Wheeling High School Class of 1970 News for 2012

This page last updated on: Wheeling High School Class of 1970 News for 2012 01/01/2024

12/02/2012

I am saddened to report that Dr. Tom Shirley passed early Sunday morning Dec. 2, 2012. Services for Dr. Shirley will be at 11:00AM Thursday Dec. 6th at the Orchard Evangelical Free church in Arlington Heights. I am certain more information will be available in the Daily Herald tomorrow or the next day. I thought you would like to know.

Rest in Peace Mr. Shirley

DR. THOMAS WILLIAM SHIRLEY

Dr. Thomas William Shirley of Prospect Heights for 52 years Dr. Thomas William Shirley was born on May 7, 1930, in Milford, Mass., to Ralph B. and Florence Ellen (nee Morris ) Shirley. He went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. Thomas was a retired Naval Reserves captain having served his country for 43 years, two of which were active duty during the Korean War as an officer on the destroyer U.S.S. Renshaw DDE499. He received his doctorate degree from Northwestern University in Evanston. He was an educator in School District 214 for 34 years, serving as Principal at Wheeling High School for 25 years. During his tenure in District 214, he began the ROTC Program, the TORCH Program (OMNI), and contributed to the continuing education night school program. He was a member at Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, where he served in various ministries. Tom was actively involved with the Rotary Club of Wheeling, Salvation Army, and the Dollars For Scholars Program. He loved to spend time with his family, and his greatest pride his grandchildren and was loved by all. Thomas is survived by his spouse, Linda of 56 years, whom he married on Aug. 11, 1956; his children, Scott (Kristine) Shirley, Stephen Shirley, David Shirley and Philip (Andra) Shirley; his grandchildren, Thomas, Samantha, Sierra, Luke, Michael and Logan; and his half-brothers and sisters, Mary Jane, Rita, David and Giles. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Alice Manny; his half-sister, Cindy McLean; and his brother, Ralph Bramlet Shirley. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road (four blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will be in Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or the Salvation Army, salvationarmyusa.org. Funeral information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or call 847-253-0168.

10/29/2012

Sad news to report, Gary Dean Sokolis passed away on October 29th, 2012. Here is his obituary information:

Gary Dean Sokolis

December 18, 1950 - October 29, 2012

Gary Dean Sokolis, 61, of Tower Hill, died Monday, October 29, 2012 in Pana Community Hospital. He was born December 18, 1950 in Springfield, IL, the son of Robert & Virginia Wicker Sokolis. Gary was a graduate of Wheeling High School and attended Lake Land College. He also served in the U. S. Army. Gary had lived in Tower Hill most of his adult life, and was the Village of Tower Hill Superintendent. Prior to that, he was in law enforcement, was a truck driver, a mechanic, and worked for Pana Unit 8 School. He served over 20 years as volunteer for the Tower Hill Fire Department, and was a member of Road Riders for Jesus & Star Touring Motorcycle Club.
Gary was previously married to Paula Ann Mark. He married Peggy Lee Gibbons on January 26, 1980 in Shelbyville.

Gary is survived by his wife: Peggy Sokolis, Tower Hill, IL; children: Lee Ann Sokolis & special friend Frank Ufkes, Cincinnati, OH; Paula Marian McKinley & husband Mike, Independence, KY; Gary Robert Sokolis & wife Julie, Cincinnati, OH; Jason Dean Sokolis & wife Amanda, Cincinnati, OH; Jennifer Marie Bowlling & husband Erick, Cincinnati, OH; Martin Dean Bandy & special friend Lainie, Decatur, IL; Virginia Ann Mathias & husband Derrick, Murfreesboro, TN; Anna Marie Patton & husband Dustin, Tower Hill, IL; Brandy Rene Anderson, AZ; David James Emmett, PA; 33 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; mother: Virginia Sokolis, Wheeling, IL; sister: Gloria Peterson, McHenry, IL; and niece: Erica Goodwin & husband Rob, McHenry, IL. He was preceded in death by his father.

Rest in Peace Gary

04/13/2012

Sad to report that Lonnie C. Payne, Jr. passed away today from an apparent heart attack. Rest in Peace Lonnie.

01/01/2011

Happy New Year! There are still 111 members of the Class of 1970 missing.