Obituaries: Saruwatari, Merideth

Posted on July 16, 2018

Tadashige Saruwatari

Tadashige Saruwatari, long time resident of Bloomington, IL, died of cancer related causes on June 30, 2018 at age 70.  He was born in Japan and worked for Mitsubishi both in Japan and the USA.

He enjoyed hiking, golfing, and watching sumo and baseball. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, his children and grandchildren. His family in Japan includes 3 sisters and their families. He will be greatly missed.

A private family memorial service was held in the chapel at St. John’s Lutheran Church. We thank the wonderful doctors and staff at Mayo in MN for many years of care and concern and the doctors and staff at OSF for their care and kindness during his final days. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

 

Katie Mae Merideth

Katie Mae Merideth, 69, Pontiac, died at 6:14 pm Sunday, July 15, 2018 at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.

Her graveside service will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Cropsey Twp. Cemetery with Pastor Ann Champion officiating.  The family suggests memorials be given to the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.   Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements.

Katie was born September 5, 1948 in Chicago Heights, IL the daughter of John D. and Eldora J. Dixon Koenig.  She married James Merideth on August 18, 1998 in Pontiac.  He preceded her in death on August 18, 2012.

Survivors include two sons, Ivel Wade, Fairbury, Robert (Virginia) Wade, Oklahoma City, OK, two step daughters, Kim (Monte) Grady, Galesburg, Stacy (Rick) Merideth-Payne, London, KY, six brothers, Daniel (Linda S.) Koenig, Pontiac, John Koenig, Missouri, Roy (Linda L.) Koenig, Pontiac, Marvin Koenig, New York, NY, Jerry (Janie) Koenig, Nebraska, James (Peggy Adams) Koenig, Arkansas, seven sisters, Jean Kartes, Nancy (Jayme) Wilburn, Sue (John) Rathbun, Dora (Sergio) Munoz, Cindy (Bill Legner) Hetherington, all of Pontiac, Laurie Lewis and Jackie (Chris) April, both of Fairbury, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Katie had been employed at GMS Labs, Cropsey until her retirement.

A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…