Jack E. Simpson, 55, Owned Pringle’s Flowers
Oct. 16, 2005 marked the end of an era in Riverside when Pringle’s Flowers closed its doors. For the previous 79 years, Pringle’s was the place where villagers went to get flowers for every special occasion?”weddings, anniversaries, proms.
At time of its closure, owner Jack E. Simpson remarked, wistfully, “How can you put 79 years of memories into words?”
Mr. Simpson, a Willowbrook resident, died Feb. 27, 2006 at Fairview Baptist Home in Downers Grove at the age of 55.
Raised in Riverside, Mr. Simpson began helping out at the downtown Riverside shop while his father, John, owned the business. John Simpson had previously worked at a flower shop in LaGrange before joining Mr. Pringle during the mid-1940s.
Jack Simpson learned the ropes of the business and attended the American School of Floral Arts and Sciences, taking over his father’s business in 1977. When he closed the store last October, he cited his health as the primary reason.
An avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mr. Simpson was very pleased to see them both win championships in the past year. He also enjoyed golfing and running. He was also a longtime member and supporter of the Riverside Township Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Simpson is survived by his wife, Janet; his stepchildren, Capt. Mark W. (Amy) and Paul Susnis; his stepgrandchild, Kami Susnis; his mother, Helen Simpson; his sister, Peggy Simpson; his nieces, Danielle Izac, Caitlin and Amy Donahue; his mother-in-law, Marian Donahue; and his brother-in-law, Neil Donahue.
He was preceded in death by his father, John.
A funeral Mass was held March 3 at St. Paul Church in Riverside, followed by interment in Bronswood Cemetery, Oakbrook.
Ivins Funeral Home, Riverside, handled arrangements.
Helen T. Hartmann, 77, Brookfield homemaker
Helen T. Hartmann (nee Moore), 77, died at her Brookfield home on March 1, 2006.
She was born March 24, 1928 in Chicago to Arthur and Jennie (nee Brougham) Moore. She married Roland E. Hartmann, who survives his wife.
Ms. Hartmann is also survived by her daughter, Kathleen I. Spero; her grandchildren, Angela (Erik) Vining and Anthony Spero; and her sisters, Joanne Kodeak and Patricia Graham.
Funeral services and interment were private. Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Marie M. Mikoleit, 85, Retired Jewel employee
Brookfield resident Marie M. Mikoleit, 85, died Feb. 27, 2006 at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont.
Ms. Mikoleit previously lived in Woodridge from 1967-77 and during that time was employed by Jewel at stores in Woodridge and Lisle at the deli counter. She retired in 1978. In 1977, she moved to Brookfield, where she remained until her death.
She loved to travel, and was also active at local churches. She was a member and past president of the Ladies Guild of St. Paul Lutheran Church, and she was also a member of the St. Barbara Seniors Club.
Ms. Mikoleit is survived by her daughter, Darlene (Jeffery) Almarez; her grandchildren, Cathy Heiser and Victoria Bentley; her great grandchildren, Michael Heiser and Gina Severson; and her sister, Gertrude Krzeminski.
A funeral service was held March 2 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Brookfield, followed by interment at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park.
Memorial contributions were appreciated to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9035 Grant Ave., Brookfield, Ill. 60513.
Johnson Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
June Noble, 78, Brookfield resident
June Noble, a resident of Brookfield for over five decades, died Feb. 23, 2006 at LaGrange Memorial Hospital at the age of 78.
She married Hubert M. Noble at St. Mary Church in Riverside on Sept. 15, 1951, and the couple moved to Brookfield three years later.
The mother of seven children, Ms. Noble was active as a member of the St. Barbara Parish Council of Catholic Women. She also served as a Cub Scout den mother and enjoyed sewing, needlework and gardening.
She is survived by her husband, Hubert; her sons, Corey (Debbie) Noble and Shawn Noble; her daughters, Leslie (Dr. William Johnson) Noble, Holly (Paul) Zoch, Sandra Noble, Lisa (Victor) Pietrobon and Melinda (Ray) Grzenia; 21 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 27 at St. Barbara Church, Brookfield, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
Memorials were appreciated either in the form of Mass offerings or donations to Comboni Missions, 1615 E. 31st St., LaGrange Park, Ill. 60526.
Johnson Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Kathleen Talmage, 58, 40-year BNSF employee
Kathleen Talmage, a Riverside resident, died March 3, 2006 from injuries sustained from a vehicle that slammed into the Harlem Avenue train depot in Berwyn, where she worked for the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad.
Talmage worked at the BNSF for 40 years and met her husband, Juan Talancon, while she was employed there. Talancon later got a job with the Canadian National railway, where he still works.
In addition to her husband, Talmage is survived by her children, Lisa and Christopher; her granddaughter, Brittany; her sister, Diane (Russell) Sipe; her brothers-in-law, Ramon, Javier (the late Lorna), Armando (Palma) and Alejandro; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Guadalupe Talancon.
A funeral Mass was celebrated March 7 at St. Mary Church, Riverside, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.
Ivins Funeral Home, Riverside, handled arrangements.
