DAVENPORT — Gretchen L. Wanek, 43, died Tuesday at Mercy Hospital, Davenport, after an extended illness.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. The body will be cremated.
Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Friday at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport.
She was a child development teacher at Davenport West High School. Gretchen Flesch married Robert Wanek in 1966 in Kirksville, Mo.
She was a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville. Mrs. Wanek was a member of Davenport Education Association, and a former member of Junior League. Her hobbies were baking, sewing and golf.
Memorials may be made to the church or American Cancer Society.
Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Nicole, a student at the University of Iowa, Iowa City; sons, Darren and Brett, both at home; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Flesch, Lebanon, Mo.; sisters, Janet (Mrs. Harry) Libby, Middleton, Wis., and Laura (Mrs. Bruce) Thornberry, Columbia, Md.; and a brother, Joseph Flesch, Fairfax, Va.
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Lovingly submitted by Bill Prentiss to Frank Gerardot:
Hi Frank, Bill Prentiss here, wanted to let you know Ris passed on Wednesday afternoon after her long battle with cancer. She thought the world of you and spoke often of the antics you all got into in Thailand. You were a special friend to her and it showed when she would speak of you and Mark throughout the years. Be well my friend.
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JERSEYVILLE – John Walter Williams, 73, a longtime resident of Jerseyville, Illinois, passed away on May 13, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was a warm, thoughtful, and deeply engaged husband, brother, uncle, educator, community leader, and friend whose presence will be profoundly missed.
A son of Lt. Col. Winfield Scott Williams and Priscilla Ives Williams, John was born in Germany and grew up in a military family where he developed a great love of travel and a deep respect for diverse cultures. During his youth, he lived in Virginia; New Delhi, India; California; and Bangkok, Thailand.
John spent his high school years in Bangkok, where he graduated from the International School of Bangkok. There, he was involved in student government and the Honor Society. He was active in Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. John went on to graduate from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, and later earned a Juris Doctor from George Washington University.
His first job was as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, grounding his career in a strong commitment to justice, civil rights, and service. John returned to Principia College in 1983, where he dedicated more than 40 years as a professor of mass communication and political science, shaping generations of
students. Known for both his intellectual rigor and his sense of humor, John took a personal and genuine interest in his students, ensuring that each felt seen and heard, valued, and supported. Grounded in a global perspective with a commitment to character education, he encouraged students to think critically, engage meaningfully in civic life, and lead with integrity and moral courage.
After serving as Interim President of Principia College in 2019, John was appointed College President, a position he held through 2023 before returning to the classroom and the students he cared so deeply about. As President, John’s leadership was characterized by a firm commitment to community, transparency, and moral and spiritual grounding, guiding the College through a period of transition and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His influence extended well beyond the classroom, including directing numerous study abroad programs across Asia. John held a variety of leadership roles, including multiple terms as President of the Faculty Senate, chair of the Political Science Department, and prominent positions across several academic initiatives. He was also adjunct faculty in Washington University’s graduate program in international affairs and served as president of the Illinois Political Science Association.
John was recognized with Principia’s inaugural Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013. Earlier this year, he was named the 2026 David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, honoring Principia alumni who have rendered outstanding service to others. Following his passing, Principia’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to confer upon him the title of Professor Emeritus of Political Science.
Deeply committed to his faith and community, John was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Jerseyville. He was also a recognized regional leader, including serving as president and board member of the Great Rivers Land Trust.
All who knew John Williams as an educator, leader, mentor, and friend carry a lasting blessing from his dedication, insight, and love for the River Bend community.
In addition to his beloved wife, Missy Williams of Jerseyville, he is survived by his siblings, Dennis R. Williams and Esther Ives Williams Kalbfleisch (Leon); his sister-in- law, Patricia Williams, widow of Winfield Williams Jr.; his four nieces and their families, Sunny Brockett-Williams (Heather), Michele Tolentino (Dominic), Melisa Gourley (Justin), and Holly Wilson; and his nephew, Charles Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mackenzie Lewis Williams and Winfield Scott Williams Jr.; and his first wife, Judy Blackburn Williams.
The family is honoring John’s wishes, and no public services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Great Rivers Land Trust (greatriverslandtrust.org) or Principia (principiagiving.org).
“The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)
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Ron Kalis ~ F-Faculty Arrived ~ 1/27/1950 Departed 5/12/2026
Allison Kalis Nason, lovingly wrote.
The celebration of my Dad’s (Ronald Kalis) life has begun. He passed way peacefully in his sleep yesterday. He was a great Father, uncle, husband, friend, coach, bandmate and let’s not forget hat collector aka Vice Principal. As many know, he suffered a brain aneurysm in 2000 which also caused a massive stroke, but my Dad persevered for another 26 years. My Mom being an instrumental part of his well being as she did anything and everything to ensure he had the best care. I welcome any fun memories as I know he touched the lives of many and would want us all to just be laughing and making the most of each moment. I thought they were nuts…but he def taught my brother how to moon cars as we drove by… He taught me how to do a 3 point turn in a manual truck on a cliff…. Cuz you know you have one chance to get that right. He was our driver to the beach in a minivan that had broken AC 90% of trips…but he pretended it was normal 🤣 Every time there was a slip ‘n slide, he threw his back out… (I get it now) I quickly leaned my Dad enjoyed the company of his loyal friends and loved us beyond words.
ISB ALUM lovingly wrote:
It is with sadness that I report the passing of one of ISB’s most incredible school administrators, Mr. Ron Kalis. A much beloved High School Vice Principal, Ron was loved and admired by his students and his colleagues during his tenure at ISB. If you are in Bangkok, please see the attached schedule of events as we celebrate the life of this great man.
Students and faculty alike respect Kalis for his common sense approach to the day to day operations of the high school. Along with discipline duties and coordinating student / teacher activity schedules, he also finds time to be active as sponsor of the student council cabinet which represents the active student body and he coaches the hockey team. He also is known for his musical talents and sponsors a band club. A familiy man, he is able to balance the demand of his profession with those fatherly duties.
“He brings sunshine into the gloom of administration” quoted Randy Reppel.
“He’s more than an educator, he’s a mentor, he’s willing to give the time to students who need a friend to talk to.” said Dan Williams.
Kalis is an example of active administrator consistently in motion, getting the job done on behalf of students and faculty alike. -David Heinecke
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Jean Werner passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 77, after a battle with cancer.
She was born on January 6, 1949, in Bilwaskarma, Nicaragua, to the late Graham and Margaret Nelson. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Lou Werner. She is survived by her brother, Bob Nelson, and his family (sister-in-law Joan and nieces Jenny and Katie), as well as her cherished friend, Nahda Resen, who held the place of a sister in her heart. Voulishia Roberson was also a devoted caregiver and friend of Jean in the last years of her life. Jean had many, many loving friends around the world.
Jean became a born-again Christian in the early 1970s when she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. She enrolled at Columbia Bible College in South Carolina, where she met Lou Werner, who she married in 1985. They lived in Atlanta and were active members in several churches and faith communities there. After Lou’s passing from leukemia in 1993, Jean went on to serve as a missionary in Russia for several years. Jean also taught classes in English as a second language, where she made many friends in the international community in Auburn and Opelika.
She co-founded the Friends of Internationals group, which provides support and connection for international students. In her last years, she hosted a weekly Bible study group open to anyone. Jean was generous and always looking for ways to help people, especially single women in the faith who might be going through a rough patch.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church in Opelika at 800 2nd Avenue at 11am on Saturday, May 9th. Visitation will be at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pioneers, a Christian Missionary Organization (pioneers.org).
She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
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Lovingly reported byJackie Hagan Glathaar some years ago; my sincere apologies for the delay in publishing it.
OBITUARY Patricia Maria Gamache August 13, 1949 – July 16, 2011 . Dearly loved mother, sister, and wife – Patricia Maria Hagan Gamache, 61, of Toppenish passed away unexpectedly on Saturday July 16, 2011. Patricia was born in Lisbon, Portugal on August 13, 1949. She was the eldest daughter of John Logan Hagan and Maria Teresa Surocca Hagan. Patricia and her five siblings had a unique upbringing in that her father’s Foreign Service career took the family all over the world. After being born in Portugal, the family lived in Brazil, Chile, Ireland, Canada, Thailand—where she graduated from high school at the International School of Bangkok—and South Africa. Her parents then retired in San Jose, Costa Rica, where Pat, her husband and their children have spent many happy times throughout the years.
Patricia attended Gonzaga University where she met the love of her life, Terry Joseph Gamache. They were married in 1971 in Washington DC. After graduating from college in 1972, Patricia and Terry moved to Toppenish, where they settled down on the Gamache family farm. Patricia and Terry have two children, Graham and Alyson.
Patricia and Terry loved spending their time together traveling around the world, and where she was able to indulge in her love of exotic foods. Patricia was an international gourmet cook and her family always looked forward to the mouth-watering goodness of her many dishes, including minci and rice, paella, chicken piccata and Terry’s favorite, sweet and sour pork.
Patricia loved reading books, talking on the phone with her family, relaxing at their cabin in Lake Quesnel, Canada and spending time in Costa Rica. She also adored taking bubble baths, watching movies and sharing snacks with her granddaughters, Amara (10) and Anabelle (2).
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Terry; son, Graham (Andreana) Gamache of Toppenish; daughter, Alyson Marie Gamache of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Amara Laurel Gamache and Anabelle Maria Gamache; sister, Monica (George) Yeonas of Vienna, VA; sister, Jackie (Joe) Glathaar of Chapel Hill, NC; brother, Sean (Cecile) Hagan of Washington DC; sister, Tara (John) Clyne of Oakton, VA; sister, Terry Hagan of Santa Cruz, CA; many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved mummy and daddy, John and Maria Hagan.
A vigil service will be at 4 p.m. Monday July 25, 2011 at Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday July 26, 2011 at St. Paul Cathedral. Concluding services and burial will follow in Terrace Heights Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations in Patricia’s name can be made to the Patricia Gamache Scholarship Fund at La Salle High School in Union Gap.
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Just found out the saddest news that my ISB -International School Bangkok’s (Isb Alum ISB International School Bangkok) 1st grade elementary school teacher Mrs. Wendy Thompson Shearer passed away from cancer…found out she was battling with cancer for 4 years. Now she is in peace.
She was very lovely and caring. Remember seeing her at my ISB high-school graduation Sending blessings and love to Mrs. Shearer’s entire family!! She will always be in my heart and memories.
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