LOCAL & STATE
Page A4 • Monday, May 20, 2013
Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com
8OBITUARIES DONALD O. ASKELAND Born: Aug. 18, 1934 Died: May 17, 2013, in DeKalb, Ill.
Photos by Rob Winner – rwinner@shawmedia.com
Riley Ryburn makes a funny face after entering the gymnasium for Indian Creek’s commencement Sunday in Shabbona.
Father’s advice to daughter: ‘Stick to your goals’ • GRADS Continued from page A1 She said she is attending Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, to study either mathematics or science. Alyssa Arends shared Wieseler’s bittersweet feelings about graduation. While she is excited to study business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she said it’s also scary and a big change. But, it’s a change she needs. “Have fun and always enjoy life and don’t be worried,” Arends said when asked about what she felt was an important life lesson she learned in high school. Nick Cipra, another gradu-
Class valedictorian Khloe Gordon addresses her classmates during commencement. ating senior, commented on how cool it was to see his friends evolve. Cipra said he’s matured over time. “I’m more of an adult, I
guess,” Cipra said. He said he wants to get into performing or recording music, and mentioned college as a possibility.
Sunday saw the last of Tim Anderson’s children to graduate from Indian Creek. Anderson said he’s very proud of his daughter, Torrie. “It’s great,” Anderson said. “It makes me feel old, but it makes me feel great.” Anderson said his daughter plans to study nursing. He described it as a fitting field for Torrie, given that she loves helping children, and she was aided by nurses when she was born prematurely. Since then, Anderson said his daughter has overcome all of the obstacles in her life. When asked what his final piece of advice is to his daughter, Anderson said, “Stick to your goals.”
Basketball court and sand volleyball could be added • PARK Continued from page A1 In addition to renovating the shelter and replacing the playground, half-court basketball and sand volleyball also could be installed at the park.
Capek said they also want to do some education-based renovations. The park is near Tyler Elementary School, and Capek said she wanted to make improvements that could be used as teaching lessons. “It’d be a wonderful learn-
ing opportunity for kids to come over and use the park,” Capek said. Because Lions Park lies in a flood plain, the district is restricted on what kind of renovations can be made there. Capek said the park district cannot add any en-
closed structures to the park. “You want to make sure the materials you’re recommending can withstand those situations, and we want to be very sensitive to that,” Capek said. “If we do get the grant, the improvements will be phenomenal.”
Public employees and retirees say they feel betrayed • PENSION Continued from page A1 Legislation proposed by powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan requires employees to contribute 2 percent more of their earnings to their pensions, delay retirement and accept less-generous annual cost-of-living increases. Public employees and retirees say they feel betrayed, and forced into righting a wrong they didn’t cause – although some critics say public service unions also played a role in letting the dilemma grow because they consistently rejected many proposed solutions, such as 401(k)-type retirement packages. But fearing that the state’s problem could get even worse, some have come to terms with the idea that it’s
time for everyone who receives or will receive a public pension to sacrifice and help make the pension systems solvent. “I think pension reform is necessary, but it has to be spread across the board so that everybody gives a little,” said Duane Brusnighan, 64, a grants manager at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He said he would be willing to collect a smaller pension as long as lawmakers come up with a plan that doesn’t leave retirees as the only ones paying for the solution. “No one plan is exceptional. There isn’t one that’s good for everybody,” said Brusnighan, who might delay his retirement a few years. “But something has to get done.” The uncertainty of which plan, if any, wins lawmakers’
approval is prompting some public employees to retire early in hopes of keeping some of the benefits that may be gutted from retirement packages if comprehensive pension changes are approved. “I think it’s kind of a shame that so many teachers feel like they should go as soon as possible,” said Tom Heintzelman, reading and literature teacher at Virginia Junior High School in central Illinois. “It’s sad there are good teachers that will be leaving the profession as a result of this.” Heintzelman, who has taught for 28 years at public schools, had planned to retire by the end of next academic year. But the 55-year-old has set June 7 as his last school day. Barbara Franklin, who retired in 2000 after 37 years
as a secretary at the University of Illinois, believes that if lawmakers truly cared about those who will be affected by the potential reforms, they would find other sources of revenue to cover the unfunded liability “instead of trying to solve the problem off the backs of retirees.” Franklin’s pension is $28,000 – $9,000 more than when she retired because of cost-of-living adjustments. Depending on lawmakers’ final decision, she said she may have to adjust her month-tomonth budgeting. “Some set aside their COLA increases to get the vacations or visiting their children who are in other parts of the country,” Franklin said. “Groceries go up, utilities go up ... Most of us are really looking at these (reform plans) as the best of two evils.”
DeKalb, was charged Friday, May 17, with possession of alcohol. Angel J. Roman, 38, of the 300 block of Augusta Avenue in DeKalb, was charged Friday, May 17, with two counts of domestic battery. Benjamin A. Brooks, 27, of the 700 block of Grove Street in DeKalb, was charged Saturday, May 18, with aggravated battery and two counts of domestic battery. Erik R. Carrillo-Noriega, 20, of the 400 block of Fairlane Avenue in DeKalb, was charged Satur-
day, May 18, with possession of alcohol. Veronica Camacho, 32, of the 1300 block of Monomoy Street in Aurora, was charged Saturday, May 18, with illegal transportation of alcohol. Michael A. Foltz, 24, of the 800 block of West Hillcrest Drive in DeKalb, was arrested Saturday, May 18, on an original warrant for preliminary examination – material witness. Erik A. Gugliemi, 28, of the 600 block of Ellwood Avenue in DeKalb, was charged Saturday, May 18,
with contempt of court. Jazime K. Muhammad, 22, of the 2000 block of North McAree Road in Waukegan, was arrested Saturday, May 18, on a failure-to-appear warrant for retail theft. Adam S. Peters, 24, of the 1000 block of Regent Drive in DeKalb, was arrested Saturday, May 18, on an original warrant for aggravated battery. Ceshia M. Puckett, 26, of the 800 block of Ridge Drive in DeKalb, was arrested Saturday, May 18, on a failure-to-appear warrant for driving with a suspended license.
8POLICE REPORTS Note to readers: Information in the Police Reports is obtained from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and city police departments. Individuals listed who have been charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court.
DeKalb city J. Magandy Montero, 19, of the 1400 block of Pleasant Street in DeKalb, was charged Friday, May 17, with criminal sexual abuse. Emily J. Phelps, 20, of the 800 block of Lawnwood Avenue in
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SYCAMORE – Donald O. Askeland, 78, of Sycamore, Ill., died Friday, May 17, 2013, at Bethany Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in DeKalb. He was born Aug. 18, 1934, the son of Arthur and Myrtle (Hill) Askeland. Donald was a veteran of the U.S. Army, enlisted in June 1960 and trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He was honorably discharged as a private on standby in May 1966. He loved spending time with his family while enjoying hunting, fishing and bird watching in his spare time. He began his working career as a mechanical technician at various car dealerships including Brad Manning Ford. Don later worked for Duplex in Sycamore as an experimental machinist in research and development, engineering supervisor and head of Corporate Stores. He retired from Northern Illinois University after working seven years in its building services department. Survivors include three daughters, Suzanne (David) Alvin of Glen Ellyn, Angela (Jimmy) Brooks of Springfield, Mo., and Sandra (Mike) Woodson of DeKalb; five grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Carbone, Melissa (Carl) Alvin McCorkle, Jonathan (Sarah Tiesenga) Alvin, Riley Woodson and Tristan Brooks; and four great-grandchildren, Sid, Samantha, Makenzie and Michael Carbone Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert; and one brother, Richard. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore. A funeral service will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday with the Rev. Michael Massey officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the DeKalb County Hospice or Opportunity House in care of the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. For information or to sign the online guest book, go to www. ButalaFuneralHomes.com or call 815-895-2833. To sign the online guest book, visit www.legacy.com/daily-chronicle.
DONNA MAE COCHRANE Born: July 16, 1929, in DeKalb, Ill. Died: May 17, 2013, in Franklin Grove, Ill. FRANKLIN GROVE – Donna Mae Cochrane, 83, of Franklin Grove, Ill., died Friday, May 17, 2013, at Franklin Grove Living Center. Born July 16, 1929, in DeKalb, she was a daughter of Ernest and Margaret (Priess) Jordal. She married William Cochrane on Sept. 5, 1947, in DeKalb. He preceded her in death Jan. 6, 2004. She was a cook at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb for 10 years until her retirement. Surviving are a daughter, Kathy (Curt) Reid of Gypsum, Colo.; a son, Kevin (Kathy) Cochrane of Franklin Grove; two sisters, Janice (Arthur) Byro of Minnesota and Nancy White of Michigan; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Mary Ann; and a brother, Ernest Jordal Jr. Cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory. To send condolences, visit www. mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com. To sign the online guest book, visit www.legacy.com/daily-chronicle.
FRANCES MICKLEY DAVIDSON Born: Oct. 9, 1928, in Rochelle, Ill. Died: May, 17, 2013 in Little Rock, Ark. MELBOURNE, Ark. – Frances Pauline Mickley Davidson, 84, departed from this life May 17, 2013, in Little Rock, Ark. She was born Oct. 9, 1928, in Rochelle, Ill. The funeral service is Monday,
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NANCY ROCKSTEAD Born: March 20, 1932, in DeKalb, Ill. Died: May 17, 2013, in DeKalb DeKALB – Nancy Rockstead, 81, of DeKalb, Ill., passed away Friday, May 17, 2013, at Kishwaukee Hospital. Born March 20, 1932, in DeKalb, she was the daughter of Leonard and Ethel (Lawrence) Bergeron. Nancy married Richard Rockstead on June 24, 1950, in Sycamore. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Nancy attended Sycamore and DeKalb schools and graduated from Sycamore High School in 1950. She was happy to be a homemaker and worked at Walmart in the fabric department for 20 years. She loved to quilt and made many beautiful quilts for her family and friends. Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Richard Rockstead; six children, Michael Rockstead of DeKalb, Kimberlee (George) Griswold of DeKalb, Janice Saylor of Rochelle, Kelli (Roger) Kempson of Kings, Joseph Rockstead of Kings and Scott (Rae) Rockstead of Rochelle; 12 grandchildren, Randi (Jeff) Neimeyer, Cole and Regan Griswold, Chase (Jill) and Ashley Rockstead, Michael Rockstead, Josh and William Rockstead, Andrea Pisapia, Landon Kempson and Cody and Bobby Rockstead; three great-grandchildren, Finlee and Foster Niemeyer and Aubrey Gabbard; and siblings, Bill (Mary Lou) Bergeron of Aurora, Marilyn Williams of DeKalb and Lenny (Yvonne) Bergeron of South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sons, Douglas and Stacey Rockstead. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178. To share a memory or condolence, visit www. olsonfh.com or call 815-895-6589. To sign the online guest book, visit www.legacy.com/daily-chronicle.
DOROTHY E. WISE Born: April 14, 1915, in Milwaukee, Wis. Died: May 17, 2013, in DeKalb, Ill. DeKALB – Dorothy E. Wise, 98, of DeKalb, Ill., died Friday, May 17, 2013, at the DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center. She was born April 14, 1915, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Bernard and Marie (Wells) Boettcher. She married Ralph Wise in 1938 in Iowa. Dorothy worked at Alpine Valley and enjoyed meeting several celebrities over the years. She was fond of riding her bicycle and swimming until 2006. Her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her competitive nature made her a natural in playing dominoes, apples to apples, bingo and various cards games like gin rummy and euchre. Survivors include one son, Donald (Yong) Wise of Collinsville; one daughter, Pamela (John) Stubinger of Sycamore; four grandchildren, Tracey Busby of DeKalb, Trisha (Steven) Knych of Elgin, Timothy Stubinger of DeKalb and Brian (Jill) Wise of O’Fallon, Mo.; and seven great-grandchildren, Jake and Jennifer Busby of DeKalb, Zoey, Sam and Abby Knych of Elgin, and Alex and Nathan Wise of O’Fallon, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; one brother, Norman Boettcher; and two sisters, Marion Svoboda and Elaine Boettcher. Her visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. Burial will be at a later date in Florida. For information or to sign the online guest book, go to www. ButalaFuneralHomes.com or call 815-895-2833. To sign the online guest book, visit www.legacy.com/daily-chronicle.
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~Hillside Restaurant~ 121 N. 2nd St., DeKalb • 756-4749