Stateline Tribute to Fallen Cruisers Network

On July 22, 2006 I attended the funeral of Lucky Hamilton. He was an avid car guy and a long time member of the Studebacker Club. A number of the club members attended with their cars. It was quite a site with them in the precession.

It just so happened that the Good Times Car Club was having a car show just up the street. I called Dave Ecklund Jr., the new club president, and asked if some of the attending cruisers would be a part of the precession. I asked that they follow along with the other cars and continue out of the cemetery. As a fellow cruiser it was touching to watch this precession cruise by at a slow pace and drive off. It gave me the idea to form a network of cruisers that would do the same at other fallen cruiser's funerals as a final cruise tribute.

First we would form a committee of 5 to 6 fellow cruisers that would meet once or twice a year.

Second we would need to know who is willing to participate in the cruise if there is a fallen cruiser. Most funerals are during the week; it may be difficult for some to attend.

A form for information will need to be made; name, address, phone, cell phone, email & what times they would be available. If a member knew the fallen cruiser and was planning on attending the funeral with their car, we would ask that they notify the network. We may need to ask for a $10.00 donation per year to cover mailing and a plaque to give to the families, or any other donation to the network.

Third, we will a contact person who will be notified when a fellow cruiser has fallen. We may experience 1 or more at anytime, the committee will decide what one to attend or to split the group to attend all. We would need a form for information regarding the funeral arrangements. The Director of the Funeral Home will need to know how many cruisers will be attending and what our goal is.

Thinking of a name for the network was simple: Stateline (area) Tribute (memorial) to Fallen (deceased) Cruisers (cars) Network (group of people) S.T.F.C.N.

My husband, Ralph Robert Hamilton Jr., was born January 13th, 1945 in Kalamazoo Michigan. Because he was born on Friday the 13th, he was nicknamed "Lucky" from birth. He died on July 18, 2006.

Like most car guys, his love of cars started at a young age. Lucky bought his first car for $25 when he was 12 years old and promptly got his first ticket. He might have avoided it if the car would have had brakes.

Being an avid cruiser, Lucky would have liked the idea of a Fallen Cruisers Network. But speaking as his widow let me tell you what it has meant to me.

Seeing that long line of antique cars and hot rods follow my husband to his final resting place gave me the strongest sense of pride I have ever felt in my life. To know he was loved and honored by so many was a source of comfort that I will never forget.

I ask you to think about that as you make your decision to become involved in the Fallen Cruisers Network. Yes, it is a honor and a tribute paid to the fallen cruiser, but most importantly is it's impact upon the survivors.

That long line of cars following my husband was a living chain of strength that encircled me and the children. And on a day when our hearts would surely be ripped from our chests they were held secure within that circle of strength, love and respect. It was living proof that we were not, and never would be, alone in our grief.

Lucky was a husband, brother, son, friend and father. He leaves behind a wife, 3 sons and 2 daughters.

WAYNE E. STAHL
WAYNE E. STAHL, 62 ROCKFORD - Wayne E. Stahl, 62, of Rockford died at 7:25 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Born May 9, 1944, in Rockford, the son of L Charles Henry and Maida Josephine (Wise) Stahl. Married Pamela J. Forbes Nov. 22, 1987, in it’ Rockford. Employed as an operating engineer at Rockford Blacktop for 38 years, retiring June 1, 2006. He owned a late model stock car in the 1980’s, raced at Rockford Speedway and other midwest race tracks. An avid NASCAR race fan and a Tony Stewart fan. He loved his dogs, Angel, Coty, Keno, Jade, Teddy and Bad Boy Cash. He was known by his family and friends as 1k 4 loving, caring, giving, helpful, and a teaser. Wayne and Pam enjoyed supporting and encouraging ) N others. Wayne gave the ultimate gift of life by the donation of his organs. Survived by wife, Pamela; children, Shannon “Troy” Forbes and Kelly McStravick; granddaughter, Madison Grace; brothers and sisters, Beverly (Lowell) Hawkinson, Shirley (Deane) Hansen, Evelyn (Dennis) Johnson, Charles F. Stahl, Colleen (Jerry) Novak-Duncan, Charlotte Pratt (Butch) and Diane (Terry) Wndle, all of Rockford; and many nieces and nephews.

GORDON 'GORDY' DEAN PLYMALE
GORDON "GORDY" DEAN PLYMALE, 72 LOVES PARK - Gordon "Gordy" Dean Plymale, 72: died suddenly at 8:29 a.m.. Saturday, Jan.13, 2007, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born Feb. 21 1934, in Grand Island, Neb., to Lester and Linda (Wiegert) Plymale. He married his Wife Patricia on Aug. 20, 1983. He worked at Frontier Ford and 15 years for the city or Rockford, retiring in 1996. 'Gordy' was an avid collector and restorer of antique cars. He is a member and past president of the Early V-8 Club. He was a Ford man until the end. He also loved NASCAR and was a Bears fan. Survived by his wife of 23 years, Pat; daughters, Gloria (Dan) Bouton of Stillman Valley and Dena Dieguez of Loves Park; son. Doug (Monica) Plyrnale of Machesney Park; stepchildre, Kathy Frewin of Tennessee, Scott Oman of Machasney Park and Rick (Daniolla) Oman of Florida; sisters, Delores (Bernie) Ramsey of Belvidere and Sharon (Jim) Rever of Rockford; brothers, Elmer (Jennie), Dwan (Jenny) Plymale, both of Rockford, and Jim (Jan) Plyrnale of Wauwatosa, Wis. beloved grandchildren, Shawn (Gina), Robert. Heather (Jason), Matthew Dean, Alan, Madison, Joey, Cassidy and Mason Dean; stepgrandchildren, Ryan (Christie), Justin, (Katie), Nathan, Kevin, Kyle, Yan, Matachai, Christian and Nicholas; and special great-granddaughter, Ca-meryn. grandpa’s little pumpkin. Many nieces, nephews, good friends and beloved dog, Molly. Predeceased by parents and infant sisters, Betty and Barbara.

EVERETT ERWIN McNAMES
Everett Erwin McNames, age 67, died Sat. Nov. 4. 2006 at his bome in Byron. Be was born Jan. 21, 1939 in Byron the son to George R. and Leta (Steffa) McNames. He was a lifelong Byron area resident. He enjoyed his 57 Chevy which won trophies for best paint, best interior, and the Mayor’s Choice Award. He worked for Quality Metal Finishing Company in Byron 34 years prior to retiring in 2000. He married Barbara Nutt on Dec. 22, 1958 in Oregon. He was predeceased by his parents, 2 brothers; Richard and Ralph and 1 sister Delores. Survived by is wife Barbara of Byron, son Roy McNames of Rockford, daughter Kathleen McNames of Byron, sister Frances (Don) Huston of Rockton, 3 grandsons; Bryant, Chad. and Joshua McNames, 2 granddaughters; Brittany and Kayla McNames, several nieces and nephews.

MARTIN D. 'MARTY' BUTT
Martin ‘Marty” D. Butt, 58, of Rockford died Saturday afternoon on Jan. 6, 2007, in his home, surrounded by his loving family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. Born March 19, 1948, in Rockford, the son of Tex Butts and Donna Dean Peterson. He graduated from Auburn High School in l9ó7. Marty was a machinist at Warner Lambert for 35 years and a part-time farmer all his life in the Winnebago-Rockford area. He was an avid car collector, with a love for his GTO’s. Marty loved to visit with everybody and be everywhere; no one was a stranger for long. Marty is lovingly survived by his sons, Ronald and Bradford Butts, both of Rockford; father, Tex (Debbie) Butts of Winnebago; uncles Max (Vickie) Butt of Rockford, Squire (Cindy) Bull of Byron, George (Pamela) Butt of Durand; special cousins, Larry (Sharon) Bull of Machesney Park, Michael Burt of Rockford; numerous cousins special friends, Karen Larson of Rockford, Douglas (Linda) McNames of Rockford, Warren (Sue) Alprandini of Monroe Center, his and Karen’s faithful pooch and companion, Wilma. Marty was predeceased by his mother, Donna Peterson; grandparents; aunts and uncles.

LAURIE E. SOFOLO-BARNES
Laurie E. Sofolo-Barnes, 46, of Belvidere passed away suddenly March 11, 2007, in Rochelle. Born June 15, 1960, the daughter of Elaine (Boyer) and Paul Arduini, in Clinton, Iowa. Laurie was adopted as an infant by Jean S. Knox. She attended Sterling schools, graduated from Sterling High School, graduate of Sauk Valley College for cosmetology and graduate of Rock Valley College, with an associate degree in science. Married Jack P. Barnes Dec. 5, 1998, in Belvidere. A member of Heartland Community Church. Laurie was a self-employed cosmetologist and office manager for Barnes Auto Body. She also loved to decorate through her decorating business, Defining Spaces. She is survived by her husband, Jack P. Barnes, Belvidere, and her children, Clinton Knox and Justin Knox, both of Rockford and Savana Sofolo of Roscoe. She is also survived by stepchildren, Jackie Bernal, Jodi Davis and Paul Barnes, all of Rockford and Brian Barnes of Belvidere. Laurie's surviving siblings are her sister, Linda (Paul) Osborn of Sterling; and brothers, Dennis (D'Lon) Knox, of Plano, Texas and Steven (Elaine) Knox of Allen, Texas. Her granddaughters, Anna Rose Knox and Maria Knox. She is also survived by her grandfather, Joseph Arduini of Sterling. Laurie was preceded in death by her younger sister, Lisa Harlow; her mother, Elaine Knox; father, Paul Arduini and adopted father, Jean S. Knox.

HARRY A. REGANTI
Harry A. Reganti of Rockford passed away peacefully in Provena St. Anne Center April 9, 2007. Harry was born June 13, 1916, in Rockford, the son of Louis and Louise (Milani) Reganti. He was a lifelong Rockford resident, graduate of St. James Grade School, Central High School, Browns Business College, Dale Carnegie where he served as a graduate assistant. He married Helen Coogan on June 6, 1953, in St. James Catholic Church. He served in the United States Army during World War II in the Medical Corp in England. He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Medical Church since its inception. He chaired the Holy Family Dinner Club. He was a former member of St. James Catholic Church. Harry was employed at the United States Postal Service as superintendent of window services, finance examiner, chief accountant and manager of finance. He was promoted to MSC Director in 1974. After 45 years, he retired in 1981. He served on the Board of the Rockford Postal Employee's Credit Union. He held a long time position of Secretary and Chairman of the Investment Committee over 50 years. He also was a part-time salesman for Martin Gustafson. He also was a member of the National Association of Postal Supervisors and served as a National Officer. He served as Illinois State President of NAPS and president of NAPS Local Branch 220 and vice president of the Northwest District for Illinois. Harry was an active member chairing many conventions, committees, attending many Congressional Conferences in Washington, D.C., also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and member of the YMCA Retired Men's Club. He was a member of the Rock Valley Mustang Club, member of the Guiseppe Verdi Club since 1937, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Besides his Postal Career, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, bridge, an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, playing cribbage and card games with the family. Harry found much joy and happiness in his family and Helen's large Irish family. Playing harmonica with Chet Anderson and Ray Ford at many events was his true joy. Harry and Helen traveled to all 50 states, Spain, Lourdes and through Europe visiting his cousins in Galarati, Italy. Harry had an adventurous mind and spirit of always exploring and fixing. He had a sense of humor and shared his special gift of friendship and kindness with everyone who touched his life. He will be missed, but not forgotten. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Helen; son, Ronald (Elaine); grandson, James (Sheri); niece, Victoria (Thomas) Bork of Salt Lake City, Utah; cousins, Vivian (Duane) Falconer, Karen (Steve) Davis and Janis Giles all of Winnebago; sister-in-law, Grace Coogan of Mineral Point, Wis.; brother-in-law, Louis (Fran) Coogan of Kenosha, Wis.; sister-in-law, Marge of Sturgis, Mich.; his beloved niece and nephews, Mary (Denny) Walrack, Robert (Patty) Coogan of Mineral Point, Wis., Michael (Teresa) Coogan of Janesville, Wis., Dennis (Linda) Coogan of Madison, Wis., Steven (Mary Jo) Coogan of Cottage Grove, Wis., David (Joan) Coogan of Mineral Point, Wis., Tim (Penny) Coogan of Mineral Point, Lawrence (Barb) Coogan of Rockford, Patrick Coogan of Rockford, and Stuart (Anne) Coogan of Madison. He is further survived by his special great and great-great nieces and nephews; many cousins, friends and special friends, Chet Anderson, and Dan and Linda Rendleman. He is predeceased by his parents; sisters, Rena (Andrew), Anne (Carl), Frances (Victor); his uncle, Fred and aunt, Mary Milani; brother-in-laws, John Coogan, Raymond (Nancy), James (Velma) and Lawrence (Marilyn) Coogan; nephews, James, Martin, Corry, Gerald, Jackie and Gene Coogan. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Willard D. Moore, the dedicated staff at Provena St. Anne Center for their compassionate and loving care and the Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and support.

JOHN W. GLASGOW
John W. Glasgow, 60, died Saturday morning, Aug. 25, 2007, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born April 14, 1947, in Rockford, the son of Harry and Florence (Baxter) Glasgow. Married Pamela Pozzani on Dec. 13, 1980, in Rockford. John enjoyed taking the old and making it new. He did this with cars, as well as welding projects. He was a true "people person" and took pleasure in his outings to cars shows and flea markets just to chat. He managed Robin Hood Automotive for more than 35 years, and again, what he most enjoyed were the people. John was also very involved in fundraising for the MDA. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; sons, Larry (Brenda) Francis, Steven (Brooke) Francis and Gene Files; eight grandchildren; brothers, Harry (Jean) Glasgow and Joe (Sue) Glasgow; sisters, Penny Ward and Sharon (Sam) Cassaro. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Deanna and Bonnie.

DANIEL A. MILHONE
Daniel A. Milhone, 75, born on March 1, 1932, in Omaha, Neb., passed away on Nov. 16, 2007, in Rockford surrounded by his family. The son of the late Lyle L. Milhone Sr. and Madeline Milhone. During his lifetime, Dan was involved in successfully restructuring many foundries across the country. Attended Omaha schools and Marquette University. Along with numerous business successes, Dan's life outside of work was equally fulfilling. His love of automobiles and willingness to always lend a hand to his friends and strangers endeared Dan to many. Dan was the founder of Rock Valley Roadsters in 1968. His volunteer work with Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and the American Foundrymans Society was typical of his willingness to help out wherever he was needed. His generousity and fun-loving character will be missed by family, friends and hotrodders alike. He served our country as a Marine. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; sons, Daniel M. (Carrie) Milhone, the Rev. A. (Murel) Milhone and David M. Milhone; daughter, Michelle (Joseph) Rodenbarger; four grandchildren and five great grand-children.

DARCIE J. (SAWTELLE) ECKHARDT-GARRISON, 45 LOVING WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, DAUGHTER, SISTER, AUNT AND FRIEND ROCKFORD
Darcie J. (Sawtelle) Eckhardt-Garrison, 45, passed away at 12:40 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2008, as a result of an automobile accident. Born in Rockford on July 28, 1962, the daughter of Darwin and Jeanette (Peavy) Sawtelle. She was employed by DORS for many years, and was also a volunteer for Milestone. She is survived by her husband, David W. Garrison; sons, Nicholas D. (Deborah) Eckhardt, Matthew A. Eckhardt and Thomas W. Garrison; daughters, Tiesha M. Garrison and Stacey A. Garrison; her mother, Jeanette L. (Ricky) Chappell; father, Darwin E. Sawtelle; brothers, Brian (Lori) Sawtelle, Curtis Sawtelle, Richard (Rhonda) Tavernie Jr. and Samuel Sawtelle; sisters, Dora Davenport, Deborah Sawtelle and Rosa (Richard) Seaward; grandchildren, Ryan, Justin, Hannah and Madison; 10 nieces; and 12 nephews. Predeceased by her brother, Kenneth Sawtelle; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

GLEN E. REINTS
Glen E. Reints, 72, of Lindenwood, IL. passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Pine Crest in Mt. Morris, IL. He was born Feb. 2, 1937 in Rochelle, IL to William and Lola (Bowers) Reints. Glen married Vera H. Krabbenhoft on Dec. 31, 1962 in Rochelle. Preceding him in death were his parents and a step daughter; Lori Perham. Glen was a car enthusiast and a member of the Rock River Valley Studebaker Club, Studebaker Drivers Club, Antique Automobile Club of America, Hub City Cruisers, Antique Studebaker Club, and Avanti Owner's Association. He had been previously employed by J.L. Clark. Survivors include his wife Vera of Lindenwood; sons: Keith (Dawn) Reints of Mt. Morris, IL and step son: John (Mary) Perham of Tiney Park, IL: grandchildren and one great grandchild.

EDWARD GEORGE JACK
Edward George Jack, 80, of Roscoe passed away unexpectedly December 3, 2009. Born May 5, 1928, in Beloit, Wisconsin, son of Albert and Hilda Jack. Married Louise Nohr in 1950. Ed owned and operated Loves Park Auto Parts for the past 51 years. He enjoyed restoring antique cars and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include wife, Louise; and sons, Steven (Sherry), Tim (Gay), David (Sue), Thomas (Vicki) and Dennis (Mary); daughter, Sandy (Tim) Puhl; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly (George) Poffenberger; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; sisters, Shirley Towne and Phyllis Lantz; and brothers, Kenneth and Albert Jack.