LNT_DePue Boat Races_2026 by Shaw Media

Welcome from the DePue Men’s Club

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome fans and racers to the shores of beautiful Lake DePue for the 2026 Lake DePue APBA PRO National Championship Boat Races in association with the U.S. Title Series. The DePue Men’s Club is immensely proud to be hosting an unprecedented 40th year of the Illinois Valley’s most spectacular summer celebration. While experiencing many highs and a few lows, we have been truly fortunate to continue to bring this exciting event to our boat racing fans.

The members of the club work extremely hard to bring you such a quality event and would not be able to do this without the dedication of our many volunteers. Their time and effort are very much appreciated, and we cannot thank them enough. We thank the radio and newspapers for their continued publicity, merchants and vendors for their support, and, what more can say about the fans, the best in the country. We salute you for being there for us all these years. Finally, we thank DePue Mayor Dan Hoffert and our village trustees, as well as all our past leaders, for their continued support of the DePue Men’s Club.

As you enjoy the races, please be mindful of your neighbors. Welcome people to share your space if needed and help them enjoy a great weekend of boat racing. This falls on all of us to promote a magnificent e ent and encourage our isitors to come bac ne t year. t is what the spirit of community is all about.

n a final note, we li e to ac nowledge our men and women ser ing in all branches of the Armed orces. our sel ess dedication and sacrifice in defending our great nation is ery much appreciated. We will always be grateful to you.

e wish e eryone a safe and fun filled wee end and we loo forward to seeing you again ne t year. Sincerely yours,

DEPUE MEN’S CLUB 2026 OFFICERS

DePue Men’s Club

LAKE DEPUE PRO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BOAT RACES

Wednesday, July 29

2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Noon to 6 p.m. — Sanctioned testing

• 11 a.m. — Food vendors open

• Noon — Beer Garden opens

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Live music with John Graham (free admission)

• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music with Jim Noethe (free admission)

Thursday, July 30

• Noon to 6 p.m. — Sanctioned testing

• 11 a.m. — Food vendors open

• Noon — Beer Garden opens

• 7 p.m. — Drivers Meeting at Big Shelter

• 8 to 11 p.m. — Live music with Jim Noethe (free admission)

Friday, July 31

• 11 a.m. — Championship boat racing ($5 admission, no refunds)

• 11 a.m. — Food stands open

• Noon — Beer Gardens open

• 8 p.m. to Midnight — Live music & dancing with Abbynormal (free admission)

Saturday, Aug. 1

• 11 a.m. — Food stands open

• 11:30 a.m. — Championship boat racing ($5 admission, no refunds)

• Noon — Beer Gardens open

• 8 p.m. to Midnight — Live music & dancing with Fueled By Whiskey (free admission)

Sunday, Aug. 2

• 11 a.m. — Food stands open

• 12:30 p.m. — Championship boat racing ($5 admission, no refunds)

• Noon — Beer Garden opens

• 6:30 p.m. — Award Ceremony and Ra e Drawing

LAKE DEPUE PRO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BOAT RACES

2026 RACING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, July 29

• Noon to 6 p.m. — Sanctioned testing

Thursday, July 30

• Noon to 5:30 p.m. — Sanctioned testing

• 7 p.m. — Drivers Meeting

Friday, July 31

• 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Sanctioned Testing

• 11 a.m. — Championship racing begins

First Set

C-Service Runabout, 500cc Hydroplane, J-Hydroplane (NAC)

Second Set

125cc Runabout, OSY-400 Hydroplane, C-Racing Hydroplane

Third Set

175cc Hydroplane, 500cc Runabout, J-Runabout (NAC)

Saturday, August 1

• 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Sanctioned Testing

• 11:30 a.m. — Championship racing begins

First Half

AX Runabout (NAC), 250cc Runabout, 700cc Hydroplane

Second Half

C-Service Runabout, 350cc Hydroplane, K-Pro Runabout, 700cc Runabout

Sunday, August 2

• 11 a.m. to Noon — Sanctioned Testing

• 12:30 p.m. — Championship racing begins

First Half

1100cc Runabout, 125cc Hydroplane, AX Hydroplane (NAC)

Second Half

250cc Hydroplane, 350cc Runabout, K-Pro Hydroplane, 1100cc Hydroplane

VILLAGE OF DEPUE

111 West Second Street • P.O. Box 500 DePue, Illinois 61322-0500

Phone (815) 447-2177 • Fax (815) 447-2178 • villageofdepue.com

Mr. Trent Solorio

DePue Men’s Club

DePue, IL 61322

Trent,

On behalf of the Village of DePue want congratulate you on hosting the 2026 APBA/US Title Series Pro Nationals. This is the 40th year that your organization has hosted this event and it is a great accomplishment!

Year after year the races draws thousands to shore of beautiful Lake DePue. In recent years, your club continues to succeed despite some difficult challenges due to water conditions. Through your leadership, many volunteers have come back year after year to help with this event. Thank all of you for your efforts!

Meanwhile, the Village of DePue — led by our DAC and CAG committees — continues to fight to clean up Lake DePue. Tom Dobrich heads those committees, along with Sarah Torri, John Widmar, Barb Smith, Jennifer Lamkin and Butch Torri, along with help from Rob Weinstock, Mark Bryant and Jim Stowe. They are putting together a program that will show what the problems are in Lake DePue. encourage all to visit this program and see what we are doing to push for the complete restoration of our Lake DePue. They have worked tirelessly on this immense project. thank them for all their efforts!

Finally, many thanks to all the people who make these Pro Nationals a success from the fans to the drivers and their crews, to the vendors who feed everyone, to the US Title series and the APBA. This is the best event of the summer and we as a community could not be prouder. Thank you and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Hoffert Village President

WELCOME RACE FANS TO THE 2026

PRO NATIONALS IN DEPUE, ILLINOIS

“Holy Buckets!”

Welcome to the U.S. Title Series and the Men’s Club Pro Nationals on beautiful Lake DePue! This year marks the 40th year of the U.S. Title Series alongside the Men’s Club conducting the Pro Nationals at what many proudly call “The Best Dam Race Site.” We are honored to continue this tradition and grateful to everyone who helps make this event possible.

A special thank you goes out to the many volunteers from the Title Series and Men’s Club whose dedication and hard work allow us to host this incredible weekend of racing. Your commitment is what keeps this event running year after year.

We are excited to welcome racers from the Midwest, East Coast, West Coast, and Canada as they compete in some of the top classes in the country. This year’s schedule once again includes K–Pro Youth classes, service classes, and many of the premier racing divisions our fans look forward to seeing.

We are also honored to host the J–Hydro, J–Runabout, AX Hydro, and AX Runabout classes as they compete for North American Championships.

On behalf of everyone involved, thank you to the DePue Men’s Club and the Village of DePue for welcoming us back to the Best Dam Race Site in racing. Most importantly, thank you to all of the fans, racers, and families who continue to support this event year after year. You are truly part of our racing family.

We hope you enjoy an exciting and memorable weekend at the races!

Sincerely,

Pete Nydahl

USTS President

U.S. TITLE SERIES 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT – Pete Nydahl, Bristol, WI • VICE PRESIDENT – Mike Thirlby, Traverse City, Ml

TREASURER – Paul Bosnich 111, Williams eld, IL • SECRETARY – Andy Kirts, Cilo, Ml BOARD MEMBERS – Gary Merkel, Arlington, IL • Ben Thompson, Fort Pierce, FL Jerry Davids, Newport News, VA • JR. BOARD MEMBER – Vinny Buskirk, Waukashea, WI

U.S. TITLE SERIES 2026 RACE OFFICIALS

RACE DIRECTORS – Ben Thompson, Fort Pierce, FL & Kurtis Nydahl, Milwaukee, WI

CHIEF SCORER – Denise Eldredge, Port St. Lucie, FL • Chief Referee – Robert Trolian, Trenton, Ml

ASSISTANT REFEREES – Paul Bosnich Ill, Williams eld, IL & Michael Ellison, Green Bay, WI

RISK MANAGER – Andy Kirts, Cilo, Ml • INSPECTORS – Rex Hall, Smithville, MO; Karl Williams, Spring eld, IL; Jerry Davids, Newport News, VA

BOAT RACING HAS BEEN A TRADITION AT LAKE DEPUE FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS

The roots of boat racing on Lake DePue go back to 1917. In those days and most years until the early 1960s, the races were always held on Labor Day weekend.

It is uncertain who the sponsor was, but in1931 the DePue Boat Club (DBC) was formed and it sponsored the races for the next 30 years.

e DePue Boat Club is credited with constructing the concrete boat ramp that is still in use today, along with the metal shing pier in front of the big shelter.

A few years later, the Peru branch of the DePue Boat Club was formed and conducted boat races on the Illinois River in Peru along Water Street.

In the 1950s, the DePue race was also the Midwest Divisionals. e Divisionals were an important race in those years as a win at a divisional guaranteed the driver an automatic berth in the National Championship race, without the need to qualify.

In 1961, the DePue Centennial Committee (DCC) was asked by the

Outboard Club of Chicago to host the rst American Power Boat Association (APBA) National Championship races on Lake DePue in conjunction with the DePue Centennial celebration. e Outboard Club of Chicago had been in charge of conducting the races since the mid-1940s.

In 1965, a er three years at other sites, DePue was asked again to host the National Championships, with the DePue Boat Club and the newly-formed Lake DePue Preservation Association, (LDPA), led by Donald Bosnich and John Widmar , as co-sponsors. is was considered the passing of the torch as the LDPA then sponsored the Lake DePue APBA National Championship races every year through 1974.

A er the 1974 race, Lake DePue was deemed too shallow for safe racing, although the Midwest Powerboat Association conducted a couple races in 1975 and 1976 on Memorial Day weekend.

A er much lobbying , and with the help of Richard “Dick” Mautino and Calvin Schuneman, legislation was

HAPPY’S SUPER SERVICE ALWAYS GAS FOR LESS

passed to allow the dredging of Lake DePue in the early 1980s.

In 1983, the DePue Democratic Club, in conjunction with the newly-formed United States Title Series, held the rst race in DePue since 1976.

e DDC realized the task was too big for them and turned to a new organization, the DePue Men’s Club, (DMC), to become the sponsor for the 1984 USTS race.

A er the success of the 1984 race the DMC was asked to host the National Championship race in 1985 in association with the USTS as a conducting club.

And so, the tradition of Lake DePue National Championship boat racing has been in the hands of the DMC , USTS and the American Power Boat Association for the past 38 years.

Going back to the DBC, DCC, LDPA, DDC and DMC, you will nd many grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters of current DePue Men’s Club members. All have taken great pride in the history of racing on Lake DePue.

Phone 663-8311Spring Valley, Illinois

SINCE 1931

Welcome Race Fans

72 Eichhorn Road - Spring Bay, IL61611

PH: 309-822-0815 // FAX: 309-822-0816

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Good Luck Racers

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While there is great variety in runabout design, they generally have a at riding surface tapered to a point in front and do not

A PRIMER ON APBA PROFESSIONAL RACING OUTBOARD BOAT CATEGORIES AND CLASSES

Professional Racing Outboard (PRO) is the American Power Boat Association’s most diverse and electrifying category.

With 19 classes, PRO boats speeds range from moderate to blazing fast, from old tech to cutting-edge tech. Engines in the PRO category can run at upwards of 13,000 rpm (compared to a typical stock race car that runs at 7,000 rpm).

PRO Boats are roughly 9 to 14 feet long and weigh 100 to 250 pounds. Most are made of wood, but carbon ber, honeycomb and other high-tech materials also are used.

Most drivers kneel in the cockpit. Some boats are driven in a lay-down position, while others have the driver seated. Typically, the le hand works the spring-loaded throttle, and the right hand handles the steering wheel.

e boats are of two distinct designs

— hydros and runabouts.

Hydros ride on a cushion of air. e boat contacts the water’s surface on two sponsons (projections) and the propeller. e design is generally unrestricted, challenging those who wish to experiment in boat design and construction.

Runabouts have certain restrictions, such as minimum lengths. While there is great variety in runabout design, generally they have a at riding surface, tapered to a point in front, and do not channel air under the hull. Although typically slower than hydros, the thrill of racing runabouts is unmatched. Just watch a runabout round a buoy and you’ll see the di erence!

irteen of the PRO classes are based primarily on motor displacement. ey are sometimes referred to as “bore and stroke” classes. e maximum displacements of bore and stroke classes are 125cc (128.75cc), 175cc, 250cc (257.5cc),

350cc, 500cc, 700cc, and 1100cc (1133cc). ere are no minimum weights in these classes, and in the hydro classes, there are few restrictions on hulls.

e three largest hydro classes — 500ccH, 700ccH, and 1100ccH — must utilize a reinforced cockpit (capsule) with a ve-point harness and the driver seated. e 125cc classes must use one-cylinder motors. e 1100cc Runabout must carry two people, a driver and a deck rider.

Most bore and stroke classes utilize a fuel based on methanol and oil.

e K PRO Hydro class is a class for kids only. e OSY400 class is the USA version of the largest UIM powerboat racing class in the world. K PRO Hydro and OSY400 are restricted to gasoline and oil fuel.

e C Service and C Racing classes are based on American-built shing

The three largest hydro classes — 500ccH, 700ccH, and 1100ccH — use a reinforced cockpit (capsule) and a ve-point harness with the driver seated.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DALE HOFFERT, BRADFORD, ILLINOIS

channel air under the hull.

PRIMER

and racing motors from the 1930s to the 1950s.

U.S. TITLE SERIES

e US Title Series, founded in 1982, is recognized as the premier PRO outboard racing series in the United States.

ere are eleven classes in the U.S. Title Series based on the type of boat and the size of the engines. Engines are speci cally designed for racing, burn methanol fuel, and are manufactured all over the world.

A separate race is run for each class consisting of three heats per class and four laps per heat. ere are three distinctive types of boats in the U.S. Title Series: Runabouts, Hydroplanes and Capsules.

MODIFIED OUTBOARDS

In Modi ed Outboard, the engine builder’s skill is just as important as the driver’s. ese boats are easily recognizable by specially tuned pipes that make

them as loud as they are fast. Because engines are constantly being modi ed to make the absolute most of what the rules allow, the competition is always erce.

Whether hydroplane or runabout, modi ed classes are de ned by the size of their engines (displacement).

e numbers in the class names de ne the approximate engine size in cubic centimeters. For example, the 250ccMH, or 250 cubic centimeter Mod Hydro, is smaller than the 850ccMH, or 850 cubic centimeter Mod Hydro.

Some classes have minimum weights, which increase with engine size. e smaller classes are o en a good t for younger, lighter drivers (14-year-olds may drive 200-250cc Mod classes, for example). e larger classes take considerable skill and experience. Propellers of four blades or less are used, and prop choice can a ect speed enormously.

JUNIOR CLASSES

Junior Hydroplanes and Runabouts (40 mph) are open to all kids ages 9-16. AX Hydroplanes and Runabouts (50 mph) are open to ages 12 and up.

Hydros ride on a cushion of air. The boat contacts the water’s surface on two sponsons (projections) and the propeller.

The 1100cc Runabout carries two people, a driver and a deck rider.

Junior Hydroplanes and Runabouts (40 mph) are open to all kids ages 9-16.

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for

2025 LAKE DEPUE PRO NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

2025 Pro National Champions

125CC R

250CC R

350CC R

500CC R

700CC R

1100CC R

• Deckrider

125CC H

175CC H

250CC H

350CC H

500CC H

700CC H

1100CC H

K-PRO H

K-PRO R

C RACE R

C RACE H

C SERV R

C SERV H

OSY-400 H

Joseph Perez Spring Valley, IL

Paul Bosnich III

Williams eld, IL

Mike Werner Dunnville, Ontario

Dustin Pearson Mt. Pleasant, MI

Jerzee Holman Cilo, MI

Vinny Buskirk Waukesha, WI

Marshall Walk Hennepin, IL

Brian Palmquist Diamond Lake, IL

Tyler Keller Flint, MI

Amy Nydahl New Prague, MN

Kurtis Nydahl Milwaukee, WI

Ike Yoder

White Pigeon, MI

Doug Hall Dekalb, MO

Ryan Burk Maple Valley, WA

Harper Kelly Moen Tacoma, WA

Doug Martin Black Diamond, WA

Justin Gibson Washington, IL

Allen Thorsen Bend, OR

Ryan Gowin Tacoma, WA

Carson Kelly Bonny Lake, WA

2025 US Title Series Champions

K PRO H

K PRO R

125CC H

125CC R

175CC H

250CC H

250CC R

350CC H

350CC R

500CC H

500CC R

700CC R

1100CC H

1100CC R

Rayce Bosnich Williams eld, IL

Brian Palmquist Diamond Lake, IL

Ethan Fox Elkhorn, NE

Kurtis Nydahl Bristol, WI

Paul Bosnich III Williams eld, IL

Kurtis Nydahl Elkhorn, NE

Paul Bosnich III

Ike Yoder

Williams eld, IL

White Pigeon, MI

Jason Sailer Brook eld, WI

Jerzee Holman Cilo, MI

Doug Hall Dekalb, MO

Vincent Buskirk Waukesha, WI

SCORE SHEET 2026 PRO NATIONALS

For the PRO National Championships, the drivers run three heats in each class. Drivers receive points for each heat. When the heats are nished, the points are totaled to determine the winner. The drivers are ranked according to their total and are then given a nal position based on this gure. T he points that they actually receive are then doubled. Points are scored through the 20th position. In the case of ties, time is the deciding factor.

POINTS BY ORDER OF FINISH

First...............................................400

Fifth..............................................127 Sixth.............................................95

Seventh.......................................71

Eighth..........................................53

HOW TO WATCH A PRO NATIONAL RACE

e boats are carried to the water to await the THREE-MINUTE GUN

When the THREEMINUTE GUN is red, that tells the drivers to start their engines and go out on the course.

A GREEN FLAG is displayed on the starting barge and patrol boats are positioned at each turn. e numbers above the clock indicate the number of minutes to start the race.

THE ONE-MINUTE GUN is red, and a WHITE FLAG is displayed and the hand on the clock begins to move.

THE FLYING START: e drivers move to the second turn,

picking their lanes and watching the clock, trying to time themselves to y past the starting line at the exact second the clock hand hits zero.

THE FIRST TURN: It’s everyone for themselves, with boats side by side and rooster tails ying. Someone will be in the lead and everyone else will play catch-up.

THE FINISH: e WHITE FLAG is displayed when there is one lap to go. e CHECKERED FLAG waves in the winner. e race is over. But not for long. e racers must repeat the entire process again in another two heats. e total points from the three heats determines the PRO National Champion.

FLAGS

RED FLAG ............................Activity is stopped, Slow Down

YELLOW FLAG..................Problems on course: Continue with Caution or Hold Position

WHITE FLAG ......................Time Between ONE-MINUTE GUN and Start, Leader has Started Last Lap

GREEN FLAG .....................Time Between THREE-MINUTE GUN and ONE-MINUTE GUN, While Race is ......................................................Underway Except for Last Lap

CHECKERED FLAG ........Finish

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DALE HOFFERT, BRADFORD, ILLINOIS

Hitting the start line at the exact second the clock hand hits zero is key to running a good heat.

The rst boat around the rst turn is the boat that takes the lead.

USTS TECHNICAL RULES

ENGINES

1. One outboard engine, may be any reciprocating two- or four-cycle engine

2. Turbochargers or superchargers are prohibited.

3. ere shall be no more rotary valves than number of cylinders.

4. Tuned intake and exhaust is permitted.

5. Propulsion must be by water-driven propellor.

A. Maximum gear case length is 24.25 inches, including the prop nut.

B. Tractor lower units are not legal.

C. e propeller sha to drivesha angle may not exceed 100 degrees.

6. Engine displacement = bore squared x .0785 x stroke x number of cylinders.

A. To convert cubic inch into cubic centimeter, multiply by 16.387.

BOATS

No minimum weights apply.

1. Hydroplanes shall be free of all restrictions.

A. Any boat that meets the de nition of a PRO runabout cannot be raced in the hydro class.

B. 500cc — 1100cc shall be a capsule/reinforced cockpit. 350cc hydro and below shall be open.

2. Runabouts are de ned as displacement hulls where the bottom shall have no steps or break in the longitudinal continuity. No concave greater than 1/16” will be allowed in the width of the bottom of the boat parallel to the planning surface. No design that uses a tunnel e ect is allowed. e side of the boat must form a continuous contour from a single stern to the transom with no concave greater than 1/4”. Trim tabs that are adjustable by the driver while underway are not allowed. Rub rails or li ing handles are allowed provided they are attached to the outside of the boat and they do not exceed 1” in width, 1 1/2 “ in depth or 36” in length from the transom forward. e deck is not allowed to protrude beyond the side of the boat. Turning n brackets may not protrude outside the chine of the boat by more than one (1) inch. Minimum lengths for runabouts are as follows:

125 and 175 R — 11’ 6”

250 and 350 R — 12’ 6”

500, 700 & 1100R — 13’

FUEL

PRO — e use of oxygen tanks in connection with motors is prohibited; fuels that exist as gases at ambient temperature and pressure such as propane, butane and nitrous oxide are prohibited.

K PRO and OSY-400 — Gasoline and oil mixture must be used that meets the current NBRA fuel specifcations.

CLASSES

CLASS

125 Runabout and Hydro

DISPLACEMENT

Single cylinder up to 128.75cc

175 Runabout and Hydro 175cc maximum

250 Runabout and Hydro 257.5cc maximum

350 Runabout and Hydro 350cc maximum

500 Runabout and Hydro 500cc maximum

700 Runabout and Hydro 700cc maximum

1100 Runabout and Hydro

Over 350 and including 1133cc

K PRO H Evinrude and Johnson 15A

OSY-400 Yamato 80, 102, 202, 302

RACING IDENTIFICATION LETTERS

HOME STATE OF BOAT OWNER

A ...........Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont

B ...........Massachusetts

C ...........California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii

CE ........Eastern Canada, Ontario, Quebec, ...............and Maritime Provinces

D...........Connecticut, Rhode Island

E ........... Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland,

...............District of Columbia

F............Florida, Georgia, Alabama

G ...........Minnesota, South Dakota

H...........Indiana

L ............Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas

J ............New Jersey

K ........... Kentucky, Tennessee

M ..........Michigan

N........... New York

P ...........Pennsylvania

Q ..........Delaware

R ...........Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska

S ...........Ohio

T ...........Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico

U ...........North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, ...............Colorado, Utah

V ...........Illinois

W .........Wisconsin

X ...........Iowa, Nebraska

Y ...........Kansas, Missouri

Z ...........North Carolina, South Carolina

ABOUT SAFETY

Many people need a safe way to satisfy their normal desire for competitive speed PRO boat racing under U.S. Title Series rules and regulations. Rigid safety rules are established and enforced. Any driver breaking the rules can be beached for varying lengths of time depending upon the severity of the infraction. Boats, motors, helmets, life jackets, etc.

are inspected regularly and must be kept up to current Safety Advisory Committee speci cations. Hard and fast safe driving rules are rigidly enforced anytime a U.S. Title Series registered racing boat is put on the water, even for testing. Boat racing also has contributed much to improve safety conditions for the pleasure-boating public.

IN MEMORIAM

Freddie Herbert

March 23, 2025

Freddie Herbert, native of Gonzales, Louisiana, and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away March 23, 2025, at the age of 82.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cindy Lou Hebert; children Tylane Herbert Sr. (Christy), Share Herbert (Patsy), Renee Gri n (Sydney), Cindy Ann Persilver, and Charles Eugene Persilver Sr. (Taylor); grandchildren Finley, Olivia, Lillian and Gaige; and his siblings Charles, Larry, Evelyn and Bonnie. He was preceded in death by his par-

IN MEMORIAM

Je rey E. Lake

June 1, 1972 – May 1, 2025

Je rey E. Lake, 52, of Mendon, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at his home.

Je rey was born June 1, 1972, in Quincy, Illinois, to James Edwin Lake and Judith Ann (Willing) White. He was married to Dana Rose Boden on June 29, 1991, in Quincy,. They were blessed with two children, Abbigayle and Brandon. Je later found love again and married Debra Marie Lake on December 31, 2013, in Quincy. She preceded him in death on January 1, 2022.

Survivors include his two children, Abbigayle Schrage (Mitchell) of Quincy and Brandon Lake of Tampa, FL; one grandchild, Bayler Schrage; one brother, Tim Lake (Debbie); one sister, Cindy Goehl (Mike); and his signicant other, Teresa Pettit Coder. Je rey was preceded in

ents, Elison and Altia Bercegeay Herbert, and grandchildren Kylie, Megan and Audrey.

Freddie enjoyed boat racing, hunting, watching Louisiana State University, dancing with the love of his life, Cindy Lou, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

anks to Ty and Christy Herbert for sharing this information and Greenoaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park for making this information available.

death by his wife, Debra; his parents; his brother, Rodney “Moose” Lake; and his stepfather, Paul White.

Je was a driver and trainer for Allied Waste. His dedication to his community shone brightly through his volunteer work with the Volunteer Emergency Corps, where he contributed his time and skills to help others in times of need.

Je ’s passion for life extended beyond his professional and volunteer work. An avid outdoorsman, he found peace in the timber and was always ready for the next hunting season.

His love for nature was evident in his mushroom hunting adventures and the meticulous care he took of his lawn. Je ’s enthusiasm for hydroplane boats earned him the nickname “Je the Ref” in the hydroplane racing circuit. His skills were not limited to refereeing, as he proudly won various awards and championships through the years. The races brought him to various locales, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Experience & Knowledge

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EUCHRE TOURNEY

1st & 3rd ursday of the Month 6:30pm till nish

Open Wed., urs., and Fri. 5pm - Close

POST MEETINGS

2nd Monday of the Month 7pm

AUXILIARY MEETINGS

2nd Monday of the Month 6pm

BURGER NIGHT 4th ursday of the Month

BANQUET HALL AVAILABLE

DEPUE MEN’S CLUB HONORS AL PIERSON

Albert Pizzamiglio (aka Al Pierson)

December 19, 1931 — February 14,2026

Albert eodore Pizzamiglio (aka Al Pierson) was born on December 19, 1931 in Spring Valley, Illinois, to Annabile and Sara (nee eodore) Pizzamiglio.

He was educated in the DePue Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1949. He attended Illinois State University on a scholarship, where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He did advanced studies at the University of Illinois.

His achievements:

• Honoree: Who’s Who Among College and University Students (1954)

• Honoree: Best New Dance Band in the Country (1975)

• Honoree Ballroom Dancer’s Hall of Fame (1976)

• Honoree: America’s Number One Dance Band (1977)

• Featured Listee: Who’s Who in America, Marquis Who’s Who (2004-2010, 2016) Designations: Advanced Music Studies, University of Illinois Master of Arts, Illinois State University, Bachelor of Arts

• Performed for the 55th Presidential Inauguration Ball for George W. Bush and Richard Cheney, Washington, D.C., on Janurary 20, 2005

Albert started his own band in 1947 while in high school and actively conducted orchestras ever since. He went on the road with Al Pierson’s Big Band USA and in 1989 took over the Guy Lombardo Orchestra and traveled to more than 72 countries, ew millions of miles and played in every state in the U.S.

• Honoree: Alumnus of the Year, Illinois State University (2004 to present)

• Honoree: 2000 Outstanding Musicians of the 20th Century, International Biographical Center

• Recipient: Distinguished Alumni Award, Illinois State University (2004)

• Recipient: Superman Award (1977)

• Recipient: Men’s Club Award, e Illinois Club

• Featured Listee: Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, Marquis Who’s Who (1992-93, 1998-99)

• Featured Listee: Who’s Who in the World, Marquis Who’s Who (2001, 2003-2008)

He taught at grade schools, high schools and 16 universities, and was a guest lecturer at local universities until recently. He continued to reside on his Texas ranch, where he raised cattle and hay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert and wife Nancy.

He is survived by his children Catherine Meddaugh and Greg Pizzamiglio of Texas, Lisa and husband Kevin Forst of Oregon; stepchildren Alexandria omas, Joanna, Forst, Catherine Forst, Sarah Forst, Sophi and husband Liam Boehning, and Levi Forst; Matthew and wife Elizabeth Lovas, Jennifer, Lovas, and Samantha and husband Cory Willard; and Ainsley and Kinzie Roberton; and ve great-grandchildren, Temperance and Lucius omas, Leonardo Garza, Malachi Debnam and Freyja Forst.

He is also survived by his classmate and dear friend of 90 years who was helping Al write his autobiography at the time of his death, Jeannette Peterson Langebartels.

Al Pierson (in white suit) with Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians.

IN MEMORIAM

Ralph Donald

December 17, 1930 – May 10, 2025

Ralph Donald was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on Dec. 17, 1930. He died in Citra, Florida on May 10, 2025.

Ralph began racing outboards in 1953 with a used Speedliner runabout and a Mercury KG7. For 57 years, Ralph was an active competitor, supporter and organizer of outboard powerboat racing.

During his long racing career, Ralph garnered numerous racing titles and honors. ese include 16 National and Highpoint Championships, two competition records, induction into the Hall of Champions in 1975 and APBA’s Honor Squadron in 2008.

Ralph’s rst race in Depue was in 1966 for the APBA Nationals. He retired from driving a er the 2011 nationals in Depue. He never missed a race in Depue, and still attended a er hanging up his helmet.

e majority of Ralph’s racing career was spent in the Alky or PRO category. He competed in just about every class in the PRO category including both runabouts and hydroplanes.

Ralph raced regionally, nationally and internationally throughout his career. During the 1980s, Ralph became an active participant in UIM Championship “O” racing and competed in UIM events in Germany, Austria, the USSR, Italy and Great Britain. His highest accomplishment racing on the UIM European Circuit came in 1987 when he won the “Eis Pokal” or Ice Trophy in the 500 hydroplane class at the season-ending World Cup in Berlin, Germany

wart competitor in the US Title Series.

Ralph sponsored the rst-ever UIM 125 Hydroplane World Championship race at Cypress Gardens, Florida in 1997. Again in 2003, he sponsored the UIM 125 Hydroplane World Championship held in the US at Lakeland, Florida. Ralph was instrumental with bringing UIM World Championship classes O-125, O-175 and O-250 to Lake Alfred, Florida in October 2008.

In 1969, Ralph was appointed to the PRO Commission, where he served for 15 years. He held the position of PRO VP in 1976, 1977 and 1980. Ralph led an e ort to reclassify the “Alky” classes closer to their UIM cousins based upon engine displacement. He also proposed the renaming of the category to Professional Racing Outboard which is being used today. His dedication to APBA and the PRO category was undeniable.

Ralph was among the founding organizers of the US Title Series, which was established in 1982 to promote high quality, championship racing. He remained a stal-

Ralph was a constant within the PRO category for over 50 years. He was an innovator and an advocate for changes and developments that advance the sport. He backed the creation of new classes of competition including 500 Sprint Hydro, 125cc runabout, 175cc hydroplane and 175cc runabout.

When leading engine supplier Konig went out of business, Ralph was among a group that endeavored to secure the plant and equipment so that the PRO category would not lose a vital supplier.

Ralph was among the rst to campaign a PRO hydro with a reinforced cockpit in 500cc hydroplane.

Ralph’s vision and relationships brought the racing communities of Europe and the USA closer together. Ralph never accepted status quo and was always an advocate for trying something new if it could advance the sport. He championed new classes and supported their development through sponsorship and by organizing national and international events.

Joseph Perez of Spring Valley races during the APBA Pro National Boat Races on Saturday July 26, 2025 in DePue.

Gary Merkel of Arlington, races during the APBA Pro National Boat Races on Saturday July 26, 2025 in DePue.

Paul Bosnich III of Williamsfield, (bottom) races alongside Mike Werner of Dunnville Ontario (top) during the APBA Pro Natioanal Boat Races on Saturday July 26, 2025 in DePue.

Joesph Perez, smiles after winning the 125cc runabout races during the US Title Series (USTS) Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday, July 25, 2025 in DePue.

Joseph Perez of Spring Vallley and Ethan Fox of Elkhorn Neb., race side-by-side during The US Title Series (USTS) Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday, July 25, 2025 in DePue.

Racers watch the 125cc runabout race during the US Title Series (USTS) Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday, July 25, 2025 in DePue.

Rayce Bosnich races during during the US Title Series (USTS) Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday, July 25, 2025 in DePue.

Morgan Bosnich of DePue, smiles after racing during The US Title Series (USTS) Pro National Championship Boat Races on Friday, July 25, 2025 in DePue.