Pherigo and Della Sweeten.
   Mr. Brunk was a mechanic and later worked on the Heston Murphy farm and then the Gene Crouse farm prior to his retirement.
   Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral. Memorials are suggested to Walker Nursing Home (nursing fund for an electric lift sling) or Virginia Summer Daze Youth Program. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.

BRUNO, Elizabeth A. 'Betty' - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, October 1, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Elizabeth A. 'Betty' Bruno, 1908-2007, Virginia
   Elizabeth A. "Betty" Bruno, 98, of Virginia, died Saturday evening, Sept. 29, 2007 at her residence.
   She was born Dec. 5, 1908, in Virginia, the daughter of Harry H. And Frances Chittick Conover. She married Frank Alvin Bruno on Feb. 20, 1949, in Virginia, and he preceded in death June 22, 1974.
   She is survived by a niece, Carol Anne Cota of Springfield; two nephews, Herbert C. (wife, Linda) Snow of Virginia and Rev. Harold Edwin (wife, Kathy) Snow of Chattanooga, Tenn.; three great-nieces; four great-nephews; four great-great-nieces; four great-great-nephews; one great-great-great niece; on great-great-great nephew; one cousin; and several care givers who provided home health services. She was preceded in death by one sister, Kathleen Snow.
   Mrs. Bruno was a 1926 graduate of Virginia High School and studied at Penn Hall in Chambersburg, Pa., Milwaukee-Downer College in Milwaukee, and graduated from Simmons College in Boston, with a bachelor of science degree in 1931. She was employed 14 years as a librarian for the Lincoln Library in Springfield, serving in many capacities. She was a member of the Virginia United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, and United Methodist Women, where she held several offices both locally and at the conference level. She was also a member of Beardstown Chapter G.U. of the P.E.O. sisterhood, a charter member of the Friends of Virginia Memorial Public Library, the Vachel Lindsay Association, and Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at Virginia United Methodist Church in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends at the church from 10 a.m. Tuesday until the time of services. Memorials are suggested to Virginia United Methodist Church or Virginia Memorial Public Library Book Fund. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.

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