Walter E. Biesiada

Walter E. Biesiada, 69, of Normal, formerly of Chicago, died at 7:54 am, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

Walter was born on July 6, 1943 in Chicago, the son of Walter A. and Irene Rakowski Biesiada. They preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Steven) Schiesl, Bolingbrook, Ill.; two grandchildren, Jacob and Nathaniel Schiesl; his longtime companion, Ro Sila, Normal; a sister, Patricia Daffara, Joliet, Ill.; a nephew, Michael (Pam) West; a niece, Deborah West Berry and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Walter was a retired detective for the Chicago Police Department, as well as an instructor at the CPD training academy. He was a founding member of both the Chicago and International Confederation of Police, and a U.S. Army veteran. He was a proud member of the American Legion, the NRA, and Ducks Unlimited. Walter was also an ordained minister, an avid fisherman and loved Trout Lake in Arbor Vitae, Wis.

Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of Wally’s life will be held 2-6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the South Side Civic Club, 1214 Oakland Ave. in Joliet. A celebration will be held in Bloomington 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 at Twin City Lanes, 1006 E. Lincoln, for his local friends to say goodbye and tell funny stories about Walt. A celebration will be held in Chicago for his many friends and colleagues there.

Please send your email address to Walt4900@aol.com if you would like to be notified of the time and place of this celebration.

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 Sara M. Kirksey

Sara M. Kirksey, 71, of Bloomington, was called home after a lengthy recovery from a surgery on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2012 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal at 12:37 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 12 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Bloomington with Pastor David Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in Sara's name. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sara was born on July 12, 1941 in Bloomington, a daughter of Octavio and Frances (Meaders) Perez Sr. She married Clinton Kirksey on March 15, 1963.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Frances Kirksey of Bloomington; three sons, Brad Perez of Arizona, Tony Williams of Rantoul, Ill. and Burton Perez of Bloomington. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Jaiden Kirksey of Bloomington, Diontye Harris of Belleville, Ill. and Brandi Barnes of Bloomington; one great- grandchild, Paityn Harris of Belleville, Ill.; and one niece, Debrina Perez of Ridgeland, Miss.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, a son Clinton Zane Kirksey II,and two brothers, Octavio Perez, Jr. and Russel Meaders.

Sara graduated from Bloomington High School in 1959 and later received an associates degree in Business Administration. She worked at Eureka Williams for 17 years. She worked for Champion Federal Bank and State Farm as an administrative assistant. She also worked at Telecourier Communications in Bloomington. Sheretired from State Farm in the Life Claims Branch.

Sara was a member of the Elks Club, Bloomington-Normal Homecoming Reunion Committee, ALFRENIA, and Hampton Temple 1406 D.O.E. Sara enjoyed watching soap operas and hanging out with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, reading and baking. She loved going to festivals and meeting co-workers for lunch.

You could always count on her and she never met a stranger; she said what she thought and believed in the "tough mother love." She loved unconditionally and there was always an open door policy for her family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Halperin, Dr. Ginzberg at Advocate BroMenn ICU, the Advocate Bromenn ICU Staff, and especially Vicky Caldwell Washington at Advocate Bromenn.

Online condolences can be made to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

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Willa Jean Parmeter

Willa Jean Parmeter, 81, of Bloomington passed away at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Her funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington. Rev. Vaughn Hoffman will officiate. Burial will be in Chenoa Cemetery in Chenoa, Ill. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the family in care of her sister Carol Jones P.O. Box 41, Arrowsmith, IL 61722.

Willa was born March 30, 1931 in Chenoa, the daughter of Ernest C. and Barbara Carby Smith. She married Charles Parmeter and he precedes her in death.

Surviving are a biological daughter, Melanie ( Randy ) Reid, Chillicothe, Ill., 2 sisters, Diane Dalton, Cumberland City, Tenn., Carol ( Larry ) Jones, Arrowsmith, Ill.; 1 niece, Christine (Matt) Shultz, Heyworth, Ill.; 1 nephew Ernest (Corey) Jones Raleigh, NC, 1 great-niece, Sophia Shultz, Heyworth; 1 great-nephew Zachary Deany, Colo. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Willa had worked at G.E. in Bloomington for more than 35 years. She was an avid reader. Willa was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.

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