Janice Brown
Janice Elaine Brown of Bloomington died peacefully at Luther Oaks in Bloomington with her beloved husband by her side. Jan was born on September 13, 1929, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Amanda Frese. She married Lynn H. Brown on June 17, 1951 in Waverly.
Jan attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she met her husband. She began her teaching career in Iowa and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Illinois State University. Jan was a life-long elementary teacher at Thomas Metcalf School where she also assisted with ISU education majors. In recognition of her teaching accomplishments, she was the initial recipient of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Excellence in Elementary Mathematics Teaching Award. Her teaching and nurturing touched many young lives.
She was highly involved through the years as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and lived her faith through her hours of volunteering in many church activities, such as Stephen’s Ministry and Church Council. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed traveling and playing bridge. The greatest joy in her life was being with her family. She lived out her faith and love for her Lord through sharing His love and serving others.
She is survived by Lynn, her husband of 66 years. Loving mother of four children, Rebecca (Richard) Gregory, Carmel, Ind.; Thomas (Cairy), Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Amy (Larry) Dahl, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and Heidi (James) Huntley, Westfield, Ind.; twelve grandchildren, Amanda (Chuck) Serfass, Emily Gregory, Eric (Lauren) Gregory, Caroline and Steven Brown, Christine, Dan, Catie Dahl, and Chris, Ben, Jon and Maggie Huntley. In addition, two great grandchildren, Jolene and Gideon Serfass, and one sister, Darlyce Sandrock.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Eleanor, and brothers Erle and Dale.
A service will be held Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1617 E. Emerson St., Bloomington. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday immediately preceding the service. Burial will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens for immediate family only.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to www.calvertmemorial.com
Clair Flessner
Clair E. “Shorty” Flessner, 88, of Normal passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 4-6 p.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. A private family service will be held at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to be made to Second Presbyterian Church of Bloomington or to Ducks Unlimited.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Shorty was born on July 29, 1929 in Cullom, Illinois. He is the son of William A. and Luella Rose (Billerbeck) Flessner. He married Ora Lee Graham on October 28, 1955 in Bloomington. She preceded him on October 19, 1999.
Shorty is survived by his loving partner in life of 19 years Patty Manuel of Normal, his children, Drake E. (Heidi) Flessner, Bloomington; Derek E. Flessner, Bloomington; Nancee L. Ost, Houston, TX; Jennifer L. (Scott) Duncan, Mackinaw. Also surviving are his 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Paul Flessner.
Shorty was a graduate of Saunemin High School. He served in the Army National Guard from 1947-1954. During his time in the National Guard he served in the Korean Conflict form 1951-1953.
Shorty worked for State Farm for 44 years retiring in 1991. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church of Bloomington, Bloomington Elks Lodge #281 and was Past Treasurer of Ducks Unlimited of Bloomington.
Shorty loved hunting, Fishing, Trapshooting and Ducks Unlimited. He was a loving partner, father, grandfather and friend. He was thought fondly of by all his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all of them.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.
