June Chrisman
June Maxine McMichael Chrisman, 94, Normal, IL, died peacefully February 3, 2018, at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. She was born on June 1, 1923, to Carson and Carrie Alexander McMichael in Rushville, IN. She married Leverett (“Chris”) Chrisman on February 5, 1944, in Washington, DC. He still lives in Normal, IL.
There will be a visitation at Duffy-Pils Funeral Home in Chenoa, IL, from 11 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, February 7. The burial will follow directly afterward.
Also surviving are her four children: Gerry (Carol) Chrisman, of Normal; Alan Chrisman, of Ottawa, Canada; Kaye Chrisman, Bloomington; and Richard Chrisman, Mesa, AZ, along with seven grandchildren: Paul (Andi) Chrisman, Grinnell, IA; Diane (Steve) Speed, Monroe City, MO; David (Miranda) McCuistion, Scottsdale, AZ; John (Caroline) McCuistion, Elmwood Park, IL, Josh (Karen) Chrisman, Oak Park, IL; Jolie (Reid) Chrisman, Toronto, Canada; and Jeremy Chrisman, Ranson, WV. Her ten great-grandchildren are Cody, Isaac, Charlie, Duke, Nellie, and Josie Speed, Jamie and Megan Chrisman, Anna McCuistion, Zoey Chrisman.
June was preceded in death by her parents and by her two brothers Forrest McMichael and Jean McMichael.
June graduated from Arlington (Indiana) High School in 1941. In 1942 she went to Washington DC to take up a position as secretary at the OSS. She met her future husband Leverett (“Chris”) who was stationed in Washington DC. They were married in Washington DC in February 1944. After the war, they spent 6 years in Harvey, IL, completing their family of four children: Gerry, Alan, Kaye and Richard.
They lived for 13 years in Arlington, IN, as the children attended school and grew up under June’s nurturing care. She established a goal of her children going to college, encouraging them to read and learn. June returned to work in the late 1950s to help save money for college. All four children got a college education. June and Chris taught their children by their example to be honest, to work hard and to treat all people fairly.
They then lived for 19 years in Belvidere, IL. As their children grew older and went off to college, June and Chris started traveling all over the US and Canada using a camping van converted by Chris. They took up square dancing, both at home and while traveling. They retired in 1984, sold their house and bought a motor home. They spent most of the next 8 years on the road, stopping off each spring and fall on their way through Illinois to see the kids and grandkids. Winters were spent in Florida, Texas and Arizona. They always came back whenever needed to help with the grandchildren.
In 1992, they settled back down in Chenoa, Illinois, sold the motor home but continued traveling using two more camping van conversions. Their home became a favorite spot for the children and grandchildren to visit. In 2001 they took their only overseas trip, 4 weeks in Europe with Gerry and Carol. In 2008, they moved to Normal.
June enjoyed reading, walking, playing card games and doing craft projects. She produced many baby quilts which were given to family, friends and to the Baby Fold. June loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And they loved her right back. You couldn’t hope for a better wife, mother, grandmother or great-grandmother.
Online guest book available at www.dufpilsmemorialhome.com
