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James J. Field, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Paxton, Annalene Wierema, John W. Wierema
Legionnaire Jerry Brearton (center), of Morrison Legion Post 328, was presented the Public Relations/Information Exchange Award at the American Legion Department of Illinois’ 103rd Convention held in Springfield. The award was presented for Brearton’s continued efforts in keeping the community aware of programs and local activities and promotion of the renovated post hall’s rental availability. Information on hall rental is at www.328rental.com. In addition to being in charge of public relations for Morrison Post 328, Brearton is the finance officer and the sergeant-at-arms.
Photo provided
Erie Police Department to host National Night Out
Save the date for the Erie Police Department’s second annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Erie Middle School. There will be popsicles, bounce houses, an inflatable water slide, games, fire hoses, a photo backdrop and more, plus special guests from the Erie Fire Department and the National Guard. Free ice cream sundaes from Culver’s of Rock Falls will be offered to all, and DQ of Morrison has donated 25 gift cards for a raffle drawing.
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OBITUARIES
JAMES J. FIELD
Born: February 3, 1921 in Fulton, IL Died: July 12, 2022 in Clinton, IA
James Joseph Field James J. Field was born on February 3, 1921, in Fulton, Illinois. A child of the depression, he embraced life as he grew older, but he never took anything for granted. He graduated at the top of his class from Fulton High School, Class of 1939. He applied and attended The University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI for two years until duty called with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jim enlisted in the Navy as an officer while finishing his degree at Wisconsin. Upon graduation, he attended United States Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School (V7) at the University of Notre Dame and graduated as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. He was posted to an ammunition depot in Massachusetts where he continued his education at Harvard Business School for three months. Jim served on the USS Satterlee (DD626) in both The European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. Two highlights of Jim’s service were the Satterlee’s participation in the D-Day invasion and their role as the escort ship to President Roosevelt as he traveled to the Yalta conference. Jim talked about the influence the Navy had on him and the best part was the people he served with especially the Ship Captain. He also developed a love of travel and intrigue of the world around him.
After the war, Jim Field joined General Mills in Minneapolis, MN and then continued as the Office Manager for their Regional plant in Louisville KY. Soon, Jim was recruited by International Telephone and Telegraph to their New York office. At ITT, Jim developed a division that bought and sold companies internationally. His time at ITT included 20 years in Manhattan and 10 years based in Brussels, Belgium. His time in Europe was by far the highlight of his professional career.
Upon his retirement from ITT in 1985, Jim traveled the world with his brother Bill Field. Their trips included, China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Turkey, The Seychelle Islands and the Galapagos Islands. He didn’t have many places left to visit once they were finished with their trips.
After the intensity of New York City, Jim chose to move back to Fulton IL. and built a house in his childhood home. His weekly golf game lasted many years until there were no more partners left to play! His sharp mind was fortunately intact until his death and he remained ready and able to share many stories of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Margaret Field, His brother William H. Field, and his sisters Helen R. (Eldon) Streff and Mary Field who died in infancy. He will be missed by his brother Eugene (Rebecca) Field and Uncle Jim will live on as the go to uncle for his many Nieces and Nephews, Mary (Al) Hullings, Susan Brewster, James (Lenore) Streff, Mike (Saundra) Field, Tom (Shelly) Field, Walter (Kim) Field, and Elizabeth (Eric) Toth. The list of Grand Nieces and Grand Nephews grows yearly.
James Field’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Second Floor Nursing staff at Mercy Hospital in Clinton, The staff at Prairie Hills Assisted Living and the caregivers from Good Samaritan.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 16 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by the Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Reverend Matthew Camaioni officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Fulton.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 703 12th Avenue, Fulton Il, 61252 (815) 5893542.
Online condolences may be sent to www. mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
REBECCA “BECKY” PAXTON
Born: August 27, 1946 in Morrison, IL Died: July 14, 2022 in Silvis, IL
Rebecca “Becky” F. Paxton, 75, of Erie, IL, died Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Genesis Medical Center, Illini – Silvis. Visitation will be from 2 – 4 pm on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Services will be held at Noon on Monday at the Loraine United Methodist Church, 28782 E. 2000th Street, Prophetstown. Cremation will follow services. Memorials may be made to Children’s Miracle Network.
Becky was born August 27, 1946 in Morrison, Illinois, the daughter of Blair and Alberta (Goodwin) Redell. She graduated from Erie High School. Becky worked for many years at General Electric in Morrison. After retiring from G.E. she went to Black Hawk College and received her AA degree in Computer Science. She then worked for POST where she did drug testing at area nuclear plants.
Becky was an excellent cook and baker; her cakes were the best! She enjoyed music and had a gift for telling bad jokes and sharing useless knowledge. She had a great sense of humor. Becky’s faith in God and family always came first. She was a proud mother and grandmother and she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her 3 children, Noel (Michelle) Paxton, Erie, Sarah Lucas, Lake in the Hills, IL, Megan (Shawn) Ryan, Erie; grandchildren, Michael (Brittney) Paxton, Zach Lucas, Kali (Jeremy) Ubersox, Andrew Paxton, Zoe Lucas, Bekah Ryan, Malachi Paxton, Zane Lucas, Molly Paxton, Dane Ryan, Reese Ryan; great grandson, Griffin Paxton; sister, Rita Reiley, Rock Island; brother, Allan (Karen) Redell, Pasco, WA; and sister-in-law, Elise Redell, Pagosa Springs, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tim Redell; and beloved nephew, Jim Reiley. Share a memory or condolence at www. gibsonbodefh.com
ANNALENE WIEREMA
JOHN W. WIEREMA
