In Memory of our Dearly Departed ISB Brothers and Sisters
Category: Memorial post
These are the rolling memorial posts displayed in reverse chron by date of departure. they are linked to from the memorial pages by class year, alpha list and date of death
Please add one of our classmates to the “Gone But Not Forgotten Page”.
I recently learned that Cynthia McQuerry Seay (McQuerry at ISB) passed away last fall – Sept. 16, 2025. I remembered her as a lovely and spiritual person. We were able to reconnect at the 2018 Nashville reunion after many years.
Obituary for Cynthia Kay McQuerry Seay
Cynthia Kay Seay, age 69, of Boaz, Alabama, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. She was born on February 29, 1956, in Alabama.
Cynthia was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was centered on her love for family. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, strength, and the love she poured into those around her.
She is survived by her sons, Brad (Patsy) Stevens and Brian (Melissa) Stevens; grandchildren, Kyra and Isiah Pullen, Kita and Thadeus Williams, Sara Sides, and Lydia Thomas; great-grandchildren, Braylor Price and Lettie Pullen; siblings, Kenny (Candy) Walker, Stasha (Steve) Samples, and Pat Glover; step-mother, Carol McQuerry; and sister-in-law, Paula Walker.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Joann (Lee) Walker; father, Will McQuerry; grandson, Austin Stevens; and brother, Roger Walker.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Adams Brown Service Funeral Home with Bro. Shannon Burbanks and Bro. Ricky Williams officiating.
Adams Brown Service Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.
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Isobel “Tinker” Kennedy, 77, passed away on January 29, 2026, in New York City, New York.
Born on June 4, 1948, in Kew Gardens, New York, Isobel lived a remarkable life defined by her trailblazing career, unwavering faith, and deep commitment to fairness and generosity. A graduate of the City University of New York/Baruch College with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Isobel broke barriers as one of the first female municipal bond traders on Wall Street. Her long and successful career was marked not only by professional excellence but also by her dedication to advocating for the rights of working women. She never forgot her roots nor her parents’ Davenport roots, and used her knowledge to empower others. She became a skilled mentor of finance and the workings of financial markets. Isobel’s passions extended far beyond her career.
She was an avid reader who sought truth and championed the underdog in all aspects of life. Her relentless engagement with politics and financial markets reflected her sharp intellect and commitment to making a difference. Immensely faithful to her Roman Catholic tradition, Isobel’s spirituality was a cornerstone of her life. Known for her originality and free spirit, Isobel was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was generous not only to those close to her but also to many who may never have known the extent of her kindness. Her legacy as a fierce advocate for justice and truth will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Isobel is survived by her four siblings: Elizabeth “Widge” Arts (David) of Oak Brook, Illinois; Henry “Hal” J. Kennedy (Laura) of Staten Island, New York; Kateri Tekakwitha “Teri” Kennedy of New York City, New York; and Annice “Muffie” Kennedy-Hanlon (Daniel) of La Grange, Illinois. In addition, she is survived by her many “munchkins” – her nieces and nephews: Peter Arts/Linda; Katherine Mooney/James; Margaret Fantasia/Anthony; Elizabeth Vitek/Nicholas; Lindsay Hyland/Patrick; Julia Kennedy; Claire Joslyn/Nate.; Patrick Hanlon/Savanna; Sarah Hanlon/Jenna; James Hanlon/Shelbi. Also Tinker had the love of her many Toher/Stafford/Kuriger cousins.
She now joins her parents, Donald B. and Katherine F. Kennedy (Toher), along with many beloved aunts and uncles.
May Isobel’s memory serve as a source of comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Funeral Mass will be held on March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Church, 2618 Boies Avenue, Davenport, Iowa. Committal Service after the Mass at Holy Family Cemetery Davenport, Iowa. Halligan-McCabe-Devries Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
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I came across this while down the rabbit hole last night. Weischedel’s lived next door to us on Soi 14. Their dad Ted worked with my dad. I remember Sheila as a wild child that enjoyed every minute of life and was kind and fun to be around.
Sheila Rae Weischedel Allen obituary
Sheila Rae Allen passed away at her home in Gillette, WY on July 9, 2021 at age 70. She was born on Sept. 23, 1950 to the late Ted Weischedel and Virginia Weischedel in Sheridan, WY.
She graduated from the International School of Bangkok in Bangkok, Thailand in 1969. She taught English to Thai workers during the summer following her high school graduation.
Sheila married Jim Allen on Sept. 16, 1977 in Carlsbad, NM. They lived in New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. They operated the Recluse Store and Post Office from 1983-1987. Sheila also worked at the Gillette Day Care and would often have people come up to her that remembered her, when they were toddlers. She worked at Wal-Mart for 11 years and was a guard at the Wyodak mine for 5 years.
She was very generous and enjoyed helping people. She would give you the shirt off her back if it would help. She was a mother to three boys, but was motherly to a lot of people over the years. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons, Aaron Allen of Carlsbad, NM, James (and Heather) Allen of Fredericksburg, VA, David (and Stacey) Allen of Gillette, WY, four granddaughters, three grandsons, her mother, Virginia Weischedel of Recluse, WY, siblings Cheryl (and Dan) Kotschwar of Farnam, NE, Danny (and Anita) Weischedel of Recluse, WY, numerous nephews and nieces, family and friends, to include Lynard the pug and her cats.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim and father, Ted Weischedel.
Memorial services will be held at the Recluse Community Hall on Saturday, July 17th at noon.
Memorials are suggested to be made to a college fund for Sheila’s grandchildren, whom she loved very much. Online condolences can be shared at the Walker funeral home.
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David Warren Beach, 73, of Gambrills, Maryland, died of sepsis at Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena on June 11th, 2026, in the presence of his loving wife, Kimberly Beach.
David was born on February 19th, 1953 in Darby, Pennsylvania and was the third of seven children. Originally living in the Philadelphia area, the Beach family moved to Bangkok, Thailand in 1967. David fondly remembered those days and would often recall some of his adventures as a young teenager in Asia. When the family returned to the U.S. they made a home in Alexandria, Virginia.
David graduated from Fort Hunt High School in 1971, and after discovering a profound love of numbers, went on to gain a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at Old Dominion University in 1976 and a Masters in Economics from The University of Florida in 1978. Shortly after, he began his professional career with Ford Aerospace which brought him to California, Colorado, and Michigan before returning to the District of Columbia. In 1989 he returned to school and earned a Masters in Engineering Management from The George Washington University.
David’s working life took him many places, but in 1988 he bought a home and put down roots in Gambrills, Maryland. Initially his home consisted of the property he loved and his golden retrievers. For years family and friends would gather at David’s welcoming home for parties and celebrations. One such gathering was the wedding of David and Kimberly in 2007. At the age of 54 he began a family with the additions of Kimberly and her children Alexander and Paige. After many years of living alone, the bachelor pad had become a family home. He honorably stepped up to the role of becoming a father, and provided for his children both monetarily and by example, focusing on goals of higher education. He deeply loved his own family as well as watching his grandchildren grow. He professed near his last days that “being a family is more important than anything else in life.”
After retiring from the corporate world, David spent his time taking care of his property, playing golf, league bowling, trying to win the lottery, and visiting with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Kimberly and her two children, Alexander and Paige; his brothers Bob and Charles; and sisters Deborah Angilletta and Grace Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Edna Beach and brothers John and Mark. David Warren Beach led a life of joy, love, and adventure. His passing has left a big hole in the lives of those he touched. Despite his death, his giving nature and familial love will be felt for generations.
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Six weeks ago, our sister Becca started having a repeat of severe stomach pains that had previously plagued her for several years, only this time, the pain landed her in the emergency room. We quickly learned that her pains were stemming from three large, Stage-4, inoperable masses, that were already spreading quickly to other organs. By the time, we knew what was causing her pain, it was too late to reverse their course. After exhausting all possible treatment in a short period of time, it became clear the only thing left to do was to minimize the pain as much as possible and pray for a miracle. Becca understood what this meant and bravely faced her sudden demise with great dignity and acceptance that was a lesson for us all. During the last few weeks, we never heard her complain, even once.
Tonight, The entire Coleman family (Doris Coleman, Leigh Coleman Hotujec Lloyd Coleman, John Coleman, Rae, Justine, Sofie and Scarlett) would like to let you all know that our beloved daughter, sister, and mother Becca left this earth late last night after losing her battle with cancer. Right now, as she is getting fitted for her angel’s wings, we know that we will all see each other again according to a universal plan.
If you knew Becca, you know Becca’s life was extraordinary. She was gifted in so many ways. She loved what she did as she worked in the field of Travel. During her lifelong career in the Travel industry with American Express, she also excelled at making friends, creating a beautiful family with her son John and daughter-in-law Rae, all the while helping to raise three beautiful granddaughters Justine, Sophie, and Scarlett. She also was instrumental in creating the life-long extended family formally once known at Les’Enfants, The ASV Alumni Association. Before we had a digital age to assist with emails, she painstakingly spent years finding alumni through phone calls, and the US Post office. She and a group of her closest friends from ASV did the impossible and brought us all together once again. Her generosity knew no bounds, she never wavered, and our once shy little sister lived out loud.
Becca’s story doesn’t end here — her path simply continues beyond this moment, into a timeless expanse filled with laughter, love, and light. Her spirit moves freely now, carried by ocean breezes and mountain winds, forever part of the beauty she adored. When you miss her, go where the world feels alive. Walk the shoreline and watch the sun melt into the horizon. Wander a forest trail or gaze up at a sky full of stars. Listen to the whisper of nature — that’s where you’ll find her, smiling beside you. Instead of flowers, honor her by living as she did: “dig your toes into the sand, hold close the people you love, spend time with family”, or give to a cat sanctuary that warms your heart. Above all, embrace life fully — because that’s how Becca would want you to remember her
Rebecca (Becca) Coleman Class of 1975
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Mark Beach, 65, of East Petersburg, passed away Thursday evening, September 17, 2020 at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy.
He was born in Darby, PA on April 1, a fitting date, probably, as he had a keenly developed sense of the sublime and the ridiculous.
The fourth of seven children, he was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Edna Beach, and older brother, John Beach.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Naomi; children, Audrey and Wesley; brothers, Bob, David and Chip; sisters, Deborah and Grace, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mark was a globe-circling photographer, writer and videographer and a nonprofit communications manager and strategic planner.
He was a loving family guy and a loyal friend with a bear hug, an irresistible laugh and a creative soul. He would always stop whatever he was doing to get the perfect shot.
There is an old picture of Mark from southern Africa; he’s leaning casually on a railing, sleeves rolled, mountains rising up behind. He might be just starting to grin. Some cool vista lay ahead. Some unsung, poignant narrative.
It was his formula.
Travel, art and social justice were Mark’s lifeblood. Raised in Warminster, he spent several formative years (1967-69) in Thailand, where his dad had been transferred. The Vietnam War was burning. Mark’s heroes were photographers, historians, reporters – the people who held the power brokers to account.
He snapped away at first with a Brownie fixed lens camera. Back home and graduated from Messiah College and Temple University with a degree in radio, TV and film, he launched a freelance photography business. He went on to show his work in fine art galleries in Lancaster.
Mennonite Central Committee brought Mark to Lancaster in the 1970s — and dispatched him to document its ministries around the world. He packed light, carried a small camera and got in close.
He employed this same intimate MO as a freelance Lancaster Newspapers “photog” in the 1980s, and as a staff writer for the former Sunday News in the early 1990s. At the Sunday News, he penned sensitive, compelling stories on just about everything under the Lancaster County sun.
In 1992 this dedicated news junkie reinvented himself. He studied international journalism at Baylor University and flew to South Africa to complete his master’s. Most happily, life reinvented him right back.
Letters home mentioned a “dear friend.” Mark and Naomi Vlok Beach, now a teacher, met in an exchange student program in 1993. The couple married in 1995.
Audrey was born five years later and Wesley in 2003, coincidentally the same time period when Mark’s hair started to gray.
The family settled in Lancaster, where Mark became MCC director of communications in 2000. Mark kept moving, sometimes filing reports from earthquake zones and remote African villages where he slept on the ground. A journalist buddy who favored five-star hotels joked: ‘Mark Beach never travels anywhere there’s indoor plumbing.’
But in 2006, the Beaches relocated to the geopolitical epicenter of Europe — Geneva, Switzerland. Mark, the new director of communications for the World Council of Churches, now moved in a rarefied milieu –Pope Benedict XVI, for example – and enjoyed an epic view of Mark’s beloved Alps from his apartment balcony in Genthod.
The Beaches explored Europe before returning to Lancaster County at the end of 2014. Mark served three and a half years as communications director for Mennonite Disaster Service.
Art remained his passion, inside and outside of the job.
A Mark Beach picture or a Mark Beach story was a thing of grace, said retired LNP photographer Dan Marschka. “He was an early adopter of using video at MCC.” He had rare talents for visualizing scenes, listening patiently and “seeing deeper inside you than you might see inside yourself.”
And he moved people to action, including Marschka, whom he recruited for numerous MCC trips in the early 2000s. “I became something I hadn’t been” before experiencing the “unpredictability” and beauty of the Developing World, Marschka said. “A citizen of the earth. It was a gift he gave me.”
An avowed pacifist, Mark was eternally boyish, insatiably curious and widely read. He cared deeply about his family, the world’s dispossessed and the menace of climate warming, which he documented a few years ago amidst slowly drowning islands in the Pacific.
Mark played a mean Gordon Lightfoot on his guitar. He began writing a novel.
Near the end of his life his mantra was “Eat, walk, love.”
One afternoon this past summer, he made the best cheesesteaks anyone has ever tasted.
Goofy humor was another of Mark’s strong suits.
“It’s good to laugh,” he often said, after relating some hilarious incident he’d experienced or witnessed.
It was. And when remembering this gentle, one-of-a-kind man and his stories from the road, it always will be.
Because of Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will not be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Mark’s honor to Hospice & Community Care, 4705 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552 or the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, 2102 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.
To send a condolence, please visit Mark’s Memorial Page at www.CremationPA.com.
LNP Media Group, Inc.
Former World Council of Churches (WCC) communications director Mark E. Beach was honored at a commemorative prayer service on 22 September.
Beach, who died 17 September in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, served the WCC from 2007 through its 10th Assembly in 2013 and to the end of 2014. He then returned to the USA to work with the Mennonites as director of communications for Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS).
The virtual prayer service gathered former colleagues and friends online for moments of prayer, recollection, and appreciation for the former WCC staffer.
Beach was an award-winning photographer, videographer and feature writer who spent his whole career in church-related media, news writing and international reporting. Prior to joining the WCC, in his work for the Mennonite Central Committee (2000–2007), he received an Associated Church Press award for his development of the MCC’s magazine, A Common Place, and his DVD portraying post-war Iraq earned a prestigious CINE Award. With colleague Julie Kauffman he co-authored a very popular children’s cookbook, Simply in Season.
“It was with sorrow that we received the news about the passing of Mark Beach,” said Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, interim general secretary of the WCC. “Through his tireless ministry for communication, justice and peace, Beach leaves behind an inspiring legacy of material for the global ecumenical movement.”
Said WCC’s present director of communications, Marianne Ejdersten, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Mark’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. The ecumenical movement has lost one important global peace journalist with a special passion for photo journalism and audio visual production. “
Beach’s time at the WCC overlapped the general secretariats of Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and the Most Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. His tenure brought increased attention to news and social media, as well as video production and a new visual identity, and he negotiated a successful publishing arrangement with journals giant Wiley Blackwell. Financial pressures also entailed inventive yet sometimes painful revamping of WCC communications functions, including overhauling distribution of WCC Publications, closing Ecumenical News International, consolidation of the WCC Library to the Bossey Institute, reworking of translation services, closing the onsite bookstore, and moving toward external technical maintenance of the WCC website.
A highlight of Beach’s communications era was the communications operation he led at the WCC’s 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea, in late 2013. The pastel assembly symbol was omnipresent there in banners and signage. He brought several dozen journalists to Busan, joined by an equal number of Korean journalists. Alongside an intense news-writing schedule, the team published a daily newspaper, issued frequent video reports and features and interviews, issued a stream of social media posts, made arrangements for the dozens of media attending and reporting on the assembly, and mounted an onsite bookstore with hundreds of titles from WCC Publications and the Christian Literature Society of Korea.
Personable in manner, and an inveterate traveler and photographer, Beach’s work took him around the world, especially in Africa and Asia, where he documented people, churches, and cultures for relief agencies and international organizations. As director of communications for MDS, he travelled frequently to sites of disaster and recovery in the US, spotlighting the difficult work of MDS’s dedicated volunteers.
Mark Beach was the fourth of seven children, and he is survived by his family, including his wife Naomi Vlok Beach and their children Audrey and Wesley Beach, along with his siblings and their families.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Mark’s honour to Hospice and Community Care, 4705 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552 or the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, 2102 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.
To send a condolence, please visit Mark’s Memorial Page at www.CremationPA.com.
Additional tributes to Mark Beach:
“Mark was always a staunch supporter of the concept of ‘communication for all,’ recognizing that WACC acted as a bridge between the ecumenical movement and civil society. He supported WACC’s efforts to draw young people into the ambit of genuine communication and dialogue for peace and he collaborated with WACC on the ‘Busan Statement’ on communication that preceded the WCC Assembly in South Korea where WACC and WCC encouraged participation by radio journalists from the global South. Most recently, Mark accepted involvement with WACC North America as a member of its standing committee. WACC will always be grateful for Mark’s sharp eye and ear for detail and his generosity of spirit.”—Philip Lee, general secretary, World Association for Christian Communication
“Mark’s integrity and care for others made us see the crucial value of healthy and mutually supportive communication team dynamics. His skills in communication, with a unique approach to the use of images to promote churches’ work for justice and peace, and his vision about the importance of bringing younger and more international communicators to contribute with WCC are some of the highlights of the legacy he leaves behind. Besides professional collaboration, we built a solid friendship. I already miss him very much.”—Marcelo Schneider, WCC communications officer
“Among Mark’s major contributions to the ecumenical movement were hiring decisions he made while at the WCC. And his strategy to create a much younger-than-customary newsroom staff at the Busan assembly is helping to shape the future of the council.”—Theodore A. Gill Jr., former senior editor, WCC Publications
“When a dear friend passes away, the first instinct is to mourn. Sometimes that’s the right thing to do. In the case of Mark Beach, mourning would not suffice. Mark lived. Mark loved. Mark forgave. Mark laughed. Mark packed a lot of living into a relatively short life. When he found out his time here was limited, his top priority was to make sure his family would be taken care of. He reached out to friends and family and made them part of his final journey. In his dying moments, so I was told, he had time for a funny remark. I won’t mourn my friend, I choose to celebrate a life that was fully lived. Mark, I learned this lesson from you – Get on with living.”—South African videographer Coetzee Zietsman, longtime friend and collaborator
“A fluid writer with a journalist’s standards and a photographer’s appreciation for the telling detail, Mark Beach also saw the bigger picture. Many of his initiatives positioned WCC Communications well for the emerging media landscape and for its present flowering. I have especially appreciated his vision for publications.”—J. Michael West, former publisher, WCC Publications
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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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